Paramount’s 8-Part Sci-Fi Series Can Only Get Better

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Paramount’s recent sci-fi series had a difficult beginning, but the new version of this well-known franchise has potential to improve. 2026 promises to be a great year for science fiction television, with exciting shows like Blade Runner: 2099 on Prime Video and the Neuromancer adaptation on Apple TV coming soon. Despite the overall popularity of the genre, one major franchise has unexpectedly lost its prominence.

Netflix’s Stranger Things is moving away from its roots with a new animated spinoff, and it feels like the show is unsure of its direction. Similarly, the Star Trek universe is at a standstill. For the first time in years, there are no new Star Trek shows being made or planned, following the cancellation of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, which was set to end in March 2026. This teen-focused series represented a significant departure for the long-running franchise.

Despite years of development, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy didn’t immediately win over fans when it was released. The show takes place in the 32nd century and follows a group of Starfleet Academy cadets learning the ropes aboard the USS Athena, captained by Nahla Ake. While it featured a talented cast including Paul Giamatti, Tig Notaro, and Zoe Steiner, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy proved divisive among fans due to its significant departure from the traditional Star Trek format.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Can Skip The Awkward Intros In Season 2

Similar to a teen drama on The CW, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy spent as much time on the relationships and conflicts between its young characters as it did on their adventures. While the idea had potential – it could have been like Cobra Kai but set in space – the first season mostly focused on the characters getting to know each other and forming a team. This meant there weren’t as many chances for exciting and in-depth stories.

Older Star Trek episodes, such as the classic “Peak Performance” from The Next Generation, smartly assumed the crew was already highly skilled and professional. It was compelling to watch them face challenges despite their abilities, and the fact that they were generally good at their jobs—with the occasional exception like Wesley Crusher—made the dangers they encountered feel even more serious. The stakes felt much lower in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, though, because the show focused on inexperienced cadets rather than a seasoned crew.

Starfleet Academy Still Hasn’t Explored Some Of Its Best Characters

Despite the unexpected and quick cancellation of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, the second season was already completed before the news. This means fans will still get to see more of characters introduced in season one, like Genesis Lythe (played by Bella Shepard) and a fresh take on the Dax symbiont by Tawny Newcomer. It’s unfortunate, though, that season two was filmed before anyone had seen season one.

Because the second season of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has already finished filming, it won’t be able to incorporate feedback from reviews or fans. However, the show can still improve. The fact that the crew of the USS Athena is now working well together suggests they’re prepared for more serious challenges. This could mean the final season will feel less like a teen drama and more like a true Star Trek experience.

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2026-04-28 22:38