New ‘Star Trek’ Series To Beam Up Next Generation Of Viewers
The return of a new Star Trek series means the crew of a new Federation starship will have the chance to boldly go into the hearts of the hipster generation.
CBS hopes the launch of the popular Star Trek sci-fi franchise in January of 2017 will draw a younger crowd to its streaming All Access platform, as the network competes for market share with digital competitors like Amazon, Hulu, and Netflix.
“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.”
Streaming
After the first premiere episode, the new Star Trek series will be available exclusively on CBS’s All Access platform available for $5.99 a month. The network is hoping the new series, produced directly for the streaming service, will help promote digital subscriptions.
The strategy of using a popular anchor show to reel in digital consumers is a method Netflix has already shown to be successful with shows like Orange Is The New Black, House of Cards, and Arrested Development.
Universal Storyline
Although the new Star Trek series will feature veteran writer and producer Alex Kurtzman as executive producer, further details remain elusive and that’s fueled speculation by Trekkies around the world.
Some Star Trek fans have speculated the new storyline will focus on the universe created by the previous series and movies while others think a reboot is in the works.
An Star Trek Into Darkness-style series reboot would give creators a chance to design a new starship, and a new crew while still avoiding potential storyline pitfalls linking the new series and the old movies.
Star Trek is boldly going back to TV. We delved into the show's past – and its future: https://t.co/6Stmixm0hY pic.twitter.com/ijq8Rpvgof
— Empire Magazine (@empiremagazine) November 4, 2015
The flavor of the series is also still open for debate with fans wondering if the show will be more like the original, or focus on action orientated scenes like the new movies. The 2009 film Star Trek and its sequel, Into Darkness, featured Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto move along an action-orientated storyline similar to the popular Marvel movies instead of focusing on exploration and communication.
Backstory
The original 1966 series and its Next Generation reboot viewed the future as an idealistic utopia in which mankind will flourish when it starts to appreciate differences in culture and ideas.
The show’s progressive social commentary served as a backdrop to discuss the civil rights movement and changing political landscape. The show’s optimistic views serve as a counterpoint to today’s popular dystopian themes.
The popular sci-fi series has spawned a number of spinoffs and 12 movies to date with a new one scheduled to open next year.
Beyond
Golden Globe nominee Idris Elba has officially been tapped to play the villain in the next installment of the Star Trek movie franchise scheduled to be released July 22, 2016.
With filming of the third Star Trek movie reboot underway, the star tweeted out some important, although vague details about his upcoming scenes with Zachary Quinto’s Spock.
Apparel
Inspired by Trek fan’s devotion, fashion apparel company WeLoveFine introduced a new line of Star Trek-themed clothes with everything from yoga tops inspired by the original series to Next Generation-style sweaters and pajamas.
Trek Home For Sale
A Texas mansion with a Star Trek-inspired media room is reportedly selling for $1.3 million. Featuring displays from the Enterprise-D engine room, sliding turbo lift doors, and a bridge style monitor, the home took four months to build.
Created by Gene Roddenberry in 1966, Star Trek celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2016.
[Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images]
