It is a very good time to be a Star Trek fan. At just about any given time there is new Star Trek being released on Paramount+. Not since the days when there was Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager all releasing content in what was then a relatively short amount of time, has there been so much to geek about in the world of Trek.
In 2022 Star Trek released new episodes of Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Star Trek Lower Decks, and Star Trek: Prodigy. This is more content than ever and may someday be looked back on as the second golden age of Star Trek. The discussion about what defines the previous golden age will be saved for another post. As 2023 starts, there will be much more Star Trek coming to Paramount+.
Throughout most of the year, there will be new episodes of one Trek series or another. Below is a look at what is currently known to be coming in 2023:
Star Trek: Picard – Season 3
Premieres: February 16, 2023
The third and final season of Star Trek: Picard will have Sir Patrick Stewart once again returning as Admiral Jean-Luc Picard. This role he originated in 1987. Now in a much different chapter of life than when he was captain of the Enterprise, Picard is facing some new adventures and challenges from a different seat and perspective. This final season will have Stewart joined by LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Jonathan Frakes, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Jeri Ryan and Michelle Hurd.
This season will see Admiral Picard pulling his crew back together to face a new villain named Vadic, portrayed by Amanda Plummer. Daniel Davis will also be returning to his role as Moriarty, the sentient hologram based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous literary villain and foil to Sherlock Holmes. LeVar Burton’s daughter, Mica, has been cast as Georgi LaForge’s youngest daughter Alandra. While the main ship of the season will be the U.S.S. Titan, the Enterprise F is also set to make an appearance.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – Season 2
Premieres: 2023
The second season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will have Captain Pike back in the center seat of the Enterprise for more adventures in the pre Captain Kirk era Starfleet history. However, James T. Kirk (as played by Paul Wesley) is expected to be showing up in the second season. There is the possibility of Montgomery “Scotty” Scott appearing in the second season after making a brief cameo at the end of the first season.
The second season of Strange New Worlds will also include a couple of characters from Star Trek: Lower Decks. There will be a crossover episode with Beckett Mariner and Brad Boimler appearing alongside the crew of the Enterprise in their live-action form. They will be portrayed by Tawny Newsome and Jack Quaid, who also voice the characters.
Star Trek: Discovery – Season 5
Premieres: 2023
Star Trek: Discovery will be returning for a fifth season. The crew of Discovery are now living in a time that is 900 years after the events of The Original Series. This season will be a race as Discovery’s crew and many others all seek an ancient power. This next season is said to have a change in tone that will be more action and adventure.
Previously, Discovery was racing to save the galaxy from an anomaly and help rebuild the Federation. During this, Captain Burnham’s love interest chose the wrong side of the fight and ended up having to serve time because of it. It is unknown how this will play out in the coming season, but it would be no surprise if the next chapter of their relationship is explored.
Star Trek: Lower Decks – Season 4
Premieres: 2023 (expected)
Star Trek: Lower Decks will continue to share the exploits of the crew found in the lower decks of the U.S.S. Cerritos. The season wrapped up with the Cerritos and other California-class ships showing their worth as second contact ships over the automated Texas-class ships. It also showed some growth and changes for members of the crew that could have some pretty significant impact on the future of the show.
Lower Decks takes place not just in the lower decks of the Cerritos, but also in many ways the lower decks of the Starfleet itself as the mission of the Cerritos and other California-class ships aren’t viewed as quite as important as other missions in the fleet. This series, however, has some amazing cameos and guest stars that have brought characters like Captain Riker, Zeframe Cochrane, Leah Brahms, Hikaru Sulu, and many more!
An exact release date isn’t known for this series but the initial announcement said it was expected to be sometime in 2023.
Star Trek: Prodigy – Season 2
Premieres: 2023 (expected)
The crew of the U.S.S. Protostar will be back for a second season and more adventures. It was announced earlier this year that Star Trek: Prodigy had been picked up for a second season that should be arriving in 2023. Where the crew of the Protostar will be going and what will be happening to them remains a big mystery. This series has already included new speed capabilities for a Starfleet ship, time travel, and some other new story devices that provide a lot of possibilities for this crew’s future adventures. The crew itself is different than any other Star Trek show to date, all of them being misfits working under the tutelage of a holographic Admiral Janeway. However, as the first season wraps up, this unique crew has also made an ally in the real Admiral Janeway.
It is unknown when exactly season 2 of Star Trek: Prodigy will be arriving on Paramount+ other than sometime in 2023. With the current production schedule, it could also be early 2024.
There are also some Star Trek shows that are in development currently as well. First off is Section 31, Starfleet’s shady spy organization. Michelle Yeoh is set to star in this series whenever it makes its way to the screen. She plays the Mirror Universe’s Terran Empire, Phillipa Georgiou, who has been redeemed a bit but still can be challenging and dangerous. A timeline for this series’ arrival has not been announced. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is also in the works. Not a lot is known about this show other than it will have cadets at the Academy. It isn’t even known what era the series will take place. It is possible that since Tilly took a job at the recently reopened Starfleet Academy during Star Trek: Discovery that it could take place in the 31st century. However, that is pure speculation.
There is a lot of Star Trek to be enjoyed currently and to also look forward to. While no movies appear to be on the horizon at the moment, there is plenty to enjoy on Paramount+. This includes all the previous Star Trek series and Short Treks. A couple of the movies from the Kelvin timeline are also on the streamer.
What are you most excited about in the future for Star Trek? Is there a specific series or character you are most looking forward to seeing in 2023? Share your thoughts, opinions, and predictions in the comments below!
