This year marks the 60th anniversary of Star Trek. The original series premiered back in 1966. While it only ran for three seasons, it became a cult classic with an ardent fan following. Lucille Ball was instrumental in getting the show on air. She championed the show through her Desilu Productions and even funded a second pilot. The OG series spawned many spinoffs and movies, bringing us The Next Generation, The Wrath of Khan and much more.
In recent years, a new creative team led by Alex Kurtzman has developed new series and films, hoping to usher in a new legion of fans as well as maintain the longtime Trekkers. Discovery, Picard, Lower Decks, and more were launched to varying degrees of success. Now, a new series, Starfleet Academy, is about to launch, and we have all the details on the premiere. Here’s everything to know!
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What is Star Trek: Starfleet Academy about?
This new Paramount+ series follows a group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they will discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers. But as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries and first loves, the cadets must also face a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.
What happens in the premiere of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy?
The series premiere of Starfleet Academy comprises two episodes. In the first episode, entitled “Kids These Days,” we meet Caleb (Sandro Rosta), a 21-year-old street urchin who has been on the run since he was 6! After being on the run for so long, he’s offered the chance of a lifetime: to join the first new Starfleet Academy class in San Francisco in over a century. There’s just one problem – the person offering him the spot is newly-minted Chancellor Nahla Ake (Holly Hunter), the Starfleet captain who sentenced his mother to Federation prison 15 years ago.
In the second episode, entitled “Beta Test,” the new Starfleet Academy is about to begin its inaugural year, but Caleb’s unease about his future there persists. But when a delegation from a former Federation ally arrives, Caleb is tasked with showing their leader’s daughter around campus, he must put his uncertainty aside to discover what life at the Academy is really about.
Related: Every ‘Star Trek’ Captain, Ranked
When does Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premiere?
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premieres on Thursday, Jan. 15 on Paramount+ with the first two episodes. Thereafter, episodes will drop weekly on Thursdays at 3 a.m. ET/12 midnight PT.
How to watch Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
Starfleet Academy streams exclusively on Paramount+.
Can I watch the premiere of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy for free?
Paramount says, “Make it so!” Paramount+ has put up the full first episode on their YouTube page for free to view. Check it out below.
Does Parade have a sneak peek of the premiere of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy?
All Systems Go! Check out this Parade sneak peek of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy below. Engage!
What time do new episodes of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy come out?
New episodes of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy drop on Thursdays on Paramount+. Episodes typically drop at 12 midnight PT/3 a.m. ET on Thursday morning.
Related: Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Premieres January 15, 2026—First Look at Cast, Trailer and More
Check out images from the series premiere of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
Take a look at some select images from the first two episodes of the series premiere of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy in the gallery below.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
Paramount+
Paramount
Brooke Palmer/Paramount+
