Paramount+ is set to launch “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” on January 15, featuring a mix of familiar and fresh faces in the beloved sci-fi franchise. This young-adult drama series follows a group of cadets in their twenties navigating the challenges of space university, all under the watchful eyes of seasoned Starfleet veterans.
Among the returning characters is Robert Picardo, renowned for his role as The Doctor, the Emergency Medical Hologram first introduced in “Star Trek: Voyager” in 1995. After decades away from live-action “Star Trek,” Picardo will reprise his iconic role, now set in the 32nd century with 800 years of digital advancements to explore.
Joining the cast is stand-up comedian Gina Yashere, who makes her “Star Trek” debut as Cadet Master Lura Thok—a unique Klingon/Jem’Hadar hybrid serving as the First Officer to Captain Nahla Ake, played by Holly Hunter. Yashere shared her excitement about the character during her audition, initially unaware that she was auditioning for a “Star Trek” role. She describes Lura as a dynamic character merging two significant legacy tribes, marking a new hybrid that has never been seen before within the franchise.
With the Jem’Hadar known for being a clone race, fans might be curious about Lura’s origins and how a hybrid could exist. The show promises to delve into the aftermath of the Dominion War, offering plenty of intrigue regarding these long-standing lore elements.
Picardo expressed his enthusiasm for returning to this cherished role, stating that working with a young, energetic cast while revisiting a significant character has been a “wonderful circle of life experience.” He believes the new series embodies a hopeful vision for the future, an essential sentiment for audiences today.
Both Yashere and Picardo are eager for fans to engage with “Starfleet Academy,” emphasizing its appeal to new viewers while still catering to long-time fans of “Star Trek.” Yashere believes the series offers a bit of everything—excitement, action, and well-crafted storytelling—while Picardo echoes that the optimistic tone of the show makes it a perfect entry point for past and new audiences alike.
“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” is poised to join the expansive “Star Trek” universe with a fresh yet familiar feel, promising to resonate across generations.