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Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Earns Cautious Praise Ahead of Jan. 15 Paramount+ Debut

Early reviews call the YA-focused spinoff a promising recalibration despite uneven pacing, CGI.

Overview

  • Critics screened six of the 10 episodes and describe broadly positive reactions that highlight ambition, character work and tone alongside complaints about writing rhythm and visual effects.
  • Set in the 32nd century after The Burn, the series centers on the reopening of Starfleet’s training ground and leans into a campus coming‑of‑age framework with franchise‑scale ethical and political stakes.
  • Holly Hunter’s performance as Chancellor Nahla Ake draws consistent acclaim, while Paul Giamatti’s turn as adversary Nus Braka is singled out as a standout presence.
  • Legacy ties include appearances by Robert Picardo’s Doctor and Tig Notaro’s Jett Reno, paired with a new young ensemble led by Sandro Rosta, Kerrice Brooks and Karim Diané.
  • Paramount+ will launch a two‑episode premiere on Jan. 15 with weekly releases through March 12, and the show has already been renewed for a second season.