Star Trek: Starfleet Academy future revealed - and William Shatner shares emotional reaction
It's not just Shatner that's feeling emotional!
The future of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has been revealed and it's not looking good for the spin-off show.
It's now been confirmed that Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will not be renewed after its upcoming season meaning the second will also be its last, revealed Variety.
William Shatner, best known for his portrayal of Captain James T Kirk in the Star Trek franchise, has shared his thoughts on the cancellation, admitting he was deeply saddened by the news.
"Star Trek exists in more than one world. It exists in the fantasy of science fiction - weird and wonderful things that play unimaginable possibilities of exploration and human endeavour.
"But it also exists in the fantasy of human beings, the perfection of human beings, the exploration that human beings have made since the dawn of time and the continuing exploration - physically mentally and morally," Shatner shared on Twitter.
He continued: "It’s that aspect of Star Trek that I’ve always loved, to look at something physically that doesn’t exist now by these talented writers & designers but also to tackle the eternal human questions the agonies, the ecstasies.
"Star Trek should exist for a long time to come based on those truths. I for one would love to see its continuity. It’s with sorrow that I hear about the cancellation of the new Star Trek series."
The spin-off series of the beloved Star Trek franchise was picked up by Paramount+ in 2023 and premiered the first two of its 10 episodes in January this year.
It was renewed for a second season before the first had even aired, with production of which only recently wrapping.
Announcing the show's cancellation, CBS Studios and Paramount+ said in a joint statement: "We’re incredibly proud of the ambition, passion, and creativity that went into bringing 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' to life.
"The series introduced audiences to a bold new group of characters, welcomed familiar faces, and expanded the ‘Star Trek’ universe in exciting new ways.
"We’re grateful to Alex Kurtzman, Noga Landau, Gaia Violo, and the entire cast and crew who pushed storytelling boundaries in the spirit of Gene Roddenberry’s vision. We look forward to sharing the upcoming second and final season with everyone, and continuing to celebrate the cast, crew, and all that was accomplished with this series."
A release date for the second season of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has yet to be confirmed, but judging by the streamer’s previous staggered release schedules for the franchise it is likely on track for an early 2027 release window.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is streaming on Paramount+. Sign up to your seven-day Paramount+ free trial.
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Authors
Phoebe Kowhai Barnes is a Freelance Writer who covers pop culture and entertainment programmes for the Radio Times. She previously worked as the Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab where she managed its local department. She obtained a BA (Hons) in English Literature from University of Nottingham.
