Common Sense Media Review
By Polly Conway
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, violence in vibrant, adventurous Trek series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
What's the Story?
In STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY, Caleb Mir (Sandro Rosta) has spent his early life running away from the law, ever since Starfleet Captain Nahla Ake (Holly Hunter) ripped him from his mother in a complicated criminal case. As a rebellious teen with a rough past, Mir reconnects with Ake, who decides the newly reinstated Starfleet Academy in San Francisco is the perfect place for him to thrive. There, he meets all kinds of fellow cadets, all of whom share a goal: to learn a lot and maybe, eventually, join Starfleet.
Is It Any Good?
This fantastic series has the energy Trek fans always hope for when a new series is announced: It's lively, it has a diverse cast of spirited characters, and it stays true to the adventurous spirit of earlier classic shows and movies. It's a delight to see pros like Holly Hunter embody the quirky but wise Captain Ake in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, and go head-to-head with big bads played by folks like Paul Giamatti. But that doesn't discount the fresh-faced cadet cast, all of whom are exciting new additions to the franchise. There are even some blasts from the past, like the return of Robert Picardo as the beloved Doctor from Star Trek: Voyager. By amping up the adventure and limiting (but not ignoring) teen drama, this cheeky series pulls the best vibes from its sister shows Lower Decks and Strange New Worlds with just a taste of the 2009 J.J. Abrams movie reboot.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the world of Star Trek. What are its tenets? What does Starfleet believe is important?
Even though Caleb gets into trouble frequently, he has a solid moral code. Can you think of other characters like this?
Characters in Starfleet Academy have to communicate a lot to solve problems. Why is communication an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 15, 2026
- Cast : Bella Shepard , Kerrice Brooks , Sandro Rosta , Holly Hunter
- Network : Paramount+
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Curiosity
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : January 29, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
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