Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a science fiction television series that offers a fresh take on the beloved Star Trek franchise. Debuting on May 5, 2022, on Paramount+, this show is the latest addition to the expansive Star Trek universe. Created by Akiva Goldsman, Alex Kurtzman, and Jenny Lumet, the series serves as a prequel to the original Star Trek series, exploring the decade-long adventures of Captain Christopher Pike and the crew aboard the USS Enterprise before the events of Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS). The series brings a mix of classic Star Trek themes, including space exploration, diplomacy, and moral dilemmas, all wrapped in modern storytelling.
Unlike Star Trek: Discovery—which has a more serialized format—Strange New Worlds returns to the episodic nature of the original series. Each episode stands on its own while contributing to the broader development of characters and their relationships. With its balanced blend of classic and contemporary elements, the series quickly garnered acclaim for its optimism, character-driven plots, and homage to the Star Trek legacy.
A Fresh Start in the Star Trek Universe
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is not merely a continuation of its predecessors, but a reimagining that pays tribute to the roots of the franchise. It is set in the 23rd century and focuses on the adventures of the USS Enterprise, under the command of Captain Christopher Pike. The series takes place a decade before Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969), exploring the unexplored worlds and civilizations in the final frontier.
The series draws upon the early voyages of Pike, Spock, and Number One—the characters who were introduced in The Cage, the original 1965 pilot episode of Star Trek. With Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, and Rebecca Romijn reprising their roles as Captain Pike, Spock, and Number One (Una Chin-Riley), Strange New Worlds adds a contemporary depth to these iconic characters.
The Cast of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
The cast of Strange New Worlds includes several characters from the Star Trek franchise, alongside new faces who bring their own unique presence to the Enterprise crew.
Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike:
Mount portrays a more thoughtful and empathetic version of Captain Pike. Unlike the gruff and authoritative Pike from The Original Series, Mount’s Pike is confident, collaborative, and characterized by true masculinity. His portrayal emphasizes Pike’s struggles with knowledge of his impending tragic fate, yet still embodies a leader who inspires optimism in his crew.
Ethan Peck as Spock:
Peck’s portrayal of Spock focuses on his human emotions, offering a fresh take on a character who is often seen as cold and logical. The series explores Spock’s complicated relationship with his fiancée, T’Pring, and his ongoing emotional growth.
Rebecca Romijn as Number One (Una Chin-Riley):
As Pike’s first officer, Romijn’s portrayal of Number One offers a deeper exploration of the character than what was seen in The Original Series. The series reveals her background as an Illyrian, a genetically modified species, which adds complexity to her character.
Jess Bush as Christine Chapel:
In Strange New Worlds, Chapel is more than just a nurse. The series gives her a sharp, sarcastic personality and a developing romantic relationship with Spock.
Christina Chong as La’An Noonien-Singh:
La’An, the new chief of security, is a character with a dark past. Her family was murdered by the Gorn, and she struggles with survivor’s guilt. Additionally, La’An is a descendant of the notorious Khan Noonien Singh, bringing both a personal and historical conflict to her character.
Celia Rose Gooding as Nyota Uhura:
As a cadet specializing in linguistics, Uhura’s character in Strange New Worlds is still finding her footing. Gooding’s portrayal focuses on Uhura’s journey of self-discovery and her evolving role aboard the Enterprise.
Melissa Navia as Erica Ortegas:
The helmsman of the Enterprise, Ortegas is depicted as a highly skilled pilot with a sense of humor. Her character draws parallels to the iconic William Riker from The Next Generation, blending strong professionalism with a playful charm.
Babs Olusanmokun as Joseph M’Benga:
As the chief medical officer, M’Benga’s backstory unfolds as he secretly works to cure his daughter of a rare disease. His role in the series adds an emotional layer, showcasing the sacrifices a parent is willing to make.
Bruce Horak as Hemmer:
Hemmer is the chief engineer of the Enterprise and a member of the Aenar species. His death in the first season raised the stakes, but Horak’s portrayal still lingers as his character had a significant impact on the crew, especially Uhura.
The Premise of the Show
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds follows the crew of the USS Enterprise as they explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and civilizations, and boldly go where no one has gone before. The episodic storytelling format allows the series to explore various themes and genres, from classic space adventure to more personal and intimate character moments.
The show’s blend of episodic storytelling, character development, and high-stakes space exploration mirrors the spirit of The Original Series while adapting to modern sensibilities. Each episode presents the Enterprise crew with a new mission, often featuring moral dilemmas, alien encounters, and technological challenges. The series emphasizes the importance of exploration and the human (and non-human) connections that come with it.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – A Nod to the Original Series
One of the defining features of Strange New Worlds is its return to the episodic format that made Star Trek so iconic. While Star Trek: Discovery adopted a more serialized structure, Strange New Worlds revisits the classic format where each episode presents a unique adventure. This structure allows for a diverse range of stories that can be standalone while still contributing to the overall arc of the characters’ growth.
In addition to the episodic format, the series incorporates visual elements that pay homage to The Original Series. The production design evokes the look of the 1960s, but with modern technology and effects. The bridge of the Enterprise is more compact and intimate, resembling the layout of the original set. Costumes and props are also designed to mirror the retro aesthetic of the 1960s, while still feeling fresh and practical for contemporary audiences.
The Reception and Impact of the Series
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from both critics and audiences. The show’s focus on optimism, character development, and its return to episodic storytelling has been praised as a refreshing change from the darker, more serialized tones of some recent Star Trek series.
The first season of Strange New Worlds garnered critical acclaim, with many praising the cast, the production design, and the way the series captured the spirit of the original Star Trek. It received numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy and Saturn Award nominations. Season 2 continued this trend, receiving even higher praise for its genre-bending episodes and modern approach to storytelling.
One standout feature of Strange New Worlds is its ability to blend lighthearted, adventure-filled episodes with more serious and emotional storylines. This balance helps the show appeal to both long-time Star Trek fans and newcomers to the franchise.
Where to Watch Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is available for streaming only on Paramount+. The series is accessible in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia. It can also be found on other platforms like Crave (in Canada), TVNZ (in New Zealand), and various regional streaming services as Paramount+ expands globally.
Future of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
The success of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has led to a commitment from Paramount+ for multiple seasons. The third season, which premiered in mid-2025, has continued the series’ positive reception. The fourth season is already in production, and fans are eagerly awaiting the continuation of Pike and the Enterprise crew’s missions.
Moreover, Strange New Worlds has spawned a series of tie-in novels, comics, and merchandise, further solidifying its place within the Star Trek legacy. These extensions of the series allow fans to dive deeper into the world of Strange New Worlds and explore additional stories about the characters and their adventures.
Conclusion
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds stands as a vibrant and exciting addition to the Star Trek universe. Its blend of classic episodic storytelling, modern character development, and captivating space exploration appeals to both old and new fans of the franchise. With its ensemble cast, compelling plots, and deep connection to the original Star Trek, the series ensures that the legacy of the Enterprise continues to boldly go where no one has gone before. As the series progresses, Strange New Worlds promises to remain an essential chapter in the Star Trek saga, offering endless possibilities for exploration, adventure, and growth.
