Paramount+ is betting big on its new show "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy", with a 10-episode first season that promises to balance teen drama with intergalactic intrigue. Set nearly 900 years after the original series, the show takes place at the titular academy, where a diverse group of teenagers are training to become the next generation of Starfleet officers.
The show's creators have taken inspiration from its predecessor "Star Trek: Discovery", but also carved out its own path by setting it in a distant future. This allows for more creative freedom and a fresh take on the franchise's classic themes, such as diplomacy and cooperation between different species.
While some fans have been critical of the show's decision to focus on teenagers, rather than the familiar cast of characters from previous series, this criticism may be misplaced. In fact, the show's setting in the 32nd century creates a unique opportunity for exploring the challenges faced by young officers as they navigate the complexities of galactic politics.
The cast is equally impressive, featuring a range of established actors including Oscar winners Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti. The sets are also noteworthy, with sleek, shiny designs that evoke the classic style of the original series.
But behind all this, there's a question on everyone's mind: how much is this show really costing Paramount? Estimates suggest that each episode may be as expensive as $20 million, which is comparable to a major motion picture budget. This raises questions about the long-term viability of the franchise and whether this era of Star Trek can sustain itself in the face of increasing competition from other science fiction shows.
For now, "Starfleet Academy" has shown promise by balancing its teen drama elements with intergalactic intrigue, but only time will tell if it can convince audiences that this new chapter in the Star Trek saga is worth investing in.
The show's creators have taken inspiration from its predecessor "Star Trek: Discovery", but also carved out its own path by setting it in a distant future. This allows for more creative freedom and a fresh take on the franchise's classic themes, such as diplomacy and cooperation between different species.
While some fans have been critical of the show's decision to focus on teenagers, rather than the familiar cast of characters from previous series, this criticism may be misplaced. In fact, the show's setting in the 32nd century creates a unique opportunity for exploring the challenges faced by young officers as they navigate the complexities of galactic politics.
The cast is equally impressive, featuring a range of established actors including Oscar winners Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti. The sets are also noteworthy, with sleek, shiny designs that evoke the classic style of the original series.
But behind all this, there's a question on everyone's mind: how much is this show really costing Paramount? Estimates suggest that each episode may be as expensive as $20 million, which is comparable to a major motion picture budget. This raises questions about the long-term viability of the franchise and whether this era of Star Trek can sustain itself in the face of increasing competition from other science fiction shows.
For now, "Starfleet Academy" has shown promise by balancing its teen drama elements with intergalactic intrigue, but only time will tell if it can convince audiences that this new chapter in the Star Trek saga is worth investing in.