In an exclusive interview with AMFM Magazine’s Paul Salfen, co-showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau shared their passion for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, the highly anticipated new series set to premiere with two episodes on Thursday, January 15, 2026, exclusively on Paramount+. New episodes will drop weekly on Thursdays, culminating in the 10-episode season finale on Thursday, March 12.
The conversation captured the excitement surrounding this fresh chapter in the Star Trek universe, which introduces a young group of cadets pursuing dreams of hope and optimism in the 32nd century. Under the guidance of demanding instructors—including legacy characters and new faces—the cadets navigate friendships, rivalries, first loves, and a formidable new enemy threatening the Academy and the Federation itself.
Kurtzman and Landau emphasized the collaborative spirit that drives their creative process. “It really starts with choosing the people you’re going to make the show with,” Landau explained. “You hit a groove… and then suddenly you’re like, wait a minute… You find your way back to something. To me, it’s all about the collaboration.”
Kurtzman highlighted the unique appeal of focusing on young characters in the Star Trek world: “Having a young cast of characters who are discovering themselves—it’s just such a fun thing to write because we’ve all been there.” He noted it’s a novelty in the franchise, where viewers typically encounter officers already in the field. Pairing these cadets with inspiring instructors, including legacy figures and fresh additions, creates a rich journey of discovery.
The duo also offered heartfelt advice for aspiring storytellers inspired by the series. Landau urged daily dedication: “If you want to be a writer, then write every day… Trust your voice and trust who you are.” Kurtzman added resilience in the face of rejection: “The system is so often built for rejection… If it’s the thing that you love, you have to keep doing it.”
On set, both stressed the importance of approaching each day with reverence and a healthy dose of fear. “I have to be scared every time I step on the set,” Kurtzman said. “Scared of the awesome responsibility of having to get it right.” Landau echoed this, noting the preciousness of time: “Every day is sacred because it’s not forever.”
Looking ahead, they hope the show delivers more than entertainment. “If you’re a fan of Star Trek, then you’ll see there’s many, many love letters to Star Trek history,” Kurtzman shared. “But the show is also really built for people who have no understanding of Star Trek… We wanted to create a show that was easily accessible, but that was also still very Star Trek.”
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy stars Academy Award winner Holly Hunter as Chancellor Nahla Ake and Captain of the U.S.S. Athena, alongside a talented ensemble of cadets portrayed by Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, and Bella Shepard. Additional cast includes Zoë Steiner, Robert Picardo, Tig Notaro, Oded Fehr, Gina Yashere, and Academy Award nominee Paul Giamatti as the season’s villain.
Kurtzman and Landau serve as co-showrunners and executive producers, alongside Gaia Violo, Aaron Baiers, Olatunde Osunsanmi, Jenny Lumet, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth, Frank Siracusa, and John Weber. The premiere episode is written by Gaia Violo and directed by Alex Kurtzman. Produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment, the series promises to inspire a new generation while honoring the franchise’s legacy of exploration, optimism, and unity.
Don’t miss the launch—beam aboard Paramount+ starting January 15 for this exciting new era of Star Trek.
