Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (2026) is an American science fiction drama series set within the Star Trek franchise. The series blends space adventure with young adult coming-of-age storytelling.
It is directed by multiple episodic directors and written by Noga Landau and Alex Kurtzman. The main cast includes Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti, Sandro Rosta, Kerrice Brooks, Bella Shepard, George Hawkins, Karim Diané, Robert Picardo, Mary Wiseman, Tig Notaro.
The story follows a new class of Starfleet cadets training to become officers during a fragile rebuilding era for the Federation.
The series is set after a galaxy-wide catastrophe and focuses on growth, identity, and responsibility. It is part of the Star Trek franchise and expands the universe into a dedicated young adult-focused narrative. The series premieres on January 15, 2026, streaming exclusively on Paramount+ through CBS Studios and Secret Hideout.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Age Rating
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is officially rated TV-14 (Parents Strongly Cautioned) for sci-fi violence, peril, thematic elements, and teen-focused emotional content. This rating reflects a more mature tone than classic Star Trek shows, aligning with modern serialized storytelling and young adult drama. While not graphic, the series includes sustained tension, combat situations, and psychological themes that may not be suitable for younger viewers.
Violence & Peril
Violence is moderate and rooted in science fiction action. Cadets face dangerous training missions, phaser combat, explosions, and life-threatening situations aboard starships. Injuries are usually non-graphic, but the sense of danger is realistic. Emotional peril and high-stakes survival scenarios add intensity, especially during encounters with hostile forces.
Language
Language is mild to moderate. Infrequent strong words may appear during moments of stress or conflict. There are no racial slurs, but occasional insults or sharp dialogue may be present in emotionally charged scenes.
Mature Themes
The series explores identity, grief, abandonment, and moral ambiguity. Romantic relationships, jealousy, and emotional intimacy are recurring elements. There are brief suggestive references but no explicit sexual content. Smoking, drugs, and nudity are not a focus of the show.
Is Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not recommended.
The emotional themes, sustained peril, and complex character dynamics may be confusing or intense for younger viewers.
Ages 13–15: Suitable with parental guidance.
Teens in this range can handle the action and themes, but parents may want to discuss relationships, pressure, and moral decisions.
Ages 16+: Yes.
Older teens are likely the ideal audience, as the series directly targets young adult experiences within a sci-fi setting.
Overall recommendation: Best suited for viewers 13 and up, with strongest appeal to ages 15+.
What Parents Can Do
- Talk with teens about how competition and pressure affect mental health and decision-making.
- Discuss the moral choices characters face and how power and responsibility are portrayed.
- Encourage conversations about teamwork, diversity, and handling failure constructively.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy?
A: The series is rated TV-14 for violence, peril, and mature thematic elements.
Q: Is Star Trek: Starfleet Academy appropriate for kids?
A: It is not recommended for young children due to emotional intensity and action-heavy scenes.
Q: Are there scary or intense scenes?
A: Yes. Training missions, space combat, and threats to the Federation create sustained tension.
Q: Does the show contain strong language?
A: Language is mostly mild, with occasional stronger words in stressful situations.
Q: Is there sexual content in the series?
A: There are romantic storylines and mild suggestive references, but no explicit sexual content.
Q: Where can I watch Star Trek: Starfleet Academy?
A: The series streams exclusively on Paramount+.