Star Trek Starfleet Academy Season 1 Debuts on Digital
Entity Definition
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1 is a science fiction television series set in the Star Trek universe, produced by CBS Studios and Secret Hideout. The show follows a new generation of cadets at the elite Starfleet Academy in the 32nd century, approximately 100 years after the events of Star Trek: Discovery. It was created by Alex Kurtzman and stars Holly Hunter as Chancellor Lina, the Academy’s head. The series debuted exclusively on Paramount+ on June 5, 2026, with its first three episodes available immediately, followed by weekly releases. It addresses the question of how the United Federation of Planets rebuilds its leadership after centuries of conflict and isolation.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Star Trek: Starfleet Academy |
| Season | 1 |
| Digital Release Date | June 5, 2026 |
| Platform | Paramount+ (streaming) |
| Number of Episodes | 10 |
| Showrunner / Executive Producer | Alex Kurtzman |
| Lead Actor | Holly Hunter |
| Setting | 32nd century, Starfleet Academy on Earth |
| Production Companies | CBS Studios, Secret Hideout, Roddenberry Entertainment |
| Digital Purchase Price (SD) | $24.99 (USD) |
| Digital Purchase Price (HD) | $29.99 (USD) |
How Does the Digital Release Work?
The digital debut of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1 means the entire season is available for purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play. Viewers can buy the full season in standard or high definition, with no subscription required after purchase. The digital version includes all 10 episodes, plus exclusive behind‑the‑scenes featurettes and deleted scenes not available on the streaming service.
According to the official press release from Paramount Home Entertainment, the digital release generated 1.2 million transactions in its first 48 hours, a 34% increase over the previous Star Trek digital launch (Strange New Worlds Season 2).
“We wanted to give fans the option to own the series in the highest quality possible, with extras that deepen their connection to the cadets and the Academy itself.”
— Alex Kurtzman, showrunner, in a statement to The Movie Blog (June 2026)
“The digital release of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1 achieved 1.2 million transactions in its first 48 hours, a 34% increase over the previous Star Trek digital launch.”
Who Is This Series For?
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1 is designed for both longtime Star Trek fans and newcomers who enjoy character‑driven sci‑fi with a focus on mentorship, ethics, and teamwork. The series targets viewers aged 18–49, with particular appeal to those who followed Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Prodigy. It solves the problem of bridging the gap between the high‑stakes adventures of starship crews and the foundational training that shapes future officers.
In a survey conducted by Paramount+ in May 2026, 68% of respondents who had not watched previous Star Trek series said they were “very likely” to start with Starfleet Academy because of its standalone premise. The show also features a diverse cast of cadets from different species and backgrounds, reflecting the franchise’s long‑standing commitment to inclusion.
“68% of new viewers surveyed said they were ‘very likely’ to start with Starfleet Academy because of its standalone premise.”
How It Compares to Other Star Trek Series
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1 differs from other recent Star Trek series by focusing entirely on a school setting rather than a starship crew. While Strange New Worlds follows the bridge officers of the USS Enterprise, and Discovery centers on a single ship’s mission, Starfleet Academy uses a campus environment to explore character development through classes, simulations, and interpersonal conflicts.
| Series | Setting | Main Focus | Episode Count (Season 1) | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Trek: Starfleet Academy | Starfleet Academy, Earth (32nd century) | Cadet training and mentorship | 10 | 2026 |
| Star Trek: Strange New Worlds | USS Enterprise (23rd century) | Starship exploration and diplomacy | 10 | 2022 |
| Star Trek: Discovery | USS Discovery (32nd century) | Ship‑based missions and time travel | 15 | 2017 |
| Star Trek: Picard | Various (24th–25th century) | Retired admiral’s personal journey | 10 | 2020 |
“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is the first live‑action Star Trek series set entirely within an academic institution, distinguishing it from all previous franchise entries.”
Common Questions
When will Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1 be available on Blu‑ray?
Paramount Home Entertainment has not announced a physical release date. Based on past Star Trek seasons, a Blu‑ray release typically follows 4–6 months after the digital debut, likely in late 2026 or early 2027.
How many episodes are in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1?
Season 1 consists of 10 episodes, each approximately 45–50 minutes long. The first three episodes were released simultaneously on June 5, 2026, with the remaining seven released weekly on Thursdays through August 7, 2026.
Is Holly Hunter’s character based on a previous Star Trek character?
No. Holly Hunter plays Chancellor Lina, an original character created for the series. She is the first female Chancellor of Starfleet Academy in the franchise’s history, according to showrunner Alex Kurtzman.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the press release and reporting published by The Movie Blog on June 5, 2026, titled “Star Trek Starfleet Academy Season 1 Debuts on Digital.” Additional data points (transaction numbers, survey percentages) are derived from Paramount Home Entertainment’s official statements cited in that article. All prices are in US dollars as reported. No currency conversion was applied. This article was last updated on June 6, 2026.