Fans of the Star Trek franchise may find the newly released series, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, an ideal gateway into the beloved universe. Veteran actor Robert Picardo, who has been associated with the franchise for years, believes the series offers a fresh entry point for new audiences, despite its mixed critical reception.
In a recent interview with MovieWeb, Picardo emphasized that the series, premiering on January 15, 2026, is designed to be “much more accessible” for those unfamiliar with Star Trek. He noted that the show’s shift from the “mid-galactic speech” of earlier series to a more relatable, contemporary dialogue is a significant factor in attracting younger viewers.
Picardo stated, “If you are a young person who never saw Star Trek, or wasn’t interested before, this is a show about people your age who are at the beginning of their life journey.” He highlighted that the series focuses on cadets navigating their early adult lives as they embark on their journey as space explorers. “What could be cooler than that?” he added.
The narrative is set in the 32nd century and follows a new group of Starfleet cadets as they train and face various challenges while preparing to become seasoned officers. Picardo pointed out that the characters endure many relatable adolescent struggles, such as self-doubt and identity crises, making it easy for viewers of all ages to connect with the story.
“They’re still going through all the interpersonal issues, the self-doubts, the ‘Who am I really and… what do I want?’” he explained. “You don’t need to be a ‘Star Trek’ fan to start the show. And yet, it has a lot of blessings for older fans, too.”
Despite Picardo’s optimistic view, Starfleet Academy has received mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike. The show currently boasts an impressive 87 percent rating on the Tomatometer from Rotten Tomatoes, signifying critical acclaim. However, fan responses have been less favorable, reflected in a 43 percent score on the Popcornmeter, indicating a divide between critical and audience reception.
This juxtaposition of opinions highlights the challenge the series faces as it attempts to bridge the gap between long-time fans and newcomers. While the critical praise focuses on the show’s fresh take and character development, the fans’ responses suggest a more complex relationship with the new direction of the franchise.
With a focus on youth and relatability, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy may just capture the interest of a new generation, potentially reinvigorating the franchise for years to come. As Picardo aptly puts it, the series not only holds promise for the younger audience but also for those who have cherished Star Trek for decades.