The Office meets Star Trek

The Star Trek universe is venturing into uncharted territory: a live-action comedy series is in development. Tawny Newsome and Justin Simien are bringing humor to the 25th century – with a twist. The Star Trek universe continues to expand, in a direction that even the most experienced Starfleet officer would not have foreseen. At the San Diego Comic-Con 2024, a new series was announced that will take the well-known sci-fi franchise into previously unexplored territory: a live-action comedy.

Creative minds behind the new series

The creative minds behind this ambitious project are no strangers to the Star Trek universe. Tawny Newsome, the voice of Ensign Mariner in the animated series “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” and Justin Simien, known for “Dear White People” and “The Haunted Mansion,” are developing this new series together.

Alex Kurtzman, the father of the current Star Trek universe, will also serve as author and executive producer. The still untitled series is set in the 25th century, an era that has only been briefly covered in “Star Trek: Picard.” The focus is on Federation outsiders who work on a luxurious vacation resort planet. The highlight: their everyday adventures are broadcast live across the entire quadrant without their knowledge. Does that sound a bit like “The Truman Show” meets Star Trek?

Workplace comedy à la Star Trek

According to the Hollywood Reporter the series could contain elements of a workplace comedy in the style of “The Office” or “Parks and Recreation.” Imagine: Instead of selling paper or managing a small park, our protagonists have to deal with intergalactic tourists, alien misunderstandings, and possibly a particularly fussy Ferengi manager – all under the watchful eye of an invisible audience.

A new tone for Star Trek

With this series, Star Trek is venturing further into comedic territory. Although “Lower Decks” has already successfully integrated humorous elements into the franchise, a live-action comedy is definitely new territory. It will be exciting to see how the series finds the balance between the typical Star Trek flair and the new comedic approach. And whether it succeeds at all. The announcement at Comic-Con came as a surprise and with a wink. Justin Simien, who moderated the panel, announced: “Tawny and I are pregnant – with a Star Trek show.” Kurtzman praised Newsome’s work not only as an actress but also as an author, calling her “a stone-cold killer of writing.”

Production details and broadcast platform

CBS Studios is developing the show for Paramount+. However, it has not yet been decided whether the streaming service will broadcast the series. There is a possibility that it will end up with another provider. In addition to Simien, Kurtzman and Newsome, Rod Roddenberry (yes, the Roddenberry or his son), Aaron Baiers and Trevor Roth are also on board as executive producers. This new comedy series is part of a series of changes in the Star Trek universe.

While we have said goodbye to “Discovery” and “Lower Decks” is coming to an end, there are also new additions such as “Star Trek: Section 31” with Michelle Yeoh. Speaking of “Section 31”: fans can (try to) be happy, because a trailer for this spin-off has just been released: What do you think of the idea of a Star Trek comedy? Do you think the concept can work or should we stick with the tried and tested formats? Share your thoughts in the comments!