Star Trek: Starfleet Academy showrunners detail two-episode premiere

Collider reports that after years in development, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has arrived with a two-episode premiere set in the 32nd century, and co-showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau spoke about bringing the series to life.

Kurtzman, who directed the first two episodes, said some of the most challenging sequences were long, choreographed takes — including a one-take cocktail‑party scene during the Betazoid visit and complex bridge scenes — while Landau explained the Betazoids felt right for the show’s second‑episode diplomatic story. Both creators defended the series’ romantic and sexual storylines as key to deeper character drama; Landau also said she wrote the role of Nahla for Holly Hunter and described Hunter’s particular approach to the captain’s chair and the character’s maternal bond with cadet Caleb. The pair also noted several Easter eggs: Harry Kim appears as an admiral on the hero wall, Landau tucked her parents onto that wall, and locations such as the Sato Atrium, Uhura Pavilion and a James T. Kirk wing are visible.

The first two episodes are now streaming on Paramount+ (Release Date January 15, 2026). Kurtzman said production on Season 2 is nearly finished and he is about to direct the finale.

Key Topics

Culture, Starfleet Academy, Alex Kurtzman, Noga Landau, Holly Hunter, Betazoids