star trek captain actors

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All 5 actors who have played james t. kirk in star trek movies & shows.

James T. Kirk is Star Trek's most iconic captain, and only a select few actors have been able to portray him in Trek TV shows and movies.

William Shatner may be the iconic James T. Kirk, but he's one of five actors to have played the role in the Star Trek franchise. As the original screen Enterprise captain, Kirk casts a long shadow in the popular imagination when it comes to Star Trek . Not only that, but in the Star Trek canon, the adventures of Kirk and Spock in Star Trek: The Original Series continue to define those of future Starfleet crews. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine memorably revisited Kirk's Enterprise to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary in season 5, episode 6, "Trials and Tribble-ations" which saw the DS9 crew treat Kirk, Spock, and the crew with a great deal of reverence.

Most recently, an alternate universe version of Kirk recently featured in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 1 finale, "A Quality of Mercy" which will lead to Kirk's arrival in Strange New Worlds season 2 . Kirk is one of the most iconic Star Trek characters, so it's hardly surprising that the franchise continues to resurrect him. With a new actor taking on the iconic Star Trek role, it's an ideal time to celebrate the five actors who have played James Tiberius Kirk in official Star Trek canon.

RELATED: Strange New Worlds Season 2 Could Introduce Kirk’s First TOS Enemy

When Paramount Pictures relaunched the Star Trek movie franchise in 2009, they rebooted the Trek universe in order to recast the original Enterprise crew. This collection of Kirks will include both the prime Star Trek universe, and the Kelvin timeline. It won't feature the admirable fan attempts to capture Shatner's best-known role by the likes of Vic Mignogna or James Cawley. Nor will it feature Jim Carrey's overblown Kirk parody from In Living Color or Harry Shearer's pitch-perfect Kirk in The Simpsons ' many Star Trek references . Here's all five actors who have played Captain Kirk in Star Trek TV shows and movies.

William Shatner Is The Original Captain Kirk

When the network originally passed on Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek pilot, and Jeffrey Hunter stepped down from the role of Christopher Pike, a new Enterprise captain was required. Rather than simply replacing Hunter with William Shatner as Pike, Roddenberry created a completely new character, James Kirk who would be the Enterprise captain for three seasons of TOS between 1966 and 1969. Star Trek 's cancelation in 1969 was far from the end of Shatner's tenure as Kirk, however. When the show proved popular in syndication, the Enterprise crew were brought back, first for Star Trek: The Animated Series and then for six movies.

Shatner's relationship with his Star Trek co-stars was often complicated, but there's no denying that he was key to the show's success. Shatner's Kirk was a swaggering, macho hero whose unorthodox approach is somewhat at odds with the more by-the-book captains of 90s Star Trek . His performance as Kirk was clearly inspired by Roddenberry's description of Star Trek as " Wagon Train to the Stars ". James Kirk is a space cowboy, cutting a swathe through the new frontier, learning as he goes. Shatner's unique combination of charisma and machismo was perfect for such a character, and he will always be the definitive James Kirk.

Sandra Smith Played Kirk While In Janice Lester's Body

The body swap comedy has become something of a Star Trek trope, most recently featuring in Strange New Worlds ' Spock-centric episode , season 1, episode 5, "Spock Amok". However, TOS ' final episode, "Turnabout Intruder" presented a much darker spin on the body swap story. One of Kirk's many former lovers, Janice Lester (Sandra Smith) is presented as a bitter female scientist whose career options were limited due to her being a woman. It's an odd plotline given Roddenberry's supposed vision of a utopian society where all mankind's contemporary issues have been solved, but Lester instigates an elaborate plot to finally achieve her dream of becoming a starship captain - using an alien device to instigate a body swap with Enterprise captain James Kirk.

RELATED: The Forgotten William Shatner Role That Proved The World Needed Star Trek

Star Trek 's final episode before cancelation might have been a well-meaning, but mishandled allegory for gender inequality but Sandra Smith's performance as both Jim and Janice deserves plaudits. While Shatner as Janice plays a more exaggerated version of Kirk rooted in Lester's hatred of him, Sandra Smith takes a different tack. The essence of Kirk is trapped inside Janice Lester's body, Sandra Smith perfectly captured this by nailing William Shatner's unique mannerisms and delivery in a precise and exacting performance.

Chris Pine Is Captain Kirk In The Kelvin Timeline Trek Movies

In 2009, 40 years after Star Trek was originally canceled, Kirk's Enterprise returned to the big screen. J.J. Abrams' Star Trek rebooted the universe, building upon the internal struggles on Romulus first portrayed in Star Trek: Nemesis , which killed the franchise . When the Romulan home world is destroyed, and the Federation fail to supply sufficient support, Spock follows embittered miner Nero (Eric Bana) into his own past. Nero triggers a chain of events that leads to the death of Kirk's father on the USS Kelvin and the creation of Star Trek 's Kelvin timeline. This allowed the franchise to revisit the best-known iteration of the Enterprise crew for future movies, led by Chris Pine as a slightly different James T Kirk.

The death of Kirk's father considerably changed the future Enterprise captain's origin story. While Pine's Kirk still has that unorthodox approach to the Starfleet rulebook, it's rooted in a rebellious streak that he's had since he was a child who felt abandoned by his parents. Chris Pine was spot-on casting as Kirk , as he replicated the swagger and machismo of Shatner's portrayal while making the character his own. Pine's Kirk drills down into the Enterprise captain's more vulnerable side, emphasizing his need for a role model in the absence of his father, and his need for a more by-the-book Starfleet officer like Zachary Quinto's Spock to keep him in check.

Jimmy Bennett Played Young Kirk In Star Trek (2009)

Kirk's troubled childhood is depicted in an early scene where he steals an antique car and drives it off a cliff to the sound of the Beastie Boys. In the prime Star Trek timeline, Kirk was living off-world with his parents before he his teenage years, so the scenes of young Kirk's miserable Earth-based upbringing subtly shows the extent of the Kelvin timeline 's changes to Star Trek canon. Jimmy Bennett definitely captures that devil may care attitude of the older Kirks, and his near-fatal recklessness is a neat callback to Star Trek V: The Final Frontier , when Kirk states he always thought he'd die young.

RELATED: If Kirk Learns About His Death In SNW, It'll Explain A Star Trek V Scene

Paul Wesley Is James T. Kirk In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Paul Wesley is the latest actor to take on the role of James T. Kirk in Star Trek . He memorably made his debut in Strange New Worlds season 1 finale, which provided an alternate version of the classic TOS episode, "Balance of Terror". Pike was shown this potential future as a means to convince him to accept his tragic Star Trek fate by handing the Enterprise over to Kirk. It's a different spin on the Abrams movies' Kirk and Pike relationship , with Pike now being cognizant of Kirk and Spock's importance to the future of the Federation.

It's unclear exactly how Kirk factors into Strange New Worlds season 2, but Paul Wesley has stated his intention not to do an imitation of Shatner and Pine's portrayals. This is a sensible approach, not least because he's playing a younger version of the future Enterprise captain. This unknown period in Kirk's life will provide Wesley with plenty of material to sink his teeth into as an actor, as the character develops into the Kirk that audiences know from the very early days of Star Trek .

NEXT: It's Possible KIRK Becomes Strange New Worlds' New Number One

‘Star Trek’: Every Actor Who Played Captain James Kirk, From Shatner to Chris Pine (Photos)

Several. Different. James Kirks. Have. Sat. In. That. Chair.

With yet another actor cast to play James Tiberius Kirk on a “Star Trek” project (“Vampire Diaries” star Paul Wesley in “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”), it’s time to talk about everyone who has boldly gone before him. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.)

William Shatner — “Star Trek: The Original Series” The one, the only, THE Captain. Shatner originated the character in 1966 and since then his every line as Kirk — and his unique style of line reading — is embedded in our consciousness as if placed there by a Vulcan mind meld. Admit it, you’re reading this like. Williamshatner. Is. speak. ingit. out. loud.

Sandra Smith — “Star Trek: The Original Series” Season 3, Episode 24, “Turnabout Intruder” Smith deserves special mention for a brilliant performance in a very problematic episode. Janice Lester (Smith), is a Starfleet officer and former lover of Kirk who forcibly switches bodies with Kirk in order to become a captain. She spends the entire episode trying to kill her own body (and Kirk’s mind) but is of course thwarted. Her performance as Kirk-in-Lester is extremely fun. The sexist premise not so much.

Chris Pine — “Star Trek” (2009) became the second most famous version of Captain Kirk in JJ Abram’s 2009 reboot, “Star Trek,” which takes place in an alternate universe created by a time traveling Romulan. As a result, Kirk becomes Enterprise captain a decade early — and also is revealed to be a classical music fan (the Beastie Boys are classical music to people in the future).

Jimmy Bennett — “Star Trek” (2009)  Bennett plays Kirk as a child during an early scene in the film, when we learn that in the new timeline, Kirk is something of a delinquent. In his one scene, he steals his stepdad’s car and blasts “Sabotage” by the Beastie Boys at top volume. 

Paul Wesley — “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” We know next to nothing about Wesley’s take on Kirk, as he won’t debut in the role until the second season of “Strange New Worlds” in 2023. What we do know is it’ll take place close to a decade before the events of “The Original Series,” which means he won’t yet be a Starfleet captain. Likely we’ll encounter him as a lieutenant on the U.S.S. Farragut, the ship Kirk served on before being promoted to Captain and given command of The Enterprise. Unless of course, the show does something stupid with continuity like “Discovery” did with the awful Klingon redesign. Please don’t, guys.

HONORABLE MENTION: James Cawley/Brian Goss — “Star Trek: New Voyages” This 2008-2013 web series attempted to imagine what if the original “Star Trek” had continued past Season 3. Originally titled “Star Trek: Phase II,” Cawley played Kirk for the first 8 episodes, with Goss stepping in for the last 2.

HONORABLE MENTION: Vic Mignogna — “Star Trek Continues” Another fan production that attempted to emulate the look and feel of the original series, and key to pulling that off was Mignogna as Kirk. While not doing a parody, he did manage to nail Shatner’s weird swagger. 

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'Star Trek' captains: Where are they now?

It's been 55 years since William Shatner's Captain James T. Kirk first guided us into space (the final frontier!) on "Star Trek: The Original Series," which debuted in 1966 and had a massive impact on pop culture in spite of the fact that it ran for just three years until 1969. In honor of its big anniversary, Wonderwall.com is taking a look back at the stars who've played captains on "Star Trek" TV shows to see how their lives have changed over the years.

Keep reading to catch up with Bill and more former "Star Trek" captains…

RELATED: 39 stars you never knew were in the "Star Trek" franchise

William Shatner went on to star on "Barbary Coast," "T.J. Hooker," "$#*! My Dad Says" and "Boston Legal" — for which he won an Emmy and a Golden Globe — after "Star Trek" ended in 1969. He also earned an Emmy nomination for his work on "3rd Rock from the Sun" and won an Emmy in 2004 for a guest appearance on "The Practice." The iconic actor, who starred in seven "Star Trek" movies after the original series ended, has appeared in countless made-for-TV movies since the '70s, had a role in 2000's "Miss Congeniality" and wrote and directed the 2011 documentary "The Captains," which centers around the actors who've portrayed "Star Trek" captains over the years. On top of all that, he's released several spoken-word albums (his latest, "Bill," is due on Sept. 24, 2021), written several books and portrayed the Priceline Negotiator off-and-on for nearly a decade in a series of memorable advertisements for the travel-booking company. Bill and his first wife, Gloria Rand, divorced the same year "Star Trek" ended. He was then married to Marcy Lafferty from 1973 to 1996 and to Nerine Kidd from 1997 until her death in 1999. He married his fourth wife, Elizabeth J. Martin, in 2001. In late 2019, he filed for divorce after nearly two decades of marriage. Bill celebrated his 90th birthday on March 22, 2021. That same month, he appeared in his most recent film role: He starred alongside Jean Smart and Christopher Lloyd in the romantic dramedy "Senior Moment."

RELATED: Celebs turning 90 in 2021

Patrick Stewart starred as Captain Jean-Luc Picard on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" from 1987 to 1994. He then portrayed Captain Picard in four feature films before returning to the role on the CBS All Access series "Star Trek: Picard," which debuted in January 2020.

"Star Trek" isn't the only franchise for which Patrick Stewart is beloved: He also portrayed Professor Charles Xavier in several installments in the "X-Men" franchise between 2000 and 2017. Since "Star Trek: The Next Generation" ended, the English actor has earned four Emmy nominations — for his work on "Moby Dick," "The Lion in Winter," "Extras" and "Hamlet" — and he earned his third Golden Globe nomination in 2016 for his performance on the short-lived Starz series "Blunt Talk." Additionally, he's become an accomplished voice actor with roles on "American Dad!" and "Family Guy" as well as in the films "The Emoji Movie," "Ice Age: Continental Drift" and "Gnomeo & Juliet." He also returned to the theater after he took a lengthy hiatus from his captain's uniform, earning accolades for his work on Broadway and in the London theater scene. In 1997, Patrick got engaged to his second wife, former "TNG" production assistant Wendy Neuss. They were married from 2000 to 2003. He then romanced actress Lisa Dillon for several years before finding love with singer-songwriter Sunny Ozell, whom he wed in 2013. ("X-Men" franchise co-star Ian McKellen officiated their nuptials!) Patrick, who turned 80 in 2020 , most recently appeared on the big screen as John Bosley in the 2019 "Charlie's Angels" reboot.

Avery Brooks starred as Captain Benjamin Sisko on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" from 1993 to 1999.

Avery Brooks (pictured in 2012) essentially retired from Hollywood after "Deep Space Nine" came to an end in 1999. Since then, he's appeared in 2001's "15 Minutes," narrated various documentaries, voiced his "Star Trek" character in a 2006 video game and narrated an audiobook of Alex Haley's "Roots: The Saga of an American Family." (He starred in a 1988 made-for-TV movie based on the novel.) Mostly, though, Avery has worked as a theater actor and director for productions in New York City and London. He also released a 2009 album of jazz and blues covers and served as the music supervisor for William Shatner's 2011 documentary "The Captains."

Kate Mulgrew starred as Captain Kathryn Janeway on "Star Trek: Voyager" from 1995 to 2001.

Kate Mulgrew appeared in 2002's "Star Trek: Nemesis" after "Voyager" came to an end. She then starred on "The Black Donnellys," "Mercy," "Warehouse 13," "Mr. Mercedes" and "Orange Is the New Black," for which she earned an Emmy nomination in 2014. That same year, she divorced her second husband, Ohio politician Tim Hagan, after 15 years of marriage. She's also an accomplished theater actress and has published two memoirs: 2016's "Born With Teeth" and 2019's "How To Forget: A Daughter's Memoir." Currently, she can be heard as the voice of Cat on the Cartoon Network's "Infinity Train." Kate is set to return to the role of Captain Kathryn Janeway (or at least a version of Captain Janeway who appears as an Emergency Training Hologram) on the upcoming Paramount+ animated series "Star Trek: Prodigy," which is due in the fall of 2021.

Scott Bakula starred as Captain Jonathan Archer on "Star Trek: Enterprise," which is a prequel to the original series, from 2001 to 2005.

After "Enterprise" ended in 2005, Scott Bakula had stints on "The New Adventures of Old Christine," "Chuck," "Men of a Certain Age," "Desperate Housewives" and "Looking." He also appeared in "Basmati Blues," "Elsa & Fred" and "The Informant!" and had a role in the HBO original film "Behind the Candelabra," for which he earned an Emmy nomination in 2013. From 2014 to mid-2021, Scott starred as Dwayne Pride on "NCIS: New Orleans." In 2009, he wed his second wife, actress Chelsea Field, after 15 years and two sons together.

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Which Star Trek Captain Has the Best Managerial Technique?

It’s impossible to be objective when selecting your favorite Star Trek captain. It requires making a call wrapped up in sentiment and timing. Which captain did you first encounter? Which one best reflected back to you the person you wanted to be? It’s easier to try to attempt a clear-eyed consideration of which one would be the best boss. Sure, there are captains sure to take you on wild adventures, but would you enjoy the ride if your life depended on their decision-making? On the flip side, there are captains that could get the job done without really inspiring that much enthusiasm, the Starfleet equivalent of a decent boss who clearly spends the back half of every shift with an eye on the clock.

It’s a worthwhile thought exercise, and one at the heart of Star Trek: Discovery , which focuses not on a captain but Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), a science officer struggling to work her way back from a snap judgment that ended with her in disgrace. Burnham has so far served under several captains, and the series has depicted the effect this has had on both her and the officers around her. (And, thus, has more entries below than any other version of Trek .) We considered the captains featured in various film and TV branches of the Star Trek universe, including Star Trek: Lower Decks ’ animated captain, and tried to rank them based on who would provide the best work experience — and who would be most likely to bring you back home in one piece.

12. Captain Philippa Georgiou, Mirror Universe (Michelle Yeoh)

Seen in: star trek: discovery.

Managerial style: Imperious and unforgiving, though that description is complicated by the fact that being imperious and unforgiving is baked into her main mirror universe job as emperor of the Terran Empire. (Or, more accurately, her job as Imperial Majesty, Mother of the Fatherland, Overlord of Vulcan, Dominos of Qo’noS, Regina Andor, Philippa Goergiou Augustus Iaponius Centarius.) There, she fought for and won the top spot in a kill-or-be-killed system in which might makes right, and deception and backstabbing are the norm; to that end, she expects those working under her to understand the rules of the game. In other words, she’s awful. But, on the other hand, she really seems to enjoy being awful, not to mention the fringe benefits of having clawed her way to the top (fine food, sex slaves, etc.). Those who can get on her murderous wavelength might also have a good time — for as long as it lasts.

Key career moment: When the always adaptive Emperor Georgiou made her way from the mirror universe to the prime Star Trek universe she used the opportunity to save the day after getting thrown into a battle between the Federation and the Klingons. But this wasn’t a simple heel-face turn; as always, it was more a matter of calculation than altruism. The move won her freedom from those who knew her true origins and earned her a spot in the Federation’s super-secretive deep-state operation Section 31. What could possibly go wrong?

Would she be a good boss? Put simply, working for this Philippa Georgiou, at least in the mirror universe that made her, would mean constantly fearing for your life as part of a pitiless, fascist organization hell-bent on conquering the universe with little regard for its employees’ quality of life. (Actually, when it’s all spelled out like that, it sounds like a pretty easy transition from corporate America.)

11. Captain Gabriel Lorca (Jason Isaacs)

Managerial style: In a word, cryptic. After she’s accepted aboard the Discovery following her mutinous turn against her mentor Captain Georgiou (the prime universe one, not the evil dictator; more below), Michael Burnham spends much of Discovery ’s first season trying to figure out what’s up with her new captain, a man fond of fortune cookies and averse to bright lights and chairs. Pro: Lorca took a chance on her when no one else would. Con: He also seems kind of evil. That likelihood aside — and it’s eventually revealed that, spoiler ahead, he made his way to the prime universe from the mirror universe after somehow taking the original Lorca’s place — he commanded the Discovery with curiosity, a sure hand, and an apparent sense of fairness. Shame about all the murder and scheming.

Key career moment: The season one episode “Into the Forest I Go” captures every side of Captain Lorca as he bravely goes into battle against Klingons, questionably decides to risk the health of a crew member (and with him, the whole crew) to win the battle, then takes everyone into the mirror universe to further his scheme of galactic conquest. It’s quite a journey, and one that reveals his true self at the end.

Would he be a good boss? No, but serving under Lorca would never be boring.

10. Captain Christopher Pike (Jeffrey Hunter)

Seen in: star trek: the original series.

Managerial style: Glum as hell. Some behind-the-scenes info: Jeffrey Hunter’s Captain Pike was supposed to be the protagonist of the original Star Trek series. NBC passed, but gave Gene Roddenberry the unusual opportunity to make a second pilot, this one featuring the now-familiar classic series cast (with only Leonard Nimoy’s Mr. Spock sticking around). But Roddenberry wasn’t done with Pike or the original pilot. It became central to the two-part episode “The Menagerie,” which recounts Pike and the Enterprise ’s adventures on Talos IV, home to the Talosians and their reality-bending psychic powers. Hunter’s a fine actor, but it’s not hard to see why NBC was reluctant to green-light a series focusing on Pike, who’s introduced complaining about the burden of command. “You bet I’m tired,” he tells the ship’s doctor. “Tired of being responsible for 203 lives. Tired of deciding which mission is too risky and which isn’t and who’s going on the landing party and who doesn’t. And who lives … and who dies.” He sounds ready to boldly curl up in a fetal position.

Key career moment: The signature moment for this incarnation of Pike comes at the end of the episode when, having been burned and disfigured beyond recognition, he’s allowed to return to Talos IV and live out his days in the unreal paradise he rejected years before, even though he already seemed pretty much over reality as we know it from the start.

Would he be a good boss? Spock and the others seem to respect him, so perhaps his doubts don’t interfere with his ability to command, even if working under him seems like it would make for a pretty weary trudge through the cosmos.

9. Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula)

Seen in: star trek: enterprise.

Managerial style: Archer’s chill, which is both his greatest strength as a leader and occasionally his greatest weakness. A former Boy Scout, lifelong water-polo enthusiast, and caring dog owner, Archer sometimes seems like he’s happy enough to be exploring the stars but might be even happier if he was just hanging out and shooting the breeze with some pals. This might be more impression than reality; Star Trek lore has him going on to become a decorated admiral and to be regarded as one of the greatest explorers in the early days of Starfleet and he certainly does a lot of exploring during the show’s four-season run. But Scott Bakula rarely plays him as a man who has greatness in his future. Archer usually seems a little annoyed that the Enterprise ’s adventures have cut into his downtime. He’s not as melancholy as Jeffrey Hunter’s Captain Pike, but he occasionally seems just as checked out. Nonetheless, he was always good in a crisis, and could be a surprisingly shrewd diplomatic. It just always seemed to take a major event to stir his interest.

Key career moment: In the second-season episode “A Night in Sickbay,” Archer hangs out with his ailing dog Porthos when he should be tending to his diplomatic duties. It borders on dereliction of duty, even if it is pretty endearing. It’s also a pretty good encapsulation of how Archer’s mind works.

Would he be a good boss? Sure. Probably. Why not? He’d be okay enough.

8. Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine)

Seen in: star trek , star trek into darkness , star trek beyond.

Managerial style: If you like predictability, order, rules, regulations, and military precision, the last place you’d want to be is the Kelvin Universe Enterprise under the command of James T. Kirk. Chris Pine’s just-getting-started Kirk is young, impetuous, and brilliant — but mostly young and impetuous. It’s smart work, playing like the Kirk we know from the original Star Trek run before any of the rough edges had gotten sanded off. Pine’s Kirk is a lot of fun to watch, but it also seems like serving under him would be terrifying most of the time.

Key career moment: Forced to choose between rescuing an alien race and violating the Prime Directive in the opening scenes of Star Trek Into Darkness , Kirk barely seems to consider it a choice at all. It’s just the first of many times he breaks the rules over the course of the film (plus its predecessor and successor). Sure, it all works out (even if Kirk does briefly wind up dead later in the movie), but it could have gone horribly wrong. This Kirk commands from the gut, occasionally while listening to Beastie Boys. He’s cool and fun, but…

Would he be a good boss? … Do you really want to work for a Starfleet captain best described as “cool” and “fun” while exploring the furthest reaches of a dangerous universe?

7. Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis)

Seen in: star trek: lower decks.

Managerial style: Directness defines Captain Freeman’s command style. She knows exactly what she wants and she’s not afraid to ask for it, sometimes forcefully. She’s no-nonsense but not in a power trip–y way. She just wants things to run smoothly even if experience has taught her that it never does. (Or, at least it never does onboard the second-tier U.S.S. Cerritos , the California class starship she commands.)

Key career moment: Commanding a ship on which her gifted-but-rebellious daughter, Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome), is serving as an ensign has been a continual challenge for Captain Freeman, forcing her to balance her duties as captain against her concerns as a mother. She’s mostly opted to model good behavior for her daughter by following the rules of Starfleet. In Lower Decks ’ third-season premiere, Mariner and her pals take desperate, and illegal, measures to clear Captain Freeman of a crime she’s been wrongly accused of. Ultimately, the system works, making Mariner’s misadventures unnecessary. Mother/Starfleet knows best.

Would she be a good boss? Probably. She’s terse but fair and clearly knows what she’s doing. But as the head of a ship prone to animated high jinks, it’s tough to judge Captain Freeman against other Star Trek captains. Her informed, steady-handed command doesn’t always work in her favor when dealing with some of the cartoonish absurdity the Cerritos keeps encountering. On the other hand, nothing truly terrible ever happens to those under her command, so serving on the Cerritos would likely be one of Starfleet’s safer assignments.

6. Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner)

Seen in: star trek: the original series , star trek: the motion picture, star trek: generations.

Managerial style: You’re probably better off working for the slightly older Kirk played by William Shatner in Original Series and its accompanying film series. (Okay, he’s significantly older in the film series.) This Kirk hasn’t lost the spirit evident in the younger Kirk, only it’s now tempered — at least a bit — by experience. Working for this Kirk isn’t without dangers of its own, particularly if you’re wearing a red uniform. He’s perfectly willing to send an away team into danger. Just as often, however, he’s the one leading the team, and it’s hard to underestimate the esprit de corps created by a leader willing to put himself in harm’s way mission after mission. Prepare to work hard, and maybe die, but feel like you’re part of a mission that could change the universe for the better.

Key career moment: Prepare also to listen to speeches. Kirk is a man of action and a man of romance, but above all, he’s a man of ideals who’s willing to go to great lengths to protect those ideals. But first, he’ll try to persuade his opponents with words. In “The Omega Glory,” for instance, Shatner’s Kirk lectures the primitive residents of a planet whose development paralleled Earth until it took a wrong turn on the glories of the U.S. Constitution, and he does it one emphatic syllable at a time: “We. The People …” Etc.

Would he be a good boss? Chances are you’d love working for Kirk up to the moment he got you killed.

5. Captain Philippa Georgiou, Prime Universe (Michelle Yeoh)

Managerial style: Collegial but firm, the prime universe Georgiou might rank even higher on this list if we had a large sample of what she was like as a captain. In the early episodes of Discovery she appears to be competent, respected, quick on her feet and close to her crew, especially Michael Burnham.

Key career moment: But not apparently close enough to stop Burnham from committing a mutinous act that she deems necessary to prevent a war with the Klingons. Whether this is a failure on Georgiou’s part — a missed chance to take a key suggestion from a subordinate — or overzealousness on Burnham’s remains a question left open by Georgiou’s subsequent death.

Would she be a good boss? It seems like she would, especially since her death continues to haunt Burnham throughout the series. On the other hand, maybe listen to your trusted shipmate when she says she knows what she’s talking about?

4. Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks)

Seen in: star trek: deep space nine.

Managerial style: Firm, fair, and perpetually distracted. Burned out on Starfleet life after losing his wife in the Battle of Wolf 359, Sisko only reluctantly takes command of Deep Space Nine, a space station located close to a galactic hot spot near a wormhole and, until shortly before he assumed command, ruled by the Cardassians. But Sisko soon finds himself drawn into the leadership of the station and the politics of the region when the spiritual leader of nearby Bajor names him the Emissary of the Prophets. It’s all a lot to balance, even before new adversaries start to show up from the Gamma Quadrant — and on top of it all, Sisko has to serve as a single father to a teenage son. Maybe that’s why he sometimes seems so overworked. He’s a fine, inspiring leader, but he also has a lot on his plate, running a space station while also acting as the first line of defense against enemies known and unknown — and maybe serving as messiah to a whole race of people. Many Deep Space Nine stories require Sisko to be reactive rather than proactive, whether dealing with a tavern keeper running a black market under his nose or the outbreak of a full-scale war. Strong and competent, Sisko could handle anything, but the series made him handle an awful lot.

Key career moment: Deep Space Nine introduced shades of moral grayness to Star Trek only suggested by its predecessors, never more than in the course of the protracted Dominion War arc, a dangerous conflict in which Sisko sometimes had to cheat and bend the truth for the greater good. Brooks’s performance always suggested that Sisko did a lot of soul-searching before making any decision, but once made he never looked back, the mark of a strong leader if ever there was one.

Would he be a good boss? Chances are that, apart from the occasional curt acknowledgment, you might only talk to him once or twice as he moved from one crisis to another. Still, you’d end up respecting the hell out of Sisko.

3. Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart)

Seen in: star trek: the next generation, star trek: generations, star trek: nemesis, star trek: picard.

Managerial style: Picard manages like a benevolent but firm god. Speaking in an authoritative voice (the accent helps), his every directive sounds as if handed down from above. But there’s a difference between having the trappings of authority and having the record to back it up, and from his first outing on the Enterprise — in which the decision to separate the starship’s saucer section showed just how many lives were depending on him making the right choices — he makes it clear how seriously he took his job and how seriously he expects others to take theirs.

Key career moment: In some respects, the definitive Picard moment can be found in Star Trek: The Next Generation ’s final episode, “All Good Things …” in which Picard, for the first time, joined his senior staff for their regular poker game, with an expression of regret that he’d never gotten around to it before. Except in rare moments, Picard always holds himself at a distance as captain, even if Stewart’s performance always emphasizes the complex, passionate human beneath the commanding exterior. He stays remote by design and it worked, but that choice isn’t without consequences.

Would he be a good boss? Picard would be an awe-inspiring boss in every sense. You’d learn a lot working with him, even if you never felt like you truly knew him.

2. Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount)

Seen in: star trek: discovery, star trek: strange new worlds.

Managerial style: In sharp contrast to Hunter’s Pike, Anson Mount plays Christopher Pike as a man who’s just happy to be out among the stars with shipmates he considers to be more like friends than co-workers. Where on Discovery, Pike was reminiscent of a cool camp counselor who just wants everyone to have a good time — as long as they follow the rules and listen to his orders — Strange New Worlds has layers of soulfulness and empathy only glimpsed before. (Maybe learning you’re headed to a horrific fate does that?) In moments of crisis, Pike comes off as unshaken but commanding, and willing to use force against his enemies when necessary. He’s easygoing until circumstances force him to be otherwise. Then he’s not. He carries himself around his crew with authority while still radiating concern. This is a self-assured, modern captain who cooks an amazing gumbo and doesn’t worry that his subordinates will lose respect if they see him wearing an apron.

Key career moment: In Strange New Worlds ’ first-season finale, Pike believes he’s found a workaround to avoid the accident in which he’ll sacrifice his well-being to save others. Then Pike is visited by an older version of himself who confirms that, yes, he can escape maiming before taking the captain on an It’s a Wonderful Life –like tour of the future created by his attempt to escape his fate. It’s not pretty and it means others will suffer in his place. So, of course, he resigns himself to his destiny without telling anyone. Always the greater good with this guy.

Would he be a good boss? Working for Pike seems like a dream, honestly. He seems like the kind of boss who’d teach you new skills and then suggest unwinding with a game of ping-pong that he wouldn’t try all that hard to win (though he totally could if he wanted to). Two seasons into Strange New Worlds, and the series keeps revealing new layers of competence and compassion. Call him No. 2 with a bullet (or a phaser blast, if that makes more sense).

1. Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew)

Seen in: star trek: voyager.

Managerial style: Democratic, at least up to a point. Forced to navigate an unexplored quadrant of the galaxy while commanding a crew made up of enemies forced to work together in an attempt to find their way home, Janeway has the highest level of difficulty of any of the captains on this list. She rises to the occasion by hearing out all points of view, reconciling opposing stances when possible, working toward compromise, then ultimately making an informed decision after listening to her crew. Stuck in an impossible situation, she stays coolheaded and thoughtful no matter how trying the circumstances become.

Key career moment: The biggest challenge faced by Janeway and the Voyager crew comes not in the form of hostile races or dwindling supplies — though those don’t help — but from the many moments that invite them to abandon their principles. In the second season’s “Alliances,” Janeway seeks a way to sidestep conflict with the Kazon (sort of the Gamma Quadrant’s dollar-store version of the Klingons). She considers first an alliance with a Kazon faction, then teaming up with the Trabe, a seemingly much more civilized race. Then, despite the wishes of a faction of her officers, she ultimately rejects both choices when she learns the Kazon can’t be trusted and that the Trabe are just as bad in their own way. It might mean taking longer to get back home, or maybe never getting home at all, but she remains determined that her crew hang on to their best selves no matter what.

Would she be a good boss? Yes. Janeway would be the sort of boss you might have to complain about behind her back, but she’s also the sort of boss you’d end up naming your first child after.

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Kenneth Mitchell, Star Trek and Captain Marvel actor, dies aged 49

Canadian actor who played several Star Trek characters died after complications from ALS, according to a statement on Instagram

The Canadian actor Kenneth Mitchell, known for roles in Star Trek: Discovery and the Marvel film Captain Marvel , has died following complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

Mitchell, who was 49 years old, died on Saturday, according to a statement released by his verified Instagram account.

“With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend to many,” the statement said .

“For five and a half years Ken faced a series of awful challenges from ALS. And in truest Ken fashion, he managed to rise above each one with grace and commitment to living a full and joyous life in each moment,” it added.

“He lived by the principles that each day is a gift and that we never walk alone. His life is a shining example of how full one can be when you live with love, compassion, humour, inclusion, and community,” it continued.

In a statement on the official Star Trek website, the franchise also mourned the death of the actor who played multiple roles in Star Trek: Discovery including Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, and Tenavik, as well as Aurellio.

“The entire Star Trek family sends their condolences to Mitchell’s family, friends, loved ones, and fans around the world,” it added.

In addition to his Star Trek roles, Mitchell also starred in the Marvel film Captain Marvel, as well as the post-apocalyptic television series Jericho, among other projects.

Mitchell is survived by his wife, Susan May Pratt, and their two children, and has requested any gifts be directed towards ALS research or in support of his children, the Instagram statement said.

With an average of 5,000 people diagnosed every year in the US, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include difficulty walking, slurred speech as well as muscle weakness which eventually impacts chewing, swallowing, speaking and breathing.

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‘Star Trek': Every Actor Who Played Captain James Kirk, From Shatner to Chris Pine (Photos)

Several. Different. James Kirks. Have. Sat. In. That. Chair.

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"Star Trek: Discovery" makes a case for Michael Burnham as the last great Starfleet captain

Our "discovery" protagonist was never going to have it easy. the start of her last run solidifies her greatness, by melanie mcfarland.

Michael Burnham's " Star Trek " journey was destined to be among the franchise's toughest and most complex. Some of us knew this from the moment Sonequa Martin-Green was cast to play her, especially Black women who are sci-fi geeks. We have never been few, but until recently, we were far less visible than we are now.

To some, this visibility symbolizes everything that has supposedly gone wrong with this franchise and others. The reach of " Star Trek: Discovery " goes even further by assembling a truly inclusive cast that blew apart the original series' longstanding heteronormativity.

All this further angered culture war trolls and self-appointed arbiters of what is so-called "real" "Star Trek." These people have a vested interest in downvoting any such divergences from what has gone before.

Mainly it was — as it continues to be — the purists who wrote off "Discovery" as "not Trek" during  its first season in 2017 . Looking back from its final season — and from the perspective of Burnham's 900-year journey — we can say that despite how its thematic shading looked to us then , "Discovery" never abandoned Gene Roddenberry's optimism . It has simply evolved its interpretation.

In the first season, not even Burnham would believe this to hold true. A human raised on Vulcan by Spock's  father, Sarek, and as his sister, Burnham earns her first officer role through superior conduct and logic, divorcing herself from sentiment.

Burnham's smug sense of rectitude gets her superior officer killed. She is charged with mutiny, stripped of her rank and sentenced to life in prison.

From there, she stops a rogue galactic A.I. from annihilating the Federation and leaps nine centuries into the future (thereby largely freeing herself and the show from restrictive canon) to find a universe where Starfleet as it used to be is a dream, and the Federation and its ideals are broken.

"Discovery's" swansong season finds Burnham in the year 3191, with enough of the Federation's trust to take on a highly classified mission alongside Captain Rayner (Callum Keith Rennie), who has already earned the same commendations as Kirk and Picard. His reputation precedes him, in other words. Their quest relates to a Picard-era discovery that Starfleet fears can be used to eradicate all humanoid life in the universe.

"Discovery" never abandoned Gene Roddenberry's optimism. It has simply evolved its interpretation. 

Their success should place her on par with the greats, an honor that showrunner Michelle Paradise and the show's co-creator Alex Kurtzman have been driving toward all this time.

Some indicators of that goal aren't as obvious as others, like the sequence in which Rayner defies Burnham during an away mission, trusting in his overconfidence instead of her strategic acumen. His snap judgment endangers a planet's civilian population, leaving her to fix the crisis he has created.

Women watching this — especially Black women, I would wager — might have experienced a slight rage triggering in their soul that was mollified by Burnham pulling the very Obama-esque move of asking Rayner to replace her trusted friend Saru (Doug Jones) as her first officer. (The job was coming open, anyway; Saru is shifting into diplomacy mode and getting married.)

This is the move of a great leader. Then again, like Kate Mulgrew's long underappreciated Captain Janeway, it may not be appreciated by the fandom for many, many years.

Burnham's arc contradicts what we know about the great Starfleet captains profiled in this franchise, most of whom are white and male.

Burnham's arc contradicts what we know about the great Starfleet captains profiled in this franchise, most of whom are white and male, though if that were the extent of what differentiates her from the rest, it would barely be worth mentioning.

Records of their histories come to us as snippets of dialogue from secondary characters or contextualizing conversations from what the official logs have to say about past missions. We hear about who served under whom, granting legitimacy to the likes of, say, Christopher Pike to claim the captain's chair long before Anson Mount made us ecstatic to see that happen.

Burnham's path to the helm's command begins with what should be a life- and career-ending mistake. It's constantly defined by humility and doubt. No one is harder on Burnham than she is on herself — and nobody takes as many risks with their career or reputation to keep their crew alive. Her optimism is one guided by the hope that all obstacles can be overcome and all outcomes are possible, including for herself.

Despite all of this, it will take a lot of convincing for some people to consider Burnham among the top ranks of Starfleet captains in those occasional fan polls that tend to place Jean-Luc Picard or James T. Kirk in the top positions, though Captain Pike has offered stiff competition since "Strange New Worlds" first aired.

But our relatively newfound love of Pike and that show wouldn't be possible without "Discovery" venturing into the unmapped asteroid field that is the public's willingness to boldly go back to a dormant franchise in a wildly disunified era.

This doesn't merely refer to the role of "Discovery" introducing Mount's Pike, in addition to launching every other new "Trek" spinoff along with the streaming service currently known as Paramount+ . It did all this along with shouldering the more precarious mission of serving as the franchise's vanguard in a cynical age.

If you love "Lower Decks" and "Strange New Worlds," this is in part due to the producers' listening to the fandom's programming desires accordingly. Notice, for example, how unlike the first season of "Picard"  is from the third . Initially, "Picard" tried to do something different with the beloved character. It ended his adventures by reassembling the band for the spectacular last ride their films denied them. The new "Star Trek" series have a goal of delivering something for everyone, including kids. "Discovery" helped its custodians figure that out.

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And if you love "Discovery," its devotion to showcasing those who long felt unseen in this franchise may kindle that affection. "Discovery" gave us an Asian woman as a Starship captain in Michelle Yeoh's Philippa Georgiou and a happily married duo to root for in Wilson Cruz's Dr. Hugh Culber in Anthony Rapp's Paul Stamets.

It introduced Tig Notaro in its second season as Jett Reno, a decision for which everyone should be grateful. The third gave us the franchise's first transgender and non-binary characters in Ian Alexander's Trill Gray and Blu del Barrio's Adira Tal.

Through it all, we have also entirely fallen for Mary Wiseman's Sylvia Tilly, a woman who also knew a few things about self-doubt and, therefore, values being understood.

What some would cite as humanizing traits, others might write off as maudlin, along with the fact that Burnham was able to experience a fully realized love affair that began with a partnership of equals with a courier named Booker (David Ajala).

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter , Crash Course.

It's only one of the many ways that "Discovery" is consciously disparate from "Star Trek" as we have long known it, daring to change everything from the look of the Klingons to its star character's role in igniting a war between them and the United Federation of Planets.

That was then. Hundreds of years after that moment, Captain Burnham has figured herself out, proving to the many who doubted her that she deserves to be there.

She has traveled the longest road through imposter syndrome of any Starfleet captain — most of a millennium, actually — and we have witnessed every major moment that forged her. Burnham may never win the major "Star Trek" popularity contests for favorite captains, but without a doubt, she's the last great one we may ride with in this universe.

New episodes of "Star Trek: Discovery" stream Thursdays on Paramount +.

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Melanie McFarland is Salon's award-winning senior culture critic. Follow her on Twitter: @McTelevision

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Star Trek: All 4 Captain Pike actors ranked from worst to best

By camila domingues | oct 28, 2023.

Let’s rank these four fine actors and their performances as the iconic Captain Pike in the Star Trek franchise. Engage!

In the vast universe of Star Trek , amidst the iconic Captains, leaders, and adventurers, one name shines with a unique glow: Captain Christopher Pike.

Before the swashbuckling Captain James T. Kirk commanded the Enterprise, there was the calm and collected Captain Pike. Though his original incarnation didn’t get the green light for a full-fledged series, fate (or, you know, maybe the network executives who saw the chance for profit) couldn’t keep Pike out of the screens for long. Over the decades, this early captain of the USS Enterprise has been brought to life by not one, but four different and talented actors across varied timelines, films, and series. Each portrayal added a layer, an emotion, and a distinct style to the character, ensuring Pike’s legacy within the Star Trek canon .

Pike’s journey is one of heroism, sacrifice, and tragedy. That fateful incident involving delta radiation, which changed the course of his life by paralyzing him, shows off the character’s depth and his Starfleet valor. Even when confined to a wheelchair, Pike’s spirit remained unbroken. Recent explorations into Pike’s past and mind in Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds have gone even deeper into the emotional weight of predestined tragedy and it’s his resilience and undying spirit that has made him a staple in the series.

However, beyond the fictional narratives and timelines, much of the magic that Captain Pike brings to the screen can be credited to the actors who’ve stepped into his boots. Their interpretations, nuances, and acting prowess have solidified Pike’s position in the Star Trek hall of fame.

So, let’s take a look at these fine gents and see where they rank when it comes to their performances and contributions as Captain Pike.

Kenneth Mitchell, 'Star Trek: Discovery' and 'Captain Marvel' actor, dies at 49 after ALS diagnosis

Kenneth Mitchell, the actor who starred in "Star Trek: Discovery" and "Captain Marvel," died Saturday. He was 49 years old. 

“With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son, and dear friend to many,” his family said in a statement shared on Instagram. 

Mitchell died after a 5 ½-year struggle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. 

Despite the “series of awful challenges” Mitchell faced as a result of the disease, his family said, he “managed to rise above each one with grace and commitment to living a full and joyous life in each moment.” 

Mitchell, born Nov. 24, 1974, in Toronto, rose to fame for his portrayal of the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha and Tenavik, as well as Aurellio, on "Star Trek: Discovery," and for playing Joseph Danvers in "Captain Marvel." 

He also acted in the hockey drama "Miracle" and appeared on "Grey’s Anatomy," "NCIS" and "Criminal Minds," among others. 

The “Star Trek” universe paid tribute to Mitchell on its website Sunday, saying it was “deeply saddened” by his passing. 

“The entire Star Trek family sends their condolences to Mitchell’s family, friends, loved ones, and fans around the world,” it said. 

His family remembered him, among other things, as a “hope seeker,” “dream believer,” “beach walker” and “garden grower,” but most of all as a “proud father.” 

He is survived by his wife, Susan, and their children, Lilah and Kallum. His family said he requested that any gifts be directed toward research for the disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. 

According to a passage Mitchell wrote and shared in the tribute, he wished to be buried under the roots of a tree, "so I can be soaked up, all my matter, my energy, my love, my laughter, my tears and I want to reach up through the branches and touch the night sky.”

Mike Gagliardi is a researcher with the NBC News Network Desk.

When does the final season of 'Star Trek: Discovery' come out? Release date, cast, where to watch

It's time for U.S.S. Discovery's final mission.

Paramount+'s hit TV series "Star Trek: Discovery" is returning for its fifth and final season this week and there is a lot to look forward to.

"The fifth and final season will find Captain Burnham and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery uncovering a mystery that will send them on an epic adventure across the galaxy to find an ancient power whose very existence has been deliberately hidden for centuries," says Paramount+ about the upcoming season. "But there are others on the hunt as well…dangerous foes who are desperate to claim the prize for themselves and will stop at nothing to get it."

"Star Trek: Discovery" debuted in 2017 and is the seventh in the Star Trek series. Here's everything you need to know about the final season of the series.

When does 'Star Trek: Discovery' Season 5 premiere?

The finale season of "Star Trek: Discovery" is scheduled to premiere on Paramount+ on Thursday, April 4.

The first two episodes will be available to stream on the premiere date, with new episodes dropping weekly on Thursdays. Paramount+ did not specify what time the episodes will be available on their platform.

'Star Trek: Discovery' on Paramount+: Subscribe

Kenneth Mitchell: 'Star Trek: Discovery' actor, dies after battle with ALS

'Star Trek: Discovery' Season 5 episodes

Season 5 of "Star Trek: Discovery" has 10 episodes in total. The first two will be available to stream on April 4, with the remaining dropping weekly on Thursday on Paramount+.

'Star Trek: Discovery' Season 5 cast

Season 5 of "Star Trek: Discovery" brings back new and old faces along with recurring guest stars. Cast members include:

• Sonequa Martin-Green as Captain Michael Burnham
• Doug Jones as Saru
• Anthony Rapp as Paul Stamets
• Mary Wiseman as Sylvia Tilly
• Wilson Cruz as Dr. Hugh Culber
• David Ajala as Cleveland “Book” Booker
• Blu del Barrio as Adira
• Callum Keith Rennie as Rayner.
• Elias Toufexis as L’ak
• Eve Harlow as Moll

'Star Trek: Discovery' Season 5 trailer

Paramount+ dropped the official trailer for Season 5 on Feb. 23.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.

‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Renewed for Season 4; ‘Lower Decks’ to Conclude With Season 5 (EXCLUSIVE)

By Adam B. Vary

Adam B. Vary

Senior Entertainment Writer

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“ Star Trek : Strange New Worlds,” currently in production on its third season, has been renewed by Paramount+ for Season 4. Meanwhile, “ Star Trek: Lower Decks ,” the first animated “Star Trek” comedy, will conclude its run on the streamer with its fifth season, which will debut in the fall.

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“Lower Decks” charted brand new territory for “Star Trek” when it debuted in 2020, as both an animated comedy and a series that focused on the junior officers of the USS Cerritos: Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome), Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid), D’Vana Tendi (Noël Wells) and Sam Rutherford (Eugene Cordero). Set in the years following the feature film “Star Trek: Nemesis,” the series has included voice cameos from many beloved “Star Trek” alumni, like George Takei, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, John de Lancie, Will Wheaton, Armin Shimerman, Nana Visitor and Robert Duncan McNeill.

Given its premise, concluding “Lower Decks” make sense considering the main four characters all received promotions in Season 4. But in a message to fans, Kurtzman and executive producer and showrunner Mike McMahon left the turbolift doors open for continuing the characters’ stories following their time at the bottom of the Starfleet pecking order. 

The “Star Trek” TV universe, overseen by Kurtzman through his Secret Hideout production company and produced by CBS Studios, has enjoyed a robust expansion since “Star Trek: Discovery” first premiered in 2017. Along with “Strange New Worlds,” the made-for-television movie “Star Trek: Section 31” recently concluded production with star Michelle Yeoh, and the new series “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” will begin shooting later this year.

“It has been incredibly rewarding to continue to build the Star Trek universe, and we’re so grateful to Secret Hideout and our immensely talented casts and producers,” said Jeff Grossman, executive vice president of Programming at Paramount+. “‘Strange New Worlds’ has found the perfect blend of action, adventure and humor. Similarly, ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ has brought the laughs with an ample amount of heart to the franchise across its four seasons. We can’t wait for audiences to see what is in store for the crew of the U.S.S. Cerritos in this final season.”

“‘Lower Decks’ and ‘Strange New Worlds’ are integral to the ‘Star Trek’ franchise, expanding the boundaries of the universe and exploring new and exciting worlds,” said CBS Studios president David Stapf. “We are extraordinarily proud of both series as they honor the legacy of what Gene Roddenberry created almost 60 years ago. We are so grateful to work with Secret Hideout, Alex Kurtzman, Mike McMahan, Akiva Goldsman, Henry Alonso Myers and the cast, crews and artists who craft these important and entertaining stories for fans around the world.”

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‘star trek: lower decks’ to end with season 5.

However, Paramount+ renewed 'Strange New Worlds' for season four.

By James Hibberd

James Hibberd

Writer-at-Large

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Paramount+ has made two big decisions about its Star Trek universe.

Strange New Worlds has been renewed for a fourth season, while Lower Decks will end with its previously announced upcoming fifth season, expected to air sometime this year.

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Meanwhile, Strange New Worlds is currently in production on its third season, which is set to debut in 2025.

“ Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks are integral to the Star Trek franchise, expanding the boundaries of the universe and exploring new and exciting worlds,” said David Stapf, president of CBS Studios. “We are extraordinarily proud of both series as they honor the legacy of what Gene Roddenberry created almost 60 years ago.”

Strange New Worlds is based on the years Captain Christopher Pike manned the helm of the  U.S.S. Enterprise . The series follows Captain Pike, Science Officer Spock, Number One and the crew of the  U.S.S. Enterprise , in the years before Captain Kirk boarded the starship, as they explore new worlds around the galaxy. It stars Anson Mount, Rebecca Romijn, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush and Christina Chong.

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• ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Renewed As ‘Lower Decks’ Sets Ending After 5 Seasons

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has been renewed for a fourth season ahead of the show’s Season 3 premiere which is slated for 2025 and currently in production. Additionally, the previously announced fifth season of Star Trek: Lower Decks will serve as its final. New episodes of the final season, currently in production, will arrive this fall.

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“Our incredible cast, crew and artists have given you everything they have because they love the characters they play, they love the world we’ve built, and more than anything we all love love love Star Trek. We’re excited for the world to see our hilarious fifth season which we’re working on right now, and the good news is that all previous episodes will remain on Paramount+ so there is still so much to look forward to as we celebrate the Cerritos crew with a big send-off,” they added.

Star Trek: Lower Decks is an animated comedy series following the support crew serving on one of Starfleet’s least important ships, the U.S.S. Cerritos. The crew residing in the “lower decks” of the U.S.S. Cerritos includes the voices of Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid, Noël Wells and Eugene Cordero; the bridge crew is voiced by Dawnn Lewis, Jerry O’Connell, Fred Tatasciore and Gillian Vigman.

The series is produced by CBS’ Eye Animation Productions, CBS Studios’ animation arm; Secret Hideout; and Roddenberry Entertainment. Executive producers include Alex Kurtzman, Mike McMahan, Aaron Baiers, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth. Titmouse serves as the animation studio for the series which streams exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Latin America and is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

It stars Anson Mount, Rebecca Romijn, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Celia Rose Gooding, Melissa Navia and Babs Olusanmokun, along with special guest stars Paul Wesley and Carol Kane. The series is produced by CBS Studios, Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. Alex Kurtzman, Akiva Goldsman, Jenny Lumet, Henry Alonso Myers, Aaron Baiers, Dana Horgan, Davy Perez, Frank Siracusa, John Weber, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth serve as executive producers.

“On behalf of the cast and crew of Strange New Worlds, we are thrilled and grateful to continue our voyages together. We can’t wait for you to join us and the crew of the Enterprise on another season of exploration and adventure,” said Akiva Goldsman, Henry Alonso Myers and Alex Kurtzman in a statement.

The expanded world of Star Trek on Paramount+ also includes the fifth and final season of Star Trek : Discovery, currently airing; the original film Star Trek : Section 31 starring Michelle Yeoh, which recently wrapped production; and the new original series Star Trek : Starfleet Academy, slated to begin production later this year.

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