Starfleet Academy’ Gets Unexpected Update From Jonathan Frakes

March 17, 2025

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It’s been a couple of years since a live-action Star Trek series graced our TV screens, and while we all hoped that Section 31 would satiate our desire for more content, even the most casual Trekkie had to admit that it left a lot to be desired. Thankfully, 2025 will see the return of Strange New Worlds, and – if we’re lucky – the new series Starfleet Academy, which Star Trek: TNG star and frequent director Jonathan Frakes just gave a fun update to.

Appearing at Indiana Comic Con this past weekend (via Collider), Frakes was joined by his Next Generation co-stars, Brent Spiner and Denise Crosby, to discuss all things Star Trek, including Starfleet Academy, which Frakes will be directing some episodes for. “Well, first of all, it’s got movie stars in it, which I think is a great idea,” Frakes said in reference to the series’ big names such as Oscar winner Holly Hunter and Academy Award-nominee Paul Giamatti. It was then that Frakes provided fans with a little info on Starfleet Academy, mentioning its “massive” sets and humor:

“It has the most massive set of any Star Trek ever. There’s also a spaceship on the show, which I think, I hope that’s not a f***ing secret. I have been known—I’ve had a bad experience with oversharing, and I hope that wasn’t an overshare, but it’s fabulous. The sets are great. The scripts are— they’re funny, which is always helpful on Star Trek.”

These episodes from across the ‘Star Trek’ franchise could form a great basis for the long-in-development ‘Star Trek 4.’

Set in the 32nd century, Starfleet Academy follows the first new class of Starfleet cadets in over a century as they come of age and train to be officers. In addition to Hunter and Giamatti, the series will also see the return of Robert Picardo from Voyager, and Tig Notaro reprising her role of Jett from Discovery. Also present are Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black, She-Hulk), WWE superstar Becky Lynch, and Mary Wiseman, also from Discovery, who will portray her character of Sylvia Tilly.

‘Starfleet Academy’ Has Already Been Renewed for Season 2

Paramount+

Filming on Starfleet Academy recently wrapped in Toronto, Canada, so no premiere date has been set for when the 10-episode first season will premiere on Paramount+. The optimist in us wants to say later this year, but realistically, it might be early 2026 before it makes its debut when you consider all that goes into post-production.

That being said, it’s clear that Paramount is banking on the new Star Trek series to be a hit, as they’ve already given the green light to a second season. Of course, there’s no word yet on which of the main cast members will be returning, as the cat isn’t out of the bag yet as to who might live or die in Season 1. Still, filming is expected to get underway on Season 2 later this year, meaning we could see that one debut late in 2026.

As we await more news on what’s to come with Starfleet Academy, be sure to check out the entire Star Trek universe streaming now on Paramount+, including the hilarious animated series Lower Decks, which recently concluded its five-season run.

Source: Collider