According to a recent Comicbook.com article, in a surprising announcement at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Star Trek fans were treated to the revelation of the franchise’s first live-action comedy series, currently in development at Paramount+. The exciting news was unveiled during the Star Trek Universe panel in Hall H, where the atmosphere was electric with anticipation.
The announcement came during the segment dedicated to the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks. Tawny Newsome (Space Force, Quiz Lady, Nuked), who stars in Lower Decks, and panel moderator Justin Simien (Bad Hair, Haunted Mansion, Queer For Fear), known for his work on Dear White People, revealed that they are the creative minds behind this groundbreaking new series.s mentioned by Comicbook.com, the official Star Trek X account further teased fans with an intriguing synopsis: “A new @StarTrek series is in development from co-creators Justin Simien and @TrondyNewman! In this live-action comedy, Federation Outsiders serving a gleaming resort planet find out their day-to-day exploits are being broadcast to the entire quadrant.”
The plot of this new series promises a fresh and humorous take on the Star Trek universe as it depicts the lives of Federation personnel stationed on a luxurious resort planet, unaware that their everyday activities are being broadcast across the quadrant. According to Comicbook.com, the premise immediately drew comparisons to The Truman Show, adding a layer of meta-humor to the beloved sci-fi franchise.
One critical aspect to note is that this new Star Trek comedy series aims to carve out its unique niche without encroaching on the territory of The Orville. As reported by Comicbook.com Seth MacFarlane’s The Orville, which ran from 2017 to 2022, developed a strong following as a Star Trek parody, blending homage with satire. While some skeptics might question the need for another comedic take on Star Trek, the creators are confident in their vision.
Alex Kurtzman (The Mummy, People Like Us, The Man Who Fell To Earth), the head of the Star Trek Universe, has already expressed high praise for Newsome’s work on the upcoming series. According to Comicbook.com, he believes that the new show’s premise, which offers a satirical yet affectionate commentary on Star Trek canon, has the potential to resonate with fans just as Lower Decks did. The success of Lower Decks, which follows the support crew of the U.S.S. Cerritos, a lesser-known Starfleet vessel, has paved the way for more experimental and humorous storytelling within the Star Trek universe.
As anticipation builds for this new live-action comedy, Star Trek enthusiasts eagerly await further details and glimpses of what promises to be an innovative addition to the beloved franchise. With a creative team passionate about exploring new narrative frontiers and a premise that promises to entertain and amuse, the first Star Trek live-action comedy series is poised to go boldly to where no show has gone before.