The new series premieres on Jan. 15
The latest Star Trek series, Starfleet Academy, puts a distinctly YA spin on the franchise, focusing on the first class of 32nd Century cadets to enroll in Starfleet Academy. In a New York Comic Con panel, Paramount revealed that the series will premiere on Jan. 15, with new episodes dropping weekly through March 12.
A new trailer kicks off with a look at the season’s villain, Nus Braka, a part Klingon, part Tellarite played by Paul Giamatti. He makes his ominous introduction by ripping a child away from his mother and urging the boy to keep hold of his hatred for him.
That kid grows into Caleb Mir (Sandro Rosta), a Starfleet Academy cadet recruited by chancellor Nahla Ake (Holly Hunter), who promises to help the brooding young man find his mother. He’ll be joined by other new recruits like Darem Reymi (George Hawkins) who has a chip on his shoulder because of his rich and powerful parents, and Series Acclimation Mil, a.k.a. Sam (Kerrice Brooks), the first hologram student to attend Starfleet Academy.
Sam quickly bonds with Robert Picardo, reprising his role as The Doctor from Star Trek: Voyager. Other returning cast members on the faculty include Jett Reno (Tig Notaro) and Sylvia Tilly (Mary Wiseman) of Star Trek: Discovery. The Late Show host and giant nerd Stephen Colbert shared a video announcing that he will be the voice of Starfleet Academy’s digital dean of students, making announcements on campus. The preview shows the students enjoying the full school experience, touring the campus, training, and making out.