As Paramount slowly winds down its current wave of Star Trek series, fans still have plenty to look forward to at home. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds returns for Season 4 next month, with a fifth and final season already in the can. Meanwhile, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy—the franchise's boldest and most divisive new entry—is set to return for its second and final season next year. But before that, Season 1 is finally available to own on digital, and it comes packed with extras that will thrill even the most skeptical Trekkies.
Starting June 15, you can purchase Starfleet Academy Season 1 on digital platforms, and the release boasts over an hour of special features. These include deleted and extended scenes, a 52-minute behind-the-scenes featurette titled "First Year," a 15-minute prop featurette, and a four-minute gag reel. It's a treasure trove for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the making of this groundbreaking series.
What Made 'Starfleet Academy' So Divisive?
Starfleet Academy broke new ground for Star Trek by focusing on a younger generation of cadets in the far-flung future, following the events of Star Trek: Discovery's final season. The series stars Holly Hunter as Chancellor Nahla Ake, the head of the newly reopened academy. Critics praised the show, giving it an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, but it was also review-bombed by bigoted audiences for its inclusive storytelling—a core tenet of Star Trek since its inception.
The cast includes Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, Bella Shepard, and Zoë Steiner as the cadets, with Tig Notaro, Robert Picardo, and Gina Yashere as their teachers. The first season also featured standout guest performances from Oscar and Emmy winners Paul Giamatti and Tatiana Maslany.
When Will Season 2 Arrive?
Filming on Season 2 wrapped earlier this year, and it's expected to premiere on Paramount+ sometime next year, likely between the final two seasons of Strange New Worlds. While no exact date has been announced, the anticipation is building for what promises to be a fitting conclusion to this underrated series.
For fans who want to catch up or relive the wild ride, the digital release is the perfect opportunity. And if you're looking for more sci-fi action, check out our exclusive look at Blades of the Guardians, another digital release that's sure to satisfy your action cravings.
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