TEN YEARS AFTER the demise of the Scott Bakula-helmed ‘Enterprise’ series, it’s been confirmed that a new Star Trek TV show is in the works.
The new project is being headed up by producer Alex Kurtzman who co-wrote and produced the recent reboot films based on the adventures of Captain Kirk, Mr Spock and the rest of the original 1960s characters.
There’s been no confirmation on whether any existing characters or actors from the franchise will return for the TV series.
According to a statement from CBS TV:
“The brand-new “Star Trek” will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966.”
The series will debut in the US via CBS’s digital subscription service ‘All Access’ in January 2017, the network has confirmed.
“The next chapter of the “Star Trek” franchise will also be distributed concurrently for television and multiple platforms around the world by CBS Studios International.”
The science fiction franchise is one of the most valuable film and TV properties ever. The original William Shatner-led series, which ran between 1966 and 1969, spawned a dozen feature films and four further TV series: The Next Generation, Deep Space 9, Voyager and Enterprise.
The Enterprise series, which was set 150 years before Captain James T. Kirk helmed a later version of the starship, was cancelled ten years ago after four seasons due to flagging ratings.
The success of the two cinema reboots starring Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto led to increasing speculation that a new TV project could be on the cards in recent years.
Next Generation actor Michael Dorn even launched a public campaign calling for a series based on his character, the Klingon ‘Mr Worf’ (fans have backed him up by lobbying CBS – sending mini-muffins to the TV studios, for some reason).
According to CBS:
The new television series is not related to the upcoming feature film “Star Trek Beyond,” which is scheduled to be distributed by Paramount Pictures in summer 2016.
President of CBS Television Studios David Stapf said there was “no better time to give ‘Star Trek’ fans a new series than on the heels of the original show’s 50th anniversary celebration”.
“Everyone here has great respect for this storied franchise, and we’re excited to launch its next television chapter in the creative mind and skilled hands of Alex Kurtzman, someone who knows this world and its audience intimately.”
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