The GWW has exclusively learned that CBS TV Studios has handed out early renewals to three different ‘Star Trek’ shows.
First, the hit sci-fi adventure series ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ has been renewed for a fourth season. This news might be shocking to some people because it was rumored for a while that the show might have been canceled after season 2. On February 27, 2019, CBS All Access renewed ‘Discovery’ for a third season, citing increased subscribers and positive fan response to the then-recent premiere of the second season. It looks like the series is more successful than fans previously thought.
There is currently no airdate for the upcoming third season of ‘Discovery.’ Returning cast members include Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Anthony Rapp, Mary Wiseman, and Wilson Cruz. David Ajala is also onboard as a new series regular, playing Cleveland “Book” Booker. Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise serve as co-showrunners.
Next, ‘Short Treks’ will be getting a third season, the anthology spin-off series of the flagship ‘Discovery’ show. The last episode of season 2 will be airing in two days, which is a few weeks before the premiere of ‘Star Trek: Picard.’ There are ten total installments so far, and it is unclear how many episodes will be in this new season.
In reaffirmation news, ‘Picard’ and ‘Star Trek: Lowers Decks’ are still getting their second seasons.
Michael Chabon (‘Spider-Man 2,’ ‘Unbelievable’) serves as showrunner on season 1 of ‘Picard,’ but will be replaced for season 2, as he will be exiting the series to work on other projects. The series stars Patrick Stewart as the titular character, as well as Isa Briones, Alison Pill, Santiago Cabrera, Michelle Hurd, Harry Treadaway, and Evan Evagora.
Further, ‘Lower Decks’ is the first animated series coming to CBS All Access, from ‘Rick and Morty’ head writer Mike McMahan. The cast includes; Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid, Noel Wells, Eugene Cordero, Dawnn Lewis, Jerry O’Connell, Fred Tatasciore, and Gillian Vigman. Tthe animation process began almost a year ago. No premiere date has been set.
Additionally, we can confirm two seasons have been ordered for the untitled Nickelodeon ‘Star Trek’ CG animated series. The show hails from brothers Dan and Kevin Hageman (Lego Ninjago,’ ‘Hotel Transylvania’). Plot details are being kept under wraps, and there is no airdate as of now.
Meanwhile, there are still two other CBS All Access shows in development. The Starfleet Academy series from Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage (‘Gossip Girl,’ ‘Marvel’s Runaways’) is still in the works. However, should the show get the greenlight, it will not go into production until next year. The other show is the spin-off series ‘Star Trek: Section 31.’ Michelle Yeoh will reprise her ‘Discovery’ role of Philippa Georgio, and the series will focus on her adventures as a member of Starfleet’s Section 31 division. ‘Discovery’ and ‘Short Treks’ writers Bo Yeon Kim and Erika Lippoldt will serve as co-showrunners.
Jacob Tyler contributed to this article.