Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Adult humor, gory violence in animated Trek series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Star Trek: Lower Decks
What's the Story?
After heroes and brass hats of Starfleet have made historical first contact with alien species, it's up to the peons of STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS to do the grunt work of diplomacy. Nonetheless, Ensign Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid) is dedicated to his work on the U.S.S. Cerritos, despite his efforts going unnoticed by Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis), who's understandably distracted by the presence of her rebellious daughter, Ensign Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome). Rounding out the main cast is Ensign Tendi (Noël Wells), a wide-eyed medical officer from the planet Orion, and Ensign Rutherford (Eugene Cordero), a ship's engineer who recently received a Vulcan cybernetic implant that's causing some serious readjustment.
Is It Any Good?
Mixing loving Trek fandom with light irreverence, this workplace comedy brings goofy fun to the franchise. Though it had a rough start, Lower Decks has settled into a rhythm that not only brings the comedy, but also some notable new sci-fi tales that span each season. And the fan service is in fine fettle. Within the first few minutes of the show, Ensign Mariner wields a Klingon bat'leth, which Next Generation fans will recognize from any Lt. Worf fighting scene; she refers to Spock as a guy who "fought Khan and some space-whales;" and first officer Commander Ransom (Jerry O'Connell) is given to ripping off his shirt, Kirk-like, before hand-to-hand combat.
The core crew, featuring the voice talents of Quaid, Newsome, Cordero, and Wells, form a fantastic quartet of characters, each with their own foibles and skill sets. As the Cerritos' redshirts (low-level workers who are often prone to quick deaths), each one is on their own path: sometimes to glory, other times to a goofy pratfall or Holodeck drama. Either way, we're here for it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the market for shows such as Star Trek: Lower Decks. What is the appeal of animated series for grown-ups?
The amount of violence in Star Trek: Lower Decks may be unexpected, given the show's light tone. Does it ever feel over-the-top? Is it exciting, or gruesome? Which do you think it's intended to be? Why? What is the impact of media violence on kids?
Families can also talk about the enduring appeal of Star Trek: What makes people become such faithful fans? Why do you think the studio decided to make a new version? How does it compare to the older movies and TV shows?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 5, 2020
- Cast : Eugene Cordero , Tawny Newsome , Jack Quaid
- Network : Paramount+
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : January 15, 2025
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