Star Trek’s Returning Star Hits Back at Criticism of New Show With Excellent Point

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Some passionate Star Trek fans have been strongly criticizing the newest show, with some claiming it focuses too much on current social issues or tries too hard to appeal to modern viewers. While it’s normal to critique entertainment, deliberately leaving negative reviews to harm the show is a different issue altogether. One of the show’s stars is now speaking out, defending it by pointing out that the original Star Trek series also tackled progressive themes for its time.

Robert Picardo responded to criticism about the new Star Trek: Starfleet Academy series being “too woke” with a thoughtful tweet. He pointed out that many innovative and worthwhile things are often misunderstood when they first appear. In response to a fan who argued that Star Trek was best when it leaned conservative, Picardo shared a personal anecdote. He recalled initially refusing to watch The Godfather because he, as an Italian American, feared it perpetuated negative stereotypes. He later came to love the film, learning a valuable lesson about prejudging something without experiencing it firsthand. Picardo explained that he simply enjoys a well-told story, even if he doesn’t agree with the characters’ beliefs or perspectives, and that’s his personal preference.

Star Trek Has Always Stood for Diversity

It’s funny to look back and realize that Star Trek: Voyager, which is now so well-loved, was actually considered ahead of its time – or even “politically correct” – when it first aired.

— Robert Picardo (@RobertPicardo) January 18, 2026

Jonathan Frakes is right to point out that Star Trek has long been known for embracing diversity and telling stories that highlight what unites and divides us. He responded to criticism of Starfleet Academy by expressing frustration with a current trend: people who dislike a show don’t just stop watching, they actively try to prevent others from enjoying it. He argues this isn’t a competition, but a matter of personal choice. Instead of trying to tear down creative work, Frakes suggests those with better ideas should focus their energy on developing their own projects and submitting them to CBS-Paramount, offering to be among the first to watch.

Even though some viewers tried to post negative reviews, the first season of the show currently has an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on critic reviews. Critics are saying it’s a welcome change that will delve into new ideas within the Star Trek universe. As Shah Shahid puts it, the show successfully combines the adventurous spirit of Star Trek: Enterprise, the hopeful tone of Star Trek: Prodigy, and the more dramatic storytelling of Star Trek: Discovery, creating something special.

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2026-01-18 23:11