Jonathan Frakes Says STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY Is Built for Hardcore Fans

The Star Trek universe is expanding with an exciting new series titled Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, which is set in the 32nd century and follows a class of cadets as they train to uphold Starfleet’s legacy. Unlike most Star Trek shows, this one is primarily set on Earth, offering a fresh perspective on the franchise. But if you’re worried it’s going to stray too far from what makes Star Trek great, Jonathan Frakes has some reassuring words: this one is for the hardcore fans.During a Star Trek panel at Indiana Comic Convention (Via Collider), Frakes, who’s directing multiple episodes, gave an update on the show. Not only has filming wrapped, but the series boasts some of the biggest sets in Star Trek history, even bigger than the ones used for The Next Generation movies. And there’s also a massive spaceship involved:“[Robert] Picardo's in it, Tig Notaro’s in it. [Audience cheers] Right? I love Tig. But 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*cking 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... It’s [aimed at] much more hardcore Star Trek fans.The show will weave established characters with fresh faces, including Voyager’s Robert Picardo reprising his role as The Doctor, Discovery alum Oded Fehr returning as Admiral Charles Vance, and Tig Notaro back as Jett Reno. Holly Hunter is stepping into the franchise as the Academy’s chancellor, while Paul Giamatti joins as a recurring villain.While the series is set on Earth, Frakes hints that space travel isn’t entirely off the table. While details are still under wraps, it’s clear that the cadets including newcomers George Hawkins (Gassed Up) and Bella Shepard (Wolf Pack) will have their ideals tested against the political instability of the 32nd century. If history is any indication, Starfleet Academy will have its share of moral dilemmas, mentorship, and some of that classic Trek optimism.Although filming wrapped in February 2025, Paramount+ has yet to announce a release date. Frakes is directing alongside franchise veterans Alex Kurtzman and Olatunde Osunsanmi, and with his long history in Star Trek, from playing Riker to directing everything from The Next Generation to Picard, his involvement is a strong sign that the show is in good hands.

Mar 18, 2025 - 19:57

Jonathan Frakes Says STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY Is Built for Hardcore Fans

The Star Trek universe is expanding with an exciting new series titled Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, which is set in the 32nd century and follows a class of cadets as they train to uphold Starfleet’s legacy.

Unlike most Star Trek shows, this one is primarily set on Earth, offering a fresh perspective on the franchise. But if you’re worried it’s going to stray too far from what makes Star Trek great, Jonathan Frakes has some reassuring words: this one is for the hardcore fans.

During a Star Trek panel at Indiana Comic Convention (Via Collider), Frakes, who’s directing multiple episodes, gave an update on the show. Not only has filming wrapped, but the series boasts some of the biggest sets in Star Trek history, even bigger than the ones used for The Next Generation movies. And there’s also a massive spaceship involved:

“[Robert] Picardo's in it, Tig Notaro’s in it. [Audience cheers] Right? I love Tig. But 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*cking 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... It’s [aimed at] much more hardcore Star Trek fans.

The show will weave established characters with fresh faces, including Voyager’s Robert Picardo reprising his role as The Doctor, Discovery alum Oded Fehr returning as Admiral Charles Vance, and Tig Notaro back as Jett Reno.

Holly Hunter is stepping into the franchise as the Academy’s chancellor, while Paul Giamatti joins as a recurring villain.

While the series is set on Earth, Frakes hints that space travel isn’t entirely off the table. While details are still under wraps, it’s clear that the cadets including newcomers George Hawkins (Gassed Up) and Bella Shepard (Wolf Pack) will have their ideals tested against the political instability of the 32nd century.

If history is any indication, Starfleet Academy will have its share of moral dilemmas, mentorship, and some of that classic Trek optimism.

Although filming wrapped in February 2025, Paramount+ has yet to announce a release date. Frakes is directing alongside franchise veterans Alex Kurtzman and Olatunde Osunsanmi, and with his long history in Star Trek, from playing Riker to directing everything from The Next Generation to Picard, his involvement is a strong sign that the show is in good hands.