Star Trek: Starfleet Academy brings franchise down to earth

Published: Friday, January 16, 2026 at 8:02 am

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Launches on Paramount+

Paramount+ has launched *Star Trek: Starfleet Academy*, a new series set in the 32nd century, following the post-Burn timeline established in *Star Trek: Discovery*. The series focuses on the eponymous academy in San Francisco, newly rebuilt to train Starfleet officers.

The show introduces Holly Hunter as Nahla Ake, the academy's chancellor and captain of the USS Athena. Ake, a half-human, half-Lanthanite, is drawn back into Starfleet after a period as a kindergarten teacher. The series' narrative begins with a prelude 15 years prior, showing a young Caleb Mir separated from his mother.

The series follows Caleb, now played by Sandro Rosta, as he enters the academy. He is joined by a diverse group of cadets. These include Genesis Lythe, a Dar-Sha and daughter of an admiral; Kerrice Brooks as Sam, a holographic Kasqian; and Jay-Den Kraag, a nonviolent Klingon. The second episode introduces Betazoid empaths, including Tarima Sadal, the daughter of the Betazed president.

The cadets navigate the challenges of academy life, including pranks, rivalries, and the development of teamwork. The series also features adult characters, including Lura Thok, a Klingon/Jem'Hadar first officer, and Robert Picardo reprising his role as the holographic Doctor. Stephen Colbert voices the Digital Dean of Students.

BNN's Perspective:

*Star Trek: Starfleet Academy* appears to be a fresh take on the franchise, focusing on a younger generation of characters. While the premise of a college-set Star Trek may not appeal to all fans, the series' commitment to exploring themes of teamwork, discipline, and the complexities of the Star Trek universe is promising. The inclusion of familiar elements and characters, alongside new storylines, offers a balanced approach that could attract both long-time fans and new viewers.

Keywords: Star Trek, Starfleet Academy, Paramount+, Holly Hunter, Nahla Ake, Caleb Mir, Sandro Rosta, Genesis Lythe, Kerrice Brooks, Jay-Den Kraag, Betazoids, 32nd century, Starfleet, TV series, science fiction, space, cadets, Klingon, holographic, new series

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