The 60th anniversary of Star Trek hasn't been a very fun one for fans, as some feel the franchise is stuck in a holding pattern amidst news of Starfleet Academy's cancellation and no meaningful updates on the film side. Franchise veteran Jonathan Frakes feels the same way people are feeling, but offered some words of wisdom as someone who has worked within Trek for a long time.

Frakes spoke to TrekMovie.com recently, and as someone with experience both in front of and behind the camera, he's a valued voice in the Star Trek community. The actor talked about the 60th anniversary, and the sad circumstances in which it arrived at a time when things aren't going great:

It is a weird time for the franchise, as Star Trek has zero shows in active development for the first time since 2015, when Discovery was first announced. It seems the television side is in a holding pattern, while Paramount Skydance prepares for a merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, and EP Alex Kurtzman's contract with the studio expires at the end of 2026.

All this to say, it's April, and there's still time for the 60th anniversary of Star Trek to get the party rolling later on. The franchise doesn't officially hit the big 6-0 until September 8, as that was the date in 1966 when the world first met The Original Series' characters, albeit through a reconfigured pilot.

Strange New Worlds will return for Season 4 later this year, and it's possible Paramount will set that date to coincide with the September anniversary. With San Diego Comic-Con and NYCC appening in the coming months, there will be more opportunities for Paramount Skydance to make big announcements for Trek, across both film and television.

That said, Paramount Skydance has a lot of other things to work out with Warner Bros., and with Star Trek tentatively having content to roll out throughout the end of 2027, it seems decisions on what to do next could be placed on the back burner if there are other pressing decisions to be made in the meantime. The new film project teased at CinemaCon would certainly apply there, since it's unclear when we'll learn more about it.

While there is some sadness to pull from Jonathan Frakes' comment, I do appreciate his reminder that Star Trek will continue. The sci-fi franchise has survived for sixty years, and it wasn't all happy times on that road to 2026. While there may be a gap in content, it's comforting to hear vets like Frakes maintain they do think it'll make a comeback. In the meantime, I have access to a Paramount+ subscription and can enjoy the next year of content until we have more answers.

Here's hoping we have some more details about the future of Star Trek before the year ends, and if that's not possible, as soon as we can possibly hear more. I do agree with Jonathan Frakes that the franchise will resurface, but I'd rather not wait too long for it to do so.

Star Trek: Strafleet Academy will wrap up Season 1 soon, and as it looks on past the 2026 TV schedule and onward to Season 2, the debate surrounding it continues. There's a section of the fandom that decries it as "too woke," and others are happy to see a new generation represented in the franchise. Then there's the opinions of the actual people responsible for it, and who better to comment than Jonathan Frakes, who can relate it to when he was on The Next Generation.

As people continue to watch Starfleet Academy with their Paramount+ subscription, Frakes spoke to IGN about the talk surrounding the show. He's acted and directed for Star Trek over the decades, and has seen a few things. As such, he wasn't surprised by the divisive reaction to the series, as he experienced it too when TNG was on the air:

While it eventually went on to become one of the greatest sci-fi shows of all time, it is true The Next Generation had its share of haters when it began. Fans campaigned to save Star Trek, but they wanted more adventures with Captain Kirk, Spock, Uhura, and the rest. They weren't familiar with Jean-Luc Picard and this new crew, but now, consider them some of Trek's best characters.

Jonathan Frakes also mentioned how the internet has intensified the "trolling" of a cast and crew, though they don't seem fazed by it. Both showrunner Noga Landau and star Karim Diané dismissed the noise and continued to encourage those debating to watch as the series continues.

Filming just completed on Season 2 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, and while it's not officially known if it's coming back for Season 3, Landau hinted there's a cliffhanger in that season finale. If that's the case, I think the crew is feeling bullish about coming back for another season.

I imagine we'll get word about a renewal eventually, though for now, I'm just focused on the upcoming Season 1 finale. I'm not sure the Federation is ready to face a threat from some of its rival enemies, but I guess we'll see for sure after their response in the episode.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy continues on Paramount+ on Thursdays. With Season 1 set to close out, I do wonder how this upcoming season finale will set the stage for Season 2 as a big threat looms over the Federation.

Even after all these years, Star Trek: The Next Generation remains the gold standard for hard sci-fi television. Beyond its many fantastic episodes and wonderful ensemble cast members that continue making headlines, the series had a knack for pulling in many notable guest stars during its run. Unfortunately, the cast had a bit of a reputation when it came to day-players, according to Jonathan Frakes, saying some thought they were "a--holes" after popping in and out.

The revelation came out during an episode of Dropping Names with Brent and Jonny, in which Frakes and co-host Brent Spiner welcomed on another TNG cast member, LeVar Burton. The actor and director brought up the pressure to memorize lines ahead of filming episodes on TNG, and how the cast as a whole thrived at bringing that together. As mentioned, though, he said that level of preparedness provided the fuel for an unfortunately negative reputation from outsiders who came into the show. As he put it:

Frakes was questioned by LeVar Burton on the descriptor and amended it to "rambunctious." Still, one can imagine the level of intimidation one might feel coming in as a guest star on Star Trek: The Next Generation. I know I'd hate to be the one-off actor who came in knowing that everyone in that room would have their lines memorized, and I'm expected to do the same!

Brent Spiner added that guest stars faced an additional challenge because Star Trek was a different beast when it came to dialogue. As actors on even the more modern shows would attest to, there's a specific cadence and words you'll find in this franchise that won't be anywhere else, to the point they need to be said out loud in advance before shooting:

The technobabble is a hurdle that even series regulars on the show, like Wil Wheaton, struggled with. I can imagine it was a real pain for a guest star coming in. Additionally, they had to adhere to the script and be "word perfect," so it wasn't like they could just improvise another line to get around it.

LeVar Burton added on to what Brent Spiner said, and made a comparison that maybe other actors wouldn't consider heading into Star Trek. The series had its own unique dialogue that was unlike other shows of the time, almost like performing a piece of classical literature:

Perhaps it's why Patrick Stewart, who had a decades-long tenure with the Royal Shakespeare Company before joining Star Trek: The Next Generation, thrived so much on the series. Jean-Luc Picard remains one of Trek's best characters to this very day, and it's those performances that propelled Stewart further into the Hollywood mainstream.

Of course, times change, and more modern Star Trek shows are a little looser with the dialogue. Robert Picardo recently admitted it was a shift he had to make when joining Starfleet Academy, though stands behind the series as one of its strongest advocates all the same. After all, Trek is all about progress and change, right?

Star Trek: The Next Generation is available on streaming with a Paramount+ subscription, along with many other shows from the franchise. Throw on an episode today to remember why it's the gold standard of sci-fi, or just to see the wonderful cast on the bridge.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds crossover episode with Lower Decks might be the most beloved episode of both series, and rightfully so. Though we're well into the 2026 TV schedule and approaching the third anniversary of its debut, we're still learning great things about it thanks to Jonathan Frakes, who recalled the famous "Riker" moment by Jack Quaid.

Frakes has a new podcast with actor Brent Spiner called Dropping Names With Brent & Jonny, and on the latest episode, they took questions from Trekkies. When asked how fun it was to direct the crossover "Those Old Scientists," Frakes decided to share this story about Quaid's impromptu "Riker" line he'd uttered when Boimler got on the saddle. In his words:

Jonathan Frakes confessed that he had to laugh whilst filming the scene, but who can blame him? The Riker Manuever is such a niche joke harkening back to when Frakes invented it while filming The Next Generation, so it was a perfect joke to bring into that moment. The line arguably should've been in the script in the first place, so I'm glad Quaid had the quick thinking to say it.

Fortunately, fans can't hear Frakes' chuckling on the final cut, but I'm glad they still used that take. I'm sure that initial impromptu move made by Quaid would've been the best and most natural looking take, and might have felt more hammed up if he had to refilm it time and again.

This story has me wanting to rewatch "Those Old Scientists" with my Paramount+ subscription, and it's making me sad all over again that Lower Decks was canceled. As for Strange New Worlds, we'll get Season 4 later this year, with the final season coming after that.

I've seen many fans beg Strange New Worlds' team for a sequel to the crossover with Lower Decks, but with the final season being abbreviated, I'm not sure it's going to happen. The show still has to introduce new actors who will join the TOS crew, and bring us up to when Kirk takes command of the Enterprise.

That said, there are ways to enjoy both shows even if they're ending, via a new one. Lower Decks star Tawny Newsome is on the writing staff of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, which is getting great reviews from critics. Frakes is also attached to the series as a director, having worked on various shows in the franchise over the years. I'm not sure it'll ever get the chance to bring Jack Quaid's Boimler or Newsome's Mariner to the Academy through some temporal anomaly, but I would welcome that if it happened.

Episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Lower Decks, and Starfleet Academy are all available to stream over on Paramount+. For those who have yet to check out the newest series, the first four episodes will be up by the end of January, so now would be a perfect time to binge them all and catch up.

Paramount has "set a course" for how it wants to get Star Trek back to movie theaters, and, for now, we're officially done with J.J. Abrams' Kelvin timeline movies. What's more is that the new movie already has a promising team working to bring a new adventure to theaters, one that has nothing to do with anything that's happened in television or movies.

Given that, one might be interested in hearing what Jonathan Frakes, who has worked both in front of and behind the camera on Star Trek's films and television, thinks about this latest update. The actor recently spoke to TrekMovie.com about the news while supporting the chairty PanCan, and I'll admit I was shocked that his response was literally his first reaction to the update.

Jonathan Frakes Shared His Message For The New Star Trek Filmmakers

Jonathan Frakes wasn't even aware of the most recent Star Trek movie news when he was interviewed, which is wild. As such, he seemed just as surprised as the fans were about what the plans are. After hearing some of the details, the actor and director said the following:

It's largely a diplomatic response, and a pretty good one for someone just learning of such a huge anouncement in the midst of a press interview. That said, I'm also a bit surprised to hear such a measured response from Jonathan Frakes, who has definitely spoken out in recent years about wanting to return to the director's chair for a new Star Trek film.

I'm Surprised Jonathan Frakes Didn't Make His Pitch To Return To Star Trek Films

Despite Jonathan Frakes directing one of the best Star Trek movies of all time, he hasn't gotten an invitation to return and tackle another movie for Paramount. He's told CinemaBlend that the television and movie department are operating independently, which was later confirmed with Alex Kurtzman when we inquired about why Section 31 was a Paramount+ movie and not a theatrical release.

Jonathan Frakes has kept busy by directing episodes of Star Trek television, but he's talked about offering his services for another movie for the storied IP. In fairness, he hinted in another interview with TrekMovie that he wouldn't be a serious candidate if a movie were on the table.

On that point, however, I still struggle to understand why that would be the case. Sure, John Francis Daley's name carries a lot of weight both as a successful screenwriter and director. I'm excited to see what he'll bring to the table in Star Trek, but I would've been equally as thrilled to hear Frakes is back in the saddle. For that reason, I guess I'm surprised to hear the director responding with well wishes, rather than shooting his shot to be a part of the fun. '

Of course, Frakes is busy contributing to the upcoming Trek series, Starfleet Academy. Maybe once he gets whatever directorial work he has lined up for that squared away, give it a few weeks, and maybe "Two Takes Frakes" will be on his soapbox making a pitch to take a Star Trek movie back to theaters.

While we wait for more updates on the upcoming Star Trek movie, including if it'll actually come out, be sure to check out the previously released movies over on Paramount+. I'm rooting for this movie to come out, though I am a bit concerned about what this new adventure will be.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds did the unthinkable when it had La'an do a test run of the holodeck, which turned into a very meta story parodying the actual origins of Star Trek. I'm sure many die-hard fans ready for the upcoming Trek shows noticed the story about a struggling sci-fi show had some similarities to The Original Series, and even had actors emulate real people like William Shatner and the late creator Gene Roddenberry.

Trek fans who missed "A Space Adventure Hour" should check it out with a Paramount+ subscription to watch Paul Wesley emulate Shatner's Kirk, Anson Mount play a version of Gene Roddenberry, and Rebecca Romijn play a take on Lucille Ball. This episode takes the origin of Star Trek and spins it into a murder-mystery, but director and franchise veteran Jonathan Frakes noted many were cautious and somewhat nervous about poking fun at these monumental figures in Star Trek history. Wesley, who has praised Shatner in the past, was anxious that leaning too heavily into how the actor played Kirk might offend, with Frakes saying:

Wesley did note elsewhere in this story shared at Star Trek Las Vegas (via TrekMovie.com) that his main fear was "overdoing" it, but ultimately felt his performance was a wink to the fans, calling back to the more Shakespearean acting of the original Star Trek. I mean, it's not like he had to do it to impress William Shatner, who openly admits he doesn't watch the franchise.

When it came to parodying Gene Roddenberry, there was some understandable hesitation from those above Jonathan Frakes about how it was handled. After all, Roddenberry's son Rod is an executive producer on Strange New Worlds and many other Trek projects. Frakes talked about Anson Mount's enthusiasm to imitate the Star Trek creator anyway, and the counsel he got from the showrunners:

Before anyone wonders, no, I don't think there is a link between this episode and the announcement that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds would end with Season 5. I'm sure that if anyone took issue with the parody of Gene Roddenberry, they would've voiced it long before fans were able to see it and comment on it.

I think a key factor that helped make "A Space Adventure Hour" such a well-received episode is that it's written by people with a keen understanding of the Star Trek franchise's history. To take that and turn it into a holodeck simulation where a detective must uncover the murderer of a television executive who canceled the show is quite a feat, and makes it one of the more memorable episodes of this series.

It's the kind of genius writing that is going to make me miss Star Trek: Strange New Worlds when it is gone. Fortunately, co-showrunner Akiva Goldsman is already campaigning for a spinoff that details Kirk's first year as captain of the Enterprise, and showed in a recent episode how compelling that could be. Of course, Paramount hasn't been keen on giving the fans spinoffs they're directly campaigning for as of late, so maybe we shouldn't get our hopes up that the streamer will bite on this latest pitch.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds streams new episodes on Paramount+ on Thursdays. We're over the halfway point of the season, so be sure to catch up and get ready for what could be a very big season finale.

Star Trek fans are waiting for the 2025 TV schedule to reunite them with the latest installment of the Paramount+ subscription driver Strange New Worlds. Unfortunately, that Original Series prequel doesn’t include veteran co-star Wil Wheaton. That doesn’t mean his time in the final frontier is concluded, but rather waiting for the right window to return. That leaves the author with time to reflect on the career he’s had on the screen and the page.

Thanks to a recent interview diving deep into both corners, the frequent Big Bang Theory guest star and geek icon opened up not only about his childhood struggles with his parents, but also how those unfortunate events led to Wheaton considering his Next Generation crewmates his chosen family.

Why Wil Wheaton Considers His Star Trek Co-stars His Family

As a guest on the Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum podcast, the geek culture personality opened up about how his struggles with his parents led to this unique situation. Laying out how childhood abuse and exploitation from his own family left him feeling as if he didn’t actually have parents, Wheaton broke those feelings down into this bittersweet story:

Whether you knew his story or not, Wil Wheaton’s reaction to TNG’s lifetime achievement award from last year’s Saturn Awards is even more heartwarming when you think about it. Not only has this role secured him a spot in sci-fi pop culture, but it also gave him a murderer’s row of actors with whom anyone would feel honored to merely chat.

Those connections run much deeper, however, as you’ll see in the stories that the Just A Geek author shared about how The Next Generation’s LeVar Burton and Jonathan Frakes. Instilling a sense of pride and warmth through simple interactions, those seasoned performers

LeVar Burton And Jonathan Frakes Continue To Remind Wil Wheaton Of How Proud He Makes Them

Continuing the story about releasing a book into the world, Wil Wheaton offered another anecdote about a text he’d sent to the legendary Reading Rainbow host about the big moment. That led to the long, but thankful message you’re about to read:

Knowing Wheaton’s voice from gigs like audiobook narrations and even his ecstatic return for Star Trek: Prodigy, you could practically hear those words in his voice (even if you haven’t clicked on the convenient video link sourced above). That sentiment is more important than you’d think, as Burton’s part of the story led to this emotional turn:

Pride is something that many of Wil Wheaton’s Star Trek family members have expressed throughout his career. Even before his recent appearance on Inside of You, receiving that phone call was like a surprise reminder that these ties, and the feelings associated with them, remained strong as ever. Which brings us full circle through this final anecdote:

No matter what incarnation of his character he’s playing, Wil Wheaton’s emotional connection to Wesley is always going to shine through. Learning a little more about the man himself, it’s clear that it isn't just a case of loving a role, but also basking in the feeling of family it inspires. So while we’re waiting to see if that hypothetical Wesley Crusher spinoff ever comes to pass, now’s a great time to recognize Wil Wheaton’s dedication to maintaining the personal connections that come with those duties as well.

As we roll into summertime on the 2025 TV schedule, sci-fi fans are still wondering when we'll get news on The Orville Season 4. Adrianne Palicki's latest update suggested it may not happen, which contradicts Scott Grimes' announcement last year that the show would be in development. As we wait for more (or any) answers, why not revisit Star Trek's Jonathan Frakes talking about how the series nailed the style of The Next Generation?

Frakes, who has become a Star Trek legend both behind and in front of the camera, spoke at Indiana Comic Con about The Orville and had nothing but love for Seth MacFarlane's series. Collider reported on the legend talking about his time directing on the series, as well as the others from Trek who have helped out on the show:

He didn't even mention that Penny Johnson Jerald appeared on both Star Trek and The Orville, but that might be because she detests comparisons between the two. Even so, it's hardly a secret that Seth MacFarlane's series leaned heavily on the formula that made The Next Generation so successful, and that he himself is a huge fan of Trek. In fact, MacFarlane was once an extra on the cast of Enterprise, which came at the tail-end of the TNG era.

Those who love The Orville are likely aware of the Star Trek influence, and the number of franchise stars from the latter who have made their way to the series. Unfortunately, the series has wound up in the same position as the original Trek series, with an unsure future following three seasons that are available to stream with a Disney+ subscription.

If there's any consolation, Seth MacFarlane set up Season 3 so that the series could continue and have a conclusive ending. The penultimate episode featured some major developments that a new season would likely cover, while the season finale provided a wrap-up point for the characters that could serve as a series finale if needed.

Despite that, I think it's fair to say that many are frustrated with the situation, and wondering why Disney or Hulu hasn't announced anything about whether The Orville is renewed or canceled. We recently passed the three-year mark since Season 3 concluded, and fans were waiting for an answer on Season 4 long before that. I'd like to say I'm optimistic we'll get some sort of update on it when San Diego Comic-Con happens this year, but honestly, I'm kind of expecting it to be ignored yet again.

Continue to enjoy The Orville on Disney+ and Hulu, and maybe we'll eventually get some news from either streamer about whether it'll come back for a new season. As for Star Trek, it's over on Paramount+, and there's no shortage of upcoming Trek shows on the way for sci-fi fans to enjoy.

The subject of A.I. being used in Star Trek has been hotly debated over the past year, and the conversation is only escalating in 2025. This is thanks in part to an OTOY short involving Sam Witwer playing William Shatner's Captain Kirk and other de-aging tactics used to make older actors appear as their younger selves. I expect that discussion about it will ramp up once again, after Jonathan Frakes hilariously quoted Jean-Luc Picard with his take on it.

I've had mixed feelings about A.I. being used for upcoming Trek shows, but Jonathan Frakes and Star Trek: Enterprise actor John Billingsley presented a perspective I hadn't considered when they talked to our sister site TrekCulture. The duo was asked about their preference between having their selves digitally de-aged to reprise their roles or having a younger actor play their character, and with zero hesitation, they said this:

• John Billingsley: "Well if the younger actor took the role I wouldn't get the paycheck. So, on that alone I'd say I have to prefer the alternative."
• Jonathan Frakes: "Exactly. 'The line must be drawn here!'"

I doubt any Star Trek fan had to be reminded of where that Picard line came from, and if you did, maybe it's time to fire up First Contact with a Paramount+ subscription. Sure, de-aging technology may have its controversies, but if these two actors had to choose between that and forfeiting the role to a younger actor, they're ready to revisit their younger years with the help of CGI.

John Billingsley and Jonathan Frakes are not the first to push back against the idea of being recast by younger actors. Michael Dorn told CinemaBlend he hoped he would be dead before Star Trek even considered hiring another actor to play Worf, and the money factor makes sense. Many of these franchise actors built their careers on playing these characters, so it's not a role they'd want to hand off readily.

And yet, it seems that Star Trek is more invested in bringing in new actors to play old characters if the situation calls for it. The cast of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is full of younger faces playing characters of the original series, including Paul Wesley as William Shatner's Kirk.

Of course, some of those casting decisions are unavoidable, considering many of the actors from the original Star Trek cast are no longer with us. The ones who are still around, such as George Takei and Shatner, would likely have a hard time convincing the world they're a spitting image of their younger selves (Shatner just turned 94), even if they had de-aging technology. Sometimes recasting is just the best option, even if actors feel otherwise.

The debate about whether Star Trek should use A.I. or not rages on, as we wait for the return of Strange New Worlds this summer. I'm excited for Season 3 to start, and I hope that will get the online fandom talking about episodes again, rather than focusing on technical decisions related to the franchise.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 is coming this summer, and I am beyond happy to have not just an informative update on when I can watch the next upcoming Trek series, but one with footage to gnaw on. I'm even more thrilled about the new season than I was after watching previous trailers, because the latest promo seen above shows us so much new footage that I can't wait to watch in full.

Series composer Nami Melumad hinted that Season 3 sets a high bar for the sci-fi favorite, and I can easily believe it after seeing some of the unbelievable things going down! Here's what has me most thrilled to fire up that Paramount+ subscription this summer.

Star Trek Is Parodying...Star Trek?

I didn't have Star Trek parodying itself on my bingo card for this season, but I am thrilled to see it. While we only get some brief glimpses of this comedic approach, it seems clear Strange New Worlds is doing its best to emulate the '60s TOS aesthetic, including the look of the costumes, lighting, and even cast members' exaggerated motions.

This looks like an episode that will be heavy on Paul Wesley, who seems to already have a wider presence in Season 3 overall, at least based on this trailer. We do already know he's in Season 4, so I wonder if we're getting getting closer to Pike's accident.

This Terrifying Klingon Gives Off Horror Vibes

There are some quick shots of Klingons shown in this trailer, and one who looks like something out of a horror movie. Fans were told to expect a horror episode in Season 4 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, but it looks like we may be getting a freaky precursor in Season 3 that seemingly involves Dr. M'Benga.

Perhaps he was sent to a Klingon prison planet following the death of Klingon ambassador Rah in Season 2, but that's just a guess. We know M'Benga survives to see Kirk take command, so I wouldn't worry about him too much.

Rhys Darby Joining Season 3

I've been stoked about Rhys Darby showing up in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 since his casting was first announced, and this first glimpse of his character has me even more excited. Based on his attire and sideburns, I think it's fair to say he's playing the mysterious Trelane from TOS, who is basically that era's "Q" for those who may not be familiar.

Darby is excellent in everything he shows up in, especially when he takes on kookier roles, so I'm expecting great things. Perhaps he's responsible for the Star Trek parody scenario we see earlier in the trailer?

The Hollywood Murder Mystery Episode Looks As Amazing As I Envisioned

When Jonathan Frakes initially revealed he was tackling a "Hollywood murder mystery" episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, I thought it would be a Depression-era setting. Seeing the cast all glammed out in '60s attire is way better, especially seeing Anson Mount looking like Austin Powers. This may be my most-anticipated episode, as installments directed by Frakes rarely disappoint.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 is coming this summer to Paramount+, but we don't have an official release date yet. Stick with CinemaBlend, though, as the date draws closer, as I'm sure we'll have plenty more to say as we learn more about what's in store for Pike and crew in this latest batch of episodes.

They say loose lips sink ships, but I'm not sure if the same rule applies in spacecraft. We'll find out, as Jonathan Frakes has once again prematurely let slip previously unknown information about an upcoming Star Trek series. The Next Generation legend attended a convention over the weekend, and attendees got to watch him spill the beans about Starfleet Academy boasting more than one major spot for the spinoff's talented cast to hang out.

We likely still have quite a while before anyone will be streaming Starfleet Academy with a Paramount+ subscription, so it's good that Frakes dropped another bread crumb for fans to mull over. Hopefully he doesn't get any flak from Paramount's Powers That Be, because this one has me even more excited for the show now that I know we might be seeing some space travel.

Jonathan Frakes Revealed Starfleet Academy Will Have A Spaceship

Jonathan Frakes was a guest at Indiana Comic Convention over the weekend, and had the crowd hyped up about Starfleet Academy. After mentioning the series will feature movie stars like Holly Hunter and longtime Trek fan Paul Giamatti, he also dropped some transportation-based information, saying:

While I was originally psyched that another Star Trek series would be set at a single location, as it went with Deep Space Nine, I am stoked to hear there will be some kind of spacecraft in Starfleet Academy. It'll be nice to get the best of both worlds between time at the Academy, and time out in the field, potentially with Robert Picardo's EMH as part of the crew.

When Will Starfleet Academy Come Out?

We don't have an official release date for Starfleet Academy, but we know that Season 1 wrapped production mid-February. This means the lengthy post-production process, which can take many months, is likely underway. As it stands, widespread speculation has many thinking it won't arrive until 2026, which feels like a realistic timetable for the release.

The upcoming series only continues to impress when it comes to casting, as recent months have revealed Starfleet Academy will also bring on She-Hulk star Tatiana Maslany and WWE superstar Becky Lynch. It feels as though Paramount+ is lining up what should be a must-see cast for this series, and one that will draw many interested eyes to the premiere despite it being a new series.

Starfleet Academy will be a step outside what traditional Star Trek fans are familiar with, as it is set in the 32nd century. This puts the show closer to Seasons 3 through 5 of Star Trek: Discovery, and several centuries beyond any previous Trek series. Beyond giving an unprecedented look at what cadets go through before becoming Starfleet Ensigns, hopefully we will learn more about how the universe has changed in those sizable time gaps.

As mentioned, we expect Starfleet Academy to arrive on Paramount+ in 2026. Continue to watch the franchise on the streaming platform in the meantime, and be on the lookout for more new show announcements as the year goes on.

Katee Sackhoff is an actress who knows her way around genre material, most notably from having played Kara “Starbuck” Thrace in Battlestar Galactica and her continuing gig as Bo-Katan Kryze in The Mandalorian and other Star Wars projects. It’s impressive enough that she’s appeared in two of the best sci-fi TV shows available to stream now, but Sackhoff isn’t content with leaving her mark on just those franchises in the genre. She also wants to snag a Star Trek role and luckily for her, Jonathan Frakes of The Next Generation fame has a great idea about who she could play in one of the upcoming Trek TV shows that will be streamable with a Paramount+ subscription.

Sackhoff spoke with Frakes, who starred as William Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation, on her podcast The Sackhoff Show, towards the end of their conversation, she asked him what she has to do to “be in Star Trek,” because she needs a “hat trick.” Sackhoff speculated that the reason she’s never had the opportunity to audition for a Trek project is because those in charge of casting might feel it’d be “too on the nose” to hire her given her past sci-fi roles, but Frakes came up with the below idea on how she could finally accomplish this goal:

In addition to his many appearances as William Riker over the decades, most recently in Picard Season 3, Jonathan Frakes is an accomplished director who’s helmed two Star Trek movies and numerous episodes of the franchise’s TV shows. So not only is it a likely bet that he’ll be brought on to direct an episode of Starfleet Academy, if not several, this also puts him in a pretty good position to pitch Katee Sackhoff for this guest instructor role she’s envisioned. I can only hope he actually does this rather than just mentioned this idea as fun conversation, because it’d be amazing for Sackhoff to take part in Starfleet Academy as an instructor, whether it’s as a character giving off Starbuck vibes or someone who has nothing to do with teaching the art of flying in space.

Taking place in the 32nd century after the events of Star Trek: Discovery, Starfleet Academy will follow the first class of Starfleet cadets in over a century who are training to be officers. In addition to Tig Notaro, Mary Wiseman and Oded Fehr reprising their respective Discovery characters, as well as Robert Picardo coming back as The Doctor from Voyager, the Starfleet Academy cast includes established talent like Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti, Gina Yashere and Tatiana Maslany. While Katee Sackhoff’s primary sci-fi allegiance these days remains with Star Wars these days, she clearly wouldn’t turn down the opportunity for a one-off Star Trek appearance. My fingers are crossed that Jonathan Frakes can arrange this, as Sackhoff would be a welcome addition to this lineup of talent.

Starfleet Academy is expected to debut sometime on the 2025 TV schedule, so stay tuned to CinemaBlend for updates on its progress. The final season of Lower Decks is next on the Star Trek programming slate, followed by the Section 31 movie dropping in January.

While Kelsey Grammer will always be best known for playing Frasier Crane in Cheers, the original Frasier spinoff and the Frasier revival accessible to people with a Paramount+ subscription, he also has some impressive genre credits to his name. The most notable of the bunch is arguably his portrayal of Hank McCoy, a.k.a. Beast, in X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men: Days of Future Past and The Marvels, but Star Trek fans will also remember the time he cameoed in The Next Generation as Captain Morgan Bateson. While speaking with CinemaBlend about Frasier Season 2, which just premiered on the 2024 TV schedule, Grammer opened up about how Jonathan Frakes convinced him to appear on the Star Trek series that ran from 1987 to 1994.

After Grammer spent some time about his experience working on Frasier Season 2 (which sees him reuniting with his Back to You co-star Patricia Heaton) alongside Roz Doyle actress Peri Gilpin, I brought up his cameo as Morgan Bateson in The Next Generation Season 5 episode “Cause and Effect.” That was the first and only time we’ve seen the actor play this Star Trek character, and when I asked him if there had ever been any talks about him reprising Bateson in another show or project, he told me:

“Cause and Effect” followed the crew of the USS Enterprise-D getting caught in a time loop where they keep crashing into the USS Bozeman, a Federation ship that disappeared over 90 years ago. With each time loop, the Enterprise’s senior staff experience déjà vu, eventually learn about their predicament and figure out a way to prevent the ships from colliding, thus ending the loop. Kelsey Grammer’s Morgan Bateson appears at the very end of the episode, unaware that nearly a century has gone by, though the episode ends before we can see Jean-Luc Picard break the news to him.

This role afforded Kelsey Grammer the opportunity to wear the same kind of uniform that Captain James T. Kirk and other Starfleet officers wore in the era between The Wrath of Khan to the prologue of Generations, roughly. That was a big selling point for Grammer when Jonathan Frakes approached him, as he liked the idea that Morgan Bateson was colleagues with William Shatner’s character. Alas, no other opportunities came along for Grammer to reprise Bateson, although the character did make a silent cameo in the Star Trek: Lower Decks episode “Grounded” as the leader of the team that exonerated Carol Freeman, the captain of the USS Cerritos.

Revisit Grammer’s brief time in the Star Trek universe by streaming “Cause and Effect” on Paramount+, which you’ll also need if you want to keep up with the latest exploits of Dr. Frasier Crane. Next up on the Star Trek front is the fifth and final season of Lower Decks, which premieres its first two episodes on October 24.

Back in the classic days of Star Trek, a shaking camera and the crew acting like they were being tossed around would emulate a Starfleet vessel being attacked. We have sparks and fireballs in modern shows, which I've always thought were awesome, but I was also very confused about them. How exactly are these effects done while ensuring the crew's safety and preservation of the set? Fortunately, frequent Trek director and actor Jonathan Frakes had an answer for me.

I spoke to Frakes toward the end of Star Trek: Discovery's run and realized he was the perfect person to ask this question. As the director of several episodes of modern Trek, all of which are available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription, I asked how the crews manage to make sparks rain down to the floor without worrying about a fire breaking out. He answered:

So there's a mixture of both real and CGI sparks flying when the Enterprise, Discovery or a ship on the upcoming Star Trek shows gets hit. I agree that the sparks make the scenes pop and reflect damage to the ship in a way previous shows did not, so I can see why they've become a favorite of Jonathan Frakes and Disco EP Olutande Osunsanmi. The latter directed the upcoming Star Trek: Section 31 movie starring Michelle Yeoh, so now I will look for sparks in the film.

And while Strange New Worlds and other new shows don't have some of the effects that made for some of the more WTF moments of The Next Generation, they do feature a lot of fire. Fortunately, it seems that the crew takes plenty of precautions to ensure that actors and actresses are protected from the flames, which are produced both practically and digitally like the sparks:

Jonathan Frakes added a bit of inside baseball that back in the day, a visual effects studio would use its ability to replicate fire and water as a calling card to the level of quality they could provide. It's not exactly something Star Trek fans need to know, but I appreciated hearing this aside from a Hollywood legend who I could listen to for hours talk about the process of making a show.

Jonathan Frakes' time on Star Trek: Discovery is over, but he's already wrapped work on his latest directed episode of Strange New Worlds Season 3. I would also imagine that he'll be asked to direct an episode of Starfleet Academy when the show officially goes into production and link up with the latest star of the series, Holly Hunter.

Now I'm wondering if the Starfleet Academy of the future can shoot sparks and flames in the same way a Starfleet vessel can. I'm sure there are enough electronics in that place to make it happen, though I'd hope the academy itself wouldn't come under attack. I guess we shall see before too long, and hopefully get more of Jonathan Frakes in the future of Star Trek ASAP.

We're currently living in a world without new Star Trek, though Prodigy Season 2 premieres on Netflix July 1st. All 20 episodes dropping at once should keep fans occupied for at least a day or so, and hopefully by then we'll have more teases and projects to look forward to!

Star Trek: Discovery is ending with the fifth season's swan song, and few were as vocally upset about the initial cancellation news as frequent episode director, Jonathan Frakes. The Riker portrayer went on the record with CinemaBlend at the time to say Disco's cancellation sucked (preach), and part of his take was possibly tied to realizing his time with star Sonequa Martin-Green was ending, at least here. Frakes sang the actress' praises to us, and so revealed why he was grateful he didn't know he was directing one of Discovery's final episodes when it filmed.

Though "Lagrange Point," available to stream now with a Paramount+ subscription, wasn't originally intended to be the penultimate episode of the series, things played out that way in time. During my latest talk with the Star Trek icon about his experience on the episode, I first asked Frakes what it was like working with star Sonequa Martin-Green over the years:

Jonathan Frakes' response is not surprising, as I've heard nothing but positive stories about working with Sonequa Martin-Green from the cast and crew of Star Trek: Discovery over the years. Whether it's her warmth and positivity with everyone behind the scenes, or goofing around with co-star Mary Wiseman between takes, it always seems like Martin-Green did what she could to make working on the series a blast for all involved.

With Discovery ending, it's unknown at this point whether or not we can expect to see Sonequa Martin-Green on any upcoming Trek shows, presumably reprising the role of Michael Burnham. Of course, that kind of question wasn't even in consideration when "Lagrange Point" was being filmed, since all involved weren't treating it as a set-up for a finale.

Jonathan Frakes confirmed to CInemaBlend that, in retrospect, he's glad to have been in the dark on its unfortunate fate during the creative process, specifically when it came to working with the show's captain. In his words:

For now, we know there will be at least one Star Trek series where Michael Burnham can possibly appear. The upcoming Starfleet Academy series is also set in the 32nd century, and I could see Burnham showing up despite the series already securing A+ thesp Holly Hunter as its first star. I've also speculated Mary Wiseman will continue to teach at the academy like she has in Discovery, though Wiseman deflected when CinemaBlend asked her about it. 

Whatever the future holds for Michael Burnham, I do hope Sonequa Martin-Green (and Jonathan Frakes) remains attached to the franchise in some way. She's played a key part in setting the tone for this new era of storytelling with her attitude in Discovery, and I'd love to hear her aura positively impacts future Trek sets going forward, whether she's in front of the camera or not. 

Star Trek: Discovery's finale streams on Paramount+ beginning on Thursday, May 30th. Get ready for the final scenes of the series and for the future of what's to come after this beloved series finally bows, and our 2024 TV schedule will clue you in on what else will be starting soon.

From the time it premiered, critics and audiences alike praised Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and the series has won over enough for Paramount+ to have the confidence to renew it for Season 4 before Season 3 has even aired. Even as a fan of every show that's been released, I would say it's arguably the most popular show of the franchise since The Next Generation, though it took a conversation with director Jonathan Frakes to really drive that home for me.

I had the honor of speaking to Frakes ahead of the arrival of the latest Discovery episode he directed, "Lagrange Point," which will be available to watch with a Paramount+ subscription. I mentioned Strange New Worlds to Frakes, knowing he recently completed work on an episode for Season 3, and in response to me asking if he believes the wait for the new episodes in 2025 will be worth it, he said this:

When it comes to Star Trek, everything is debatable. That said, it does seem as though Strange New Worlds has the most fans on board compared to the other shows of the new era. Taking big swings certainly plays a part in that, as Jonathan Frakes said, and I don't think there's any denying its done that.

Whether it's pushing forward the franchise universe's timeline of World War III or when exactly Khan Noonien Singh was born, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has not only done that, but found ways to reconcile it with the previously existing canon. Jonathan Frakes said some people deserve credit for that and listed them by name:

It's no surprise to see Frakes mention any of those names listed above. Akiva Goldsman initially pitched the idea for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds in the Discovery Season 1 writer' room, and top brass Alex Kurtzman paved the way for it with the story while acting as showrunner in Discovery Season 2. Of course, Goldsman and Henry Alonso Myers share showrunner duties for SNW, and Fisher is an EP on the series, along with the rest.

It remains to be seen if Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will still be the franchise's golden child in the future as Seasons 3 and 4 arrive and other upcoming Star Trek shows pop up on the scene. For now, however, it holds the top title, and while Jonathan Frakes has admitted the praise can be bittersweet to see sometimes, we're lucky as fans to see him contribute to it as often as he has.

Strange New Worlds Season 3 will presumably pick up where the end of Season 2 left off. After a tense conflict with the Gorn escalated, Pike was faced with the decision to retreat and avoid engaging the species further, or to try to save the crew members left on the Gorn ship. I would reckon there's not much suspense on what decision he's going to make if you watch the show, but I'm eager to see the new season finally arrive in 2025 all the same.

Those who are counting the days until Star Trek: Strange New Worlds returns can watch old episodes right now on Paramount+. I'd also recommend anyone check out the final season of Discovery while they're there, as this season has arguably been the best one yet.

As fans wait to see Star Trek: Discovery's final season, the franchise devotees are sadly saying goodbye to one of its most-beloved actors. Kenneth "Ken" Mitchell, who played a handful of roles throughout the series' run (both alien and human), passed away at the age of 49 on Saturday following a long battle with ALS. The actor's death sparked a myriad of reactions across the community, ranging from big stars like William Shatner and Jonathan Frakes to various fans who met him at conventions. 

News of Ken Mitchell's passing arrived via his X account and on Instagram, and tributes began to flow in almost immediately. Even William Shatner had nothing but kind words to share about the late actor: 

Jonathan Frakes, who directed episodes of Star Trek: Discovery and was one of the first to say its cancellation sucked, also had kind words for the late Ken Mitchell. He spoke out on Instagram among the scores of comments for the actor, with a brief but thoughtful comment: 

Star Trek: Voyager actor Garrett Wang, who played frequently done dirty character Harry Kim, was also in the comments. He also shared a short message that fans far and wide can appreciate:

Ken Mitchell played a handful of characters across the run of Star Trek: Discovery. The Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, and Tenavik and would later return to play the human Aurellio. He also provided some voice work for the first season of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Fans around the world are likely revisiting his work with a Paramount+ subscription, as people like @Tyranicus talked about what he meant to the community:

As fans and stars donate to the Go Fund Me supporting his wife and family, questions are being asked about whether or not he is going to be a part of upcoming Trek shows. As of writing, there's nothing official about an appearance in the final season of Discovery, but the actor did not appear in Season 4. It would be great to see him in the final season, which apparently has a different vibe than previous seasons. 

As someone who saw Kenneth Mitchell in person at Star Trek: Mission Chicago, I can add my voice to the many around the Internet, speaking to his positive nature and glowing personality. @Klowenberg confirmed the various stories I heard throughout the convention, which claimed that he was as nice in person as he was talented: 

As fans gear up for the final season of Star Trek: Discovery by watching the latest trailer, I'm sure much more will be said about Ken Mitchell and the legacy he's left behind. Even if he isn't a part of the season, I would be shocked if the Paramount+ series doesn't honor him in some way, given its track record of showing empathy and care. 

We here at CinemaBlend wish the best to the family and friends of Ken Mitchell as we continue to read more and more stories about his life both inside and outside of Star Trek. Now, would be the perfect time to revisit his past roles, and I'd highly recommend honoring him by checking out his work as Aurellio on Season 3 of Discovery. 

Star Trek's Jonathan Frakes may have a new TV gig lined up, but that doesn't mean he's all out on the franchise that brought him to prominence. The director and actor recently took part in a Reddit AMA and, naturally, there were plenty of fans of The Next Generation wanting to hear about his time on the show. I'm thankful I was aware of it, because I just now learned about Frakes' favorite memory from working on the beloved show. And it involves one of the most WTF behind-the-scenes activities that Patrick Stewart and the cast used to get up to. 

On the whole, Jonathan Frakes and other Star Trek notables received a wide variety of questions on Reddit, some of which involved the constant calls for the Legacy spinoff of Picard. The notion of someone asking about his favorite memory from his time working on the show was probably a given, but the answer is a bit unexpected. I've seen plenty of WTF moments on TNG, but never in a million years would I have guessed what Jonathan Frakes would say happened behind the scenes:

At first, I thought the often humorous actor was just being funny. I mean, Patrick Stewart -- the man who engages with fans by reading Shakespearean sonnets for fun -- grappling in between takes with Michael Dorn? Surely, this was some kind of a joke, as I couldn't in my wildest dreams imagine the man who played Picard suplexing the Worf actor on the Bridge of the Enterprise. It's a moment that one won't find when watching Star Trek: The Next Generation with a Paramount+ subscription.

However, after doing a deep dive on the web, I uncovered more information confirming that Jonathan Frakes wasn't pulling our legs. In an interview conducted on the Inside Of You podcast, which was published in 2023, the actor talked about the two wrestling between takes and what a distraction it was when he directed episodes:

Imagine watching Michael Dorn in full Klingon makeup grappling with Patrick Stewart while Brent Spiner does a Vegas crooner bit at the same time. I'd feel like I was losing my mind, especially if I was a director. Leonard Nimoy didn't have this marked as a reason why he didn't want to be an executive producer on Star Trek: The Next Generation, but I'd wager if he saw it, he would've added it to the list of reasons why he wouldn't sign up.

I would also add that while I'm sure there are some shenanigans that will occur on the sets of upcoming Trek shows, it's hard to imagine anything quite as wild as a wrestling match might occur. I guess times really have changed though, if you're a director on Star Trek, I'd say it's likely for the best that stars aren't engaging in the same level of horseplay. Nevertheless, I would've loved to have been a fly on the wall on the set of TNG during these moments, if only to see that all go down with my own eyes. Because I still have trouble believing it actually happened.

Watch Star Trek: The Next Generation anytime over on Paramount+. There's never a bad time to start a watch-through of one of the franchise's most beloved entries, and with the current lull in new content, one could breeze through the series before the arrival of the final season of Discovery. And, seriously, don't hold your breath for wrestling matches.

Jonathan Frakes may be one of the key players in the Star Trek world, both in front of and behind the camera, but he's done (and continues to do) plenty of work beyond that franchise. While Frakes confirmed to CinemaBlend that he will be directing episodes for Strange New Worlds Season 3, he'll also be busy with another project, as he's on board to direct a potential TV series. Frakes has signed on to direct a new sci-fi show, and the commitment could keep him away from Starfleet for a while. 

The Star Trek: First Contact director will be at the helm for Deathlands, a ten-part series adapted from the novel and audiobook by James Axler and Jack Adrian. Deadline reported that the William Riker actor will direct the entire series and that Mark A. Altman will serve as showrunner. Altman, Jeff Garzik, and Thomas P. Vitale will serve as executive producers. The series comes from NextCypher Productions. 

Deathlands is set to the backdrop of a re-imagined world set a hundred years after nuclear strikes between the United States and the Soviet Union. It will feature survivors emerging in a post-apocalyptic society that is full of mutated beings. The main character, Ryan Cawthor, is thrown into the mix and travels the Deathlands via teleportation technology. Jonathan Frakes had this to say about the story and why he felt compelled to join as a director:

Filming will take place during the spring in Bulgaria, which will presumably tie up Jonathan Frakes' schedule for a chunk of the year. This would presumably keep him from committing to any upcoming Star Trek shows he hasn't already agreed to be a part of. Though we're not currently aware of anything beyond his directorial duties on Strange New Worlds Season 3. 

At present, Star Trek: Picard is finished and Jonathan Frakes ended Season 3 with an award-worthy performance as Riker. Considering that and the fact that there's currently no follow-up in the works, one can assume he might not be needed as an actor on the set of any Starfleet-centric series in the near future. That's a somewhat disappointing notion for me, as a fan of Frakes' work as Riker. But, again, we never know for sure what may be going on behind the scenes and what the actor's work schedule is. 

Also, while Deadlands will take him away from the franchise for a time, I wouldn't expect Jonathan Frakes to cease his ongoing directing work for Star Trek entirely. He's had directing credits in every new live-action series thus far, so one would imagine he'll also direct an episode or two of the upcoming Starfleet Academy series. It's also possible that there are other unannounced spinoffs on the way that he could possibly be involved in, including some of the ideas I've thought Paramount should pursue. Regardless of what happens there, it's great to see the actor/director continuing to work consistently in the industry and taking on fresh material.

There's no word yet on when or if Deadlands will land a network or streaming platform, but some of Jonathan Frakes best work as a director is currently available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription. Check out some of his best-directed episodes of Star Trek, as well as some of his best performances. 

Warning! The following contains spoilers from Hallmark's movie A Biltmore Christmas. Read at your own risk!

A Biltmore Christmas recently made its debut, and while some viewers are already checking which upcoming Hallmark movies deserve to be watched next, others like myself might have lingering questions about the time-traveling adventure filmed at the famous Biltmore estate. For example, did Winston know the hourglass was sending Lucy back and forth through time? With no one better to ask than star Jonathan Frakes himself, CinemaBlend took our unanswered question to the Star Trek vet to get his take.

Throughout A Biltmore Christmas, Jonathan Frakes' Winston seems oblivious to the hourglass' mystical properties. This notion continues throughout the movie until the very end, where it does seem for a moment or two that Winston was indeed aware of what was happening to Lucy the entire time. During a wonderful interview with the actor, I asked about the hourglass and learned his perspective on what Winston knew: 

I want to agree with Jonathan Frakes, as it seemed Winston was adamant about Lucy checking out the hourglass during the Biltmore tour in the first place. At the same time, the middle of the movie features him trying to make his way to the hourglass only to be sidetracked by Margaret, the only Biltmore guest who knew of Lucy's time-travel adventures. 

Perhaps Margaret just misunderstood what Winston was doing, and he was merely ensuring its protection until Lucy could return? I could buy that, especially if it meant Winston intentionally left out the hourglass so Jack could travel to the future to be with Lucy. The other possibility is that Winston was unassuming, and it was all a coincidence he didn't accidentally jeopardize the whole adventure, which doesn't seem nearly as fun. 

The Star Trek fan in me wants to believe that Winston was actually Riker in disguise, and that the hourglass was some mysterious alien artifact. That's my headcanon, though, and nothing that officially enters into either Hallmark or Trek lore. Jonathan Frakes says there are other reasons for Trekkies to watch beyond my wild speculation. 

One of the best reasons to check out A Biltmore Christmas is that the movie was filmed at the real-life location of the Biltmore Estate, which has been the home to many films over the years. The former home of the Vanderbilt family has been the setting for scenes in movies such as Forrest Gump, Last of the Mohicans, and Richie Rich. Viewers who tune in to enjoy this one of the jaw-dropping forty Christmas movies made by Hallmark for 2023 may spot one of those locations in the movie and be blown away by the massive rooms featured in each scene. 

Questions about the hourglass aside, A Biltmore Christmas is a strong contender as one of the best Christmas movies of the 2023 holiday season and a solid watch for sci-fi fans eager for upcoming Star Trek projects in 2024 and beyond. With so many classics on repeat this year, why not shake it up with a new entry from the Hallmark network? 

A Biltmore Christmas is available to stream right now with a Peacock Premium subscription or check listings for when it'll next air on the Hallmark channel. Of course, there are plenty of other Christmas movies to check out there, so it's never a bad idea just to flip it on for the day just to enjoy what's on. 

Star Trek's Jonathan Frakes and Robert Picardo are among the stars attached to the upcoming Hallmark movie A Biltmore Christmas. In this production, both actors take a back seat to co-leads Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha. However, plenty of fans will undoubtedly be interested in seeing a holiday moving featuring the stars who portray Riker and the EMH. I had the opportunity to speak with Frakes about the project and asked if he thought Trekkies would enjoy the festive flick. He does indeed believe fans should tune in and was candid about why that is.

Just before I asked Jonathan Frakes about his upcoming return to Star Trek, I had to inquire about how A Biltmore Christmas could appeal to a sci-fi-loving audience. The actor, who plays Biltmore employee Winston in the upcoming film, was more than happy to give his thoughts. In doing so, he argued that we historically haven't seen much of the holiday spirit within Trek:

Outside of sporadic brief mentions in a couple of episodes and a scene in Star Trek Generations, Jonathan Frakes is right that the holiday has never really been a priority with the franchise. As such, you won't find a Trek project on a list of best Christmas movies, which is what makes the idea of Frakes' merry dramedy so appealing. 

The veteran actor and director's comments may be reassuring for some and ultimately entice the average Star Trek fan to check out the movie even if it isn't completely in line with the franchise's humanist perspective. The Gargoyles alum pointed to the familial bonds formed on a starship, for example, and noted how many Hallmark movies also deal with family. Science fiction and heart-warming Christmas tales may seem far apart on the surface, but the two can work in harmony if meshed effectively. (The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, which aired in 2022, was a firm example of that.)

As a Trek fan who was able to screen A Biltmore Christmas in advance, I can say that it was a thrill to see Jonathan Frakes and Robert Picardo. I'll also add that the plot heavily dabbles in time travel and has a premise almost as out there as some of The Next Generation's most WTF moments. 

The Hallmark original centers around a writer tasked with crafting a script for a remake of a classic Christmas movie. When her new ending conflicts with the original's "unrealistic" ending, her boss sends her to the Biltmore estate (which is a real-life former home of the Vanderbilts and the setting of the fictional film). Through mysterious events, the screenwriter is transported back and forth through time and is able to learn the true story behind the movie. 

While Star Trek fans are probably more concerned about upcoming Trek shows or spinoffs Paramount+ should make right about now, this is a movie they may want to check out. After all, the franchise doesn't have any new content airing right now, so why not try something new? 

Watch Jonathan Frakes and more in A Biltmore Christmas, which premieres on Sunday, November 26th at 8:00 p.m. ET. Of course, Trek fans can also use a Paramount+ subscription to see more of him as Riker, but maybe wait and do that after you've seen the movie. 

The strikes are over, and slowly but surely, many across Hollywood getting back to work on fan-favorite projects. This includes Star Trek's Jonathan Frakes, who spoke to CinemaBlend about his post-strike schedule and shared some exciting news about his future with the franchise. Before all that, however, he's be trading space-faring adventures for something far more cozy, as he's starring the Hallmark Christmas movie A Biltmore Christmas, which may serve as a heartwarming way for fans to spend their time while waiting on upcoming Trek shows. 

I had the honor of speaking to Jonathan Frakes about his work on A Biltmore Christmas, which is set to debut on Hallmark Channel on Sunday, November 26th, at 8:00 p.m. ET. When I inquired about what other projects he might be working on or promoting in his future, the actor confirmed that it won't be long before he'll be back and invested in the Star Trek universe, along with some other gigs. In his words:

The actor and director will join the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds crew to helm at least one episode of the throwback spinoff as that project rolls into its Season 3 shoot. The series was reportedly one day from starting Season 3's production process ahead of the strikes, so one can imagine Jonathan Frakes and others are thrilled to finally get started on it. 

He's also tackling some voice work for the video game Star Trek: Resurgence, which was released in April 2023. That said, it's not clear if he meant he would be rerecording dialogue to replace something in the finished game, or if this would be for a future DLC release. and has some other things going on outside of the franchise. I'm excited to see what else he's working on outside of the franchise, of course, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit I'm still eagerly waiting on the resolution to SNW's cliffhanger Season 2 finale.

It'll probably be a while before we see anything from Season 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, so it's a good thing we'll see some actors from the franchise soon in the Hallmark movie A Biltmore Christmas. The story centers around a screenwriter named Lucy Hardgrove, tasked with penning the remake of a Christmas classic, only to be sent to the Biltmore estate where it was filmed because her boss didn't like the re-imagined ending. While visiting, Lucy discovers the ability to travel through time to the original movie's filming and learns the real story behind the iconic film. Jonathan Frakes plays Winston, who works at the Biltmore estate and can be seen alongside actress Bethany Joy Lenz below:

Jonathan Frakes is not the only Star Trek veteran attached to A Biltmore Christmas, either. Robert Picardo is also attached to the upcoming Hallmark movie, in a role quite unlike his previous one as the Emergency Medical Hologram on Voyager. Both men are great actors, and fans of their sci-fi work may love the opportunity to see them teaming up for something a little different this holiday season.

And while it doesn't appear Jonathan Frakes has any live-action Star Trek appearances lined up for the near future, we do know that he served as a director on the upcoming final season of Discovery. Frakes agreed with fans at the time that DISCO ending so soon sucked, so having him attached to the show at the end feels like a holiday blessing, even if the season isn't starting until after the holidays. 

Star Trek is a successful franchise, but to say it tends to sidestep holidays with any religious connection, like Christmas, is an understatement. As such, I feel like it'll be a treat as a fan to see Jonathan Frakes interacting in such a different type of project, especially after his phenomenal performance in Picard Season 3. I said back then he deserved awards recognition for Riker, and if that won't happen, perhaps he'll get some shine for this movie. 

More Star Trek is on the way in 2024, but those with a Paramount+ subscription can binge all sorts of content right now. And, of course, don't forget to catch Jonathan Frakes in A Biltmore Christmas on the Hallmark Channel on Sunday, November 26th. 

Star Trek's Jonathan Frakes has had his hands all over the franchise, figuratively and literally. As a director, he's been behind the camera for nearly every new series that's come around over the years, including the much-beloved Strange New Worlds. That show is far and away the most popular of the new era, especially when it comes to critics, and while Frakes is proud to be a part of that success, he recently admitted that reading all of that praise actually brought about some bittersweet feelings. 

Jonathan Frakes spoke with Star Trek Explorer, which StarTrek.com shared online for all to see, and the interview touched upon the latest episode he spearheaded, the Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks crossover "Those Old Scientists," which led to the Riker portrayer opening up about the latest live-action spinoff. Frakes talked about being involved behind the scenes going into the highly anticipated premiere, after having directed in Season 1, and how he felt conflicted reading some of the reviews: 

Jonathan Frakes sounds grateful that there were so many people who enjoyed Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, but still felt somewhat hurt by those whose comments directly or indirectly criticized Discovery and Picard in the same breath. He directed episodes for both of those shows as well by that point and, of course, also reprised his role as Will Riker. The actor confessed at the time he had a lot of anxiety about reprising the beloved role after such a long time away from it, so I can understand the extra sting of potentially reading there were fans who didn't appreciate his return. 

Frakes eventually found widespread acclaim for his performance as Riker in Season 3 of Star Trek: Picard and is on the record as a lover of all of the modern Trek shows. In fact, the director was one of the first to criticize the conclusion of Discovery, indicating he would've rather seen it continue past Season 6. It's hardly surprising he'd feel this way about hearing critics talk about the Trek they want to see and the suggestion that other things he was in before were less than. 

Right now, production is paused on all upcoming Star Trek shows. Once the strikes are over, however, production should get rolling on Strange New Worlds Season 3 and the anticipated Section 31 movie with Michelle Yeoh. Despite complaints about some projects, and the jettisoning of Prodigy from Paramount+, the overall health of the franchise still appears to be strong. That means there's plenty of time for opinions to change on these previous shows and maybe make Frakes feel a bit less offended by the backhanded compliments people are paying him online and in person about his projects. 

Those with a Paramount+ subscription can watch almost every Star Trek show and movie right now. That should be enough to hold most people over until new shows can be produced again, but if not, there's no lack of content on the streamer to check out as well. 

Star Trek: Picard is zooming right along and, for the moment, it seems as though it will indeed be the final adventure for the OG Next Generation cast. And yet, Trek fans should know by now that just because the adventure is over for the actors, doesn't mean it necessarily concludes for their characters. A number of legacy roles have been recast over the years, as viewers no doubt know. With that in mind, I had to ask franchise icons Michael Dorn and Jonathan Frakes how they'd feel about their roles being played by other actors someday. 

Michael Dorn has appeared in Star Trek more frequently than any other actor in the franchise, so it's understandable that he would be a bit protective of the role. When I asked Dorn about the idea of someone succeeding him in the role of Worf one day, he shared a relatively blunt take on the notion: 

Michael Dorn's comments suggest that he doesn't see a reality in which Star Trek would recast characters from The Next Generation. But fans have seen that practice often by way of Discovery and Strange New Worlds, which has brought back a lot of major characters. A key factor to mention here, of course, is that these iterations exist as part of the "Prime timeline." All in all, when the franchise has successfully reimagined roles as iconic as Captain Kirk and Spock, it's hard to imagine that anyone is truly off the table. 

When I asked Jonathan Frakes the recasting question, he had some very interesting thoughts. Faced with the idea of someone replacing him as Will Riker, he offered up a unique suggestion: 

Wil Wheaton, of course, already plays Wesley Crusher in the Star Trek universes. I'm not sure the franchise would tap him to play a younger Riker, though I'd be interested to see how Wheaton would fare in the role. Maybe he can give it a shot in an upcoming episode of The Ready Room? 

Ultimately, neither actor seemed willing to get too candid about their thoughts on other characters playing Worf and Riker, but that's not surprising. Plus, there are still plenty of people who are begging for more projects featuring them in their iconic roles, after seeing their work in Star Trek: Picard Season 3. I mean, if the actors are still content playing the parts, is there even reason for the producers to consider recasting?

Yet there are a lot of factors to consider in regard to whether Paramount+ will opt for a Picard follow-up and, as of writing, there's nothing officially in the works. With that said, Michael Dorn shared some interesting thoughts on the ending of Season 3 and how he thinks endings are overrated. Could this mean there is a story to tell beyond Picard that features Dorn, Jonathan Frakes and their colleagues reprising their roles again? I sure hope so. 

Catch new episodes of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 on Thursdays by streaming them with a Paramount+ subscription. Now is the time to subscribe if you're looking to catch the series in its final season -- or if you want to get in on the upcoming Trek shows arriving later this year. 

Star Trek: Picard Season 3 is connecting with a lot of fans of The Next Generation and has folks talking about future adventures with past beloved characters. With Kate Mulgrew talking about her wish to return to live-action and fans still talking about a Voyager movie being made, it seems like an obvious idea to make a Trek movie that's exclusive to Paramount+. So, why hasn't it happened yet? CinemaBlend might have some insight, thanks to our recent interview with actor and director Jonathan Frakes. 

I spoke to Jonathan Frakes about Star Trek: Picard and his recent wonderful episodes as Will Riker, and we also discussed the future of the franchise, with Discovery and Picard ending. The door is open for Paramount+ to bring in more Trek shows, and maybe even make a straight-to-streaming feature of some kind. When I asked Frakes about the odds of that happening, and why we haven't heard about something similar being utilized, he said the following: 

Jonathan Frakes, who directed Star Trek: First Contact and Insurrection in the past, implied it's unlikely that any Star Trek movies will be made specifically for Paramount+. The parent studio is seemingly intent on sticking Star Trek movies to the big screen, even though the franchise hasn't released anything since Beyond arrived in 2016. 

Paramount and various creatives have been working on a fourth Star Trek movie set in the Kelvin universe, but hit numerous roadblocks trying to make it happen. When I asked if it seemed like the only types of Trek movies we're going to see will be set in the Kelvin universe, Jonathan Frakes said this: 

Jonathan Frakes can only present the info that he's currently aware of, so there's no telling that this is the actual stance of how things are in Star Trek. With that said, it would be pretty disappointing to hear for sure that there's no chance of movies being made for Paramount+ in light of the news of Discovery ending, as that would be a great way to keep giving fans more adventures in the future. 

Paramount+ movies for Star Trek would also present an opportunity for movies that are very much in demand amongst fans, but perhaps might lack the mega-mainstream appeal to justify a big-screen feature. However, if Jonathan Frakes is correct that Paramount+ isn't going to make any movies at all, the odds of any standalone features being made feel slim to none. 

Of course, there's no telling how quickly conversations may change behind the scenes, and if Paramount still is no closer to making Star Trek 4 by the end of 2023, maybe we'll get a Trek movie another way. I know that I still have my heart set on Quentin Tarantino's movie one day getting made, as bonkers as it sounded. 

Pick up a Paramount+ subscription to see Jonathan Frakes in new episodes of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 on Thursdays. The actor is delivering a performance I feel is worthy of awards recognition, but viewers can tune into Paramount+ and judge for themselves. 

Warning! The following may contain SPOILERS for the Star Trek: Picard episode "No Win Scenario." Read at your own risk! 

Many fans see Star Trek: Picard Season 3 as the farewell to Patrick Stewart's Jean-Luc Picard. The actor honored his three-season commitment to return as the character, and we're in the midst of a final season with a cast that's just one Wil Wheaton shy of being the full crew of The Next Generation. I expected to feel nostalgia and happiness for Stewart's final performance, but what I didn't expect was to be campaigning for Jonathan Frakes to win an award for his work as Will Riker. 

Jonathan Frakes took things to another level in his latest return to Star Trek: Picard, and is doing more than just holding his own in Season 3 in what is essentially a co-leading role during the first half of the season. Here's what I've seen so far that has me wanting Paramount+ to push for Frakes this coming awards show season and get one of Star Trek's biggest names an award of some kind. 

Jonathan Frakes Is Holding His Own In Season 3 Alongside Patrick Stewart

I want to start this out by saying that Jonathan Frakes has always been a good actor, and Riker was one of my favorite characters on Star Trek: The Next Generation. With that said, Frakes has devoted himself more to directing in the latter years of his career, while Patrick Stewart made the transition to film via other projects and the X-Men franchise. Stewart has had more experience between the two in acting over the past decade, but you wouldn't know it based on Star Trek: Picard Season 3. 

Riker has a heavy presence in Season 3, whereas he was hardly in Season 1. When I interviewed Jonathan Frakes recently about how he found out just how substantial his role would be in the final season, he said he'd been tipped off on Riker's story expanding while directing in Season 2: 

Star Trek: Picard Season 3 starts out with Riker joining Jean-Luc's mission to rescue Beverly Crusher, though that's not his sole motivation. Riker confessed that he and Deanna Troi's marriage has felt strained since the loss of his son, and he hasn't been able to pull himself out of it.

It may feel like Terry Matalas strapped a new story and gravitas to Riker, but as Jonathan Frakes pointed out during our interview, this all goes back to Season 1. I asked Frakes about how he found the character further since his portrayal in Season 1, and he said he really didn't have to thanks to all that was established previously: 

Jonathan Frakes had Riker's backstory already, so once he blended that in with Season 3's longer scenes better showcasing the character's decades of Starfleet service as a captain, it all came together. Perhaps Frakes had this all along, and it just took the opportunity for him to live in these scenes alongside Patrick Stewart's Picard for fans to really see it. 

What Makes Jonathan Frakes Performance Award-Worthy?

Gene Roddenberry's vision of Star Trek helped propel the franchise to new heights and make The Next Generation a success. With all of that being said, not everything he wanted for Trek has aged well in hindsight. For example, his request to have no interpersonal conflict between the crew didn't allow the actors to really flex their talents the way they could. 

It also caused some people to get up in arms in Star Trek: Picard's "Seventeen Seconds," in which we saw Riker and Picard get into a heated argument on the bridge. Many claimed that the fight felt unrealistic given their past exchanges in TNG, but I'd argue it's the most realistic we've ever seen either character depicted. 

Sure, it's a different look to see them fight, but Riker has never been afraid to get loud when his authority is challenged. In that moment, he's very much the RIker I've always known, with the difference being he's taking out his aggression on a man in which the line between friend and superior officer has blurred heavily. That's not the way you yell at a stranger, that's the way you yell at a loved one who hurt you. 

Jonathan Frakes has transformed Riker from The Next Generation to Picard in a way that feels more familiar and lived in than any character we've seen reprise their legacy role. I look at his performance as a fan and I see both the character from decades prior, but also the man he became decades later. No doubt that's thanks in part to some phenomenal script-writing and a creative team that knows its characters, but it's also a credit to Frakes and what he brings to the role. 

The only downside of this is that it's a performance that's really only noticeable to long-time Star Trek fans who experienced Jonathan Frakes throughout the years. Beyond the fact that Star Trek have never gotten a ton of love at the Emmys for performances, I question whether the average mainstream voter would look at his performance in Picard and recognize just how great it really is. 

I've seen a lot of revivals and reprisals in this era, and while nostalgia and returns are always great, the performances are usually just fine. Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's returns as Spider-Man weren't phenomenal, and the Fuller House cast did a fine job reprising to their Full House roles. I just can't express how much Jonathan Frakes knocked it out of the park with this role and continues to do so. We're not even to the end of Picard Season 3, so there are still weeks for him to make a stronger case. I can't say for sure if he'll win anything, but I'm officially starting the campaign now for folks to start considering it. 

Star Trek: Picard streams new episodes on Paramount+ on Thursdays. Anyone with a Paramount+ subscription definitely needs to check out Season 3, and then maybe catch up on all the other new shows Star Trek has delivered in the past years if they haven't already. 

Star Trek: Discovery is confirmed to be ending after Season 5, and there are a number of fans disappointed to see the series come to its conclusion. Readers can count The Next Generation and Picard's Jonathan Frakes among that group as well, as he exclusively shared his thoughts about the series ending with CinemaBlend. Frakes had a lot to say about Discovery's final season and what's yet to come, and shared the fact that the latest news "sucks" just as much for him as anyone else. 

I spoke to Jonathan Frakes in regards to his still stellar work on Star Trek: Picard, as well as the upcoming ending of Discovery. Frakes has been a part of Discovery since Season 1, serving as a director, and has spoken fondly in the past about the series that kicked off the most recent influx of streaming Trek fare. As such, I wanted his thoughts on knowing the sci-fi saga is gearing up for its final batch of episodes, and the Trek star wasn't too subtle about his feelings on the situation: 

Jonathan Frakes is indeed disappointed to see Star Trek: Discovery go, in case anyone thought this plan was conceived and discussed long ago, but still had praise for just about everyone involved in its production. His statements about feeling the "pain" of its ending is certainly interesting to me, as there are questions about how long the creative team has known that the series would end with Season 5.

The silver lining behind Star Trek: Discovery ending is that the cast and crew are getting a production extension to film a proper conclusion to the series, as well as a proper set-up for that conclusion. Jonathan Frakes didn't say one way or the other if he was behind the camera or involved at all with the finale, but did indicate he knows what the plan to wrap up these characters' respective stories. What little he could say already has me hyped for the finale, even if I'm bummed that Discovery is ending. In his words:

Jonathan Frakes appears satisfied with the idea in place for Star Trek: Discovery's swan song, so I don't feel too concerned just yet about what's on the way. I'm really hoping this means the series won't get the kind of divisive ending that plagued the immediate aftermath of another spinoff that existed outside of the TOS and TNG timeline: Star Trek: Enterprise. 

Unfortunately, there is a bit of potential bad news to deliver. I asked Jonathan Frakes about the possibility of more adventures that are set in Star Trek's 32nd century, and got this pretty surprising response: 

While the Riker actor likely doesn't know everything coming down the Star Trek franchise pipeline, but he has worked on a number of the current shows, and is very likely more in the know than the average actor/director. If he's not optimistic about there being more Discovery adventures or shows set in the 32nd century, then I think it's possible the odds of a planned spinoff happening in the future are low. 

Star Trek: Discovery fans will need to wait until early 2024 to see Season 5 and the reconfigured finale, which means there's plenty of time to hear more franchise cast and crew members sharing their thoughts about the upcoming season. There's also a chance Alex Kurtzman and the powers that be could announce something continuing these characters' adventures. But as Jonathan Frakes said, perhaps we shouldn't hold our breath. 

Those with a Paramount+ subscription can stream Star Trek: Discovery's first four seasons right now, as well as the currently airing final season of Picard and other upcoming shows. Here's hoping Discovery is the only unexpected ending that fans hear about from the franchise this year.

Warning! The following contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Picard's Season 3 premiere "The Next Generation." Read at your own risk!

Star Trek: Picard Season 3 is finally available to stream, and those who haven't used their Paramount+ subscription to watch should certainly do so. Even those who weren't fans of Seasons 1 and 2 should give this season a start, as the series improves on a lot of things fans might've had issues with in previous episodes. 

Personally, I was overall a fan of both Star Trek: Picard seasons, but there are some undeniable improvements in Season 3 that can't be denied. Here are some of the things that stuck out to me while watching the premiere and what may encourage anyone currently on the fence about watching to tune in. 

The Music Feels Like Classic Star Trek

Jeff Russo has done some phenomenal work for Star Trek in its new era, but he stepped aside this season for Stephen Barton to take over the work for Star Trek: Picard's Season 3 score. Fans might've Barton's contribution from the very start, as the score is immediately reminiscent of Jerry Goldsmith's past work in the franchise. 

Watching Star Trek: The Next Generation is a massive comfort to me. As such, listening to this score felt like I was in a warm blanket and gave me the same happy feelings as watching my favorite episodes of TNG. I loved Russo's work on the previous Picard themes, but to be honest, I couldn't think of another track that immediately stood out to me. Without revealing spoilers, I can say that isn't the case this season, and I'm eager to listen to the full score for this one. 

The Legacy TNG Characters Feel More "Lived In"

Beyond Jean-Luc Picard, we get to see two major characters from The Next Generation in this episode. Will Riker and Beverly Crusher both return, and I loved how "lived in" both roles feel. What's even better is this is executed in different ways between both characters, and both are done amazingly well. 

Jonathan Frakes has been in Picard a couple of times, and I think it's fair to say he was still trying to find his character in those scenes. Frakes himself has admitted "forgetting how to act" in interviews from that time. In Season 3, it's clear he found Riker, and whether that's finding the role or Riker being in Starfleet again, Frakes crushed it. I'm a big fan of his performance in this episode and in the episodes to come. 

Gates McFadden's screen time to Star Trek in the Season 3 premiere is brief, but man, what a return! Bev is blasting would-be aggressors and trying to warn Jean-Luc of some massive conspiracy. It's quite a re-introduction to the character and a big departure from her work in The Next Generation. And yet, we all change a lot over a couple of decades. I think this was possibly the best re-introduction to the character we could've gotten and far more interesting than if she was doing more or less the same job in Starfleet. It feels like she's lived a life, which is important in selling the story to an audience. 

Raffi And Seven Have Larger Roles

Raffi and Seven are the only other returning main cast members outside of Jean-Luc featured prominently in Star Trek: Picard Season 3, and there's a lot to say about both. Seven is officially in Starfleet and on the U.S.S. Titan working for Captain Liam Shaw, and Raffi is deep undercover trying to find information about a developing situation in the criminal underworld.

Things are happening with both characters, and I'd argue more than we've seen in previous seasons. Season 3 gives prominent roles in the story, with the potential to have a major impact on the season as it progresses. Here's hoping they do and survive beyond this season for more adventures in the Star Trek universe. 

The New Characters Are Immediately Interesting

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Elnor, Rios, Jurati and Soji. That being said, it took a while for those characters to grow on me, and by the time I formed any attachment to them, they were gone by the end of Picard Season 2. It's not uncommon for me to take some time to love Star Trek characters, so I thought nothing of it. That is, until I met some of the new characters in Season 3, who are instantly likable. 

Todd Stashwick's Captain Liam Shaw is a certified asshole, but not because he's wrong. He's dead on about Riker and Picard and their personalities during the dinner scene, but that doesn't mean I can't think he's a dick for being a thorn in their secret plan. His being a heel to their goals makes this season so much better from the jump.

I also need to give it up for Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut, who crushed it in her introduction as Sidney La Forge. Her first meeting with Picard made her instantly lovable to me, and I'm already ready for her to have more adventures. There's a connection with these characters I've instantly formed that I didn't have with others, and I think that's really special. 

Picard Season 3 Feels Like A Better Mix Of TNG And Modern Star Trek

Star Trek: Picard Season 3, from the opening credits, feels like a better marriage of The Next Generation and modern Trek. This isn't because the series reverts back to the TNG style, however. It's the little changes in the music, the text and just having the cast of TNG more present that really blends it all perfectly, and it's surprising how simple that was to do. 

Make no mistake though, while Picard Season 3 uses nostalgia to great effect, this story is great and shows immediate promise. To me, it feels like a TNG movie, but obviously not Nemesis. This story can't emulate the past too heavily or it'll fail its mission to give the cast the proper sendoff they deserve. 

Star Trek: Picard Season 3 airs new episodes Thursdays on Paramount+. Tune in for what should be the final adventure for Picard and his crew, and perhaps the start of something greater for the other new characters. 

Star Trek: Picard Season 3 is just around the corner, and it will reunite an ensemble cast that has shared both a show and films together. Few actors can speak on Trek in film and television as competently as Jonathan Frakes, as he's worked as both an actor and director within the Star Trek universe. As such, it may be surprising to hear he has pretty blunt thoughts on the franchise's future and how it is squarely rooted in television. 

Jonathan Frakes recently spoke about Star Trek: Picard Season 3, as well as the state of the franchise and efforts to make another movie happen with SFX Magazine. Frakes, who has directed multiple episodes of Star Trek as well as the feature films First Contact and Insurrection, talked about the woes of making Star Trek 4 and how it shows him that TV is the future (via Slashfilm): 

It may sound a little shady of him to say, but Jonathan Frakes is only stating the facts. While Noah Hawley was attached to direct Star Trek 4 it never got off the ground, and Quentin Tarantino's truly off-the-wall pitch for a movie seemingly didn't wow Paramount's decision-makers. It's 2023, and it still doesn't seem like we're any closer to seeing Star Trek 4. 

Meanwhile, there are plenty of upcoming Star Trek shows on the horizon and the 2023 TV schedule for anyone with a Paramount+ subscription to enjoy. There are even shows in development to replace current ones, like Picard, which is believed to be ending this year. For now, television is keeping the franchise active in the pop culture space, and the movie side has grown stagnant.

Jonathan Frakes has a valid point in alleging the future of Star Trek is with television, but that doesn't mean he's against lending a hand on the film side if asked. In fact, Frakes told TrekMovie.com he wrote J.J. Abrams to express his interest in directing Star Trek 4, though added he didn't expect to be seriously considered for the job.

While he likely won't be directing the next Star Trek movie, Jonathan Frakes will return to play Riker in Season 3 of Picard. Frakes will also direct Episodes 3 and 4 of the Paramount+ series, which means he directed scenes with some of his beloved former co-stars of The Next Generation. The upcoming season should be a treat to fans, both new and old, and thankfully, we only have to wait a bit longer to find out. 

Star Trek: Picard Season 3 premieres on Paramount+ on Thursday, February 16. Tune in for what might be the final adventure for The Next Generation crew, and see if they can escape their latest adventure unscathed. 

Star Trek: Picard is only months away from dropping its final season, and many have been under the impression that it'll be the official send-off for Patrick Stewart's Jean-Luc Picard and The Next Generation crew. As we get closer, however, some of the returning veteran stars of TNG are already dropping hints that this may not be the “final voyage” after all. Fans seem hopeful that a spinoff (or a few) could happen after Picard finishes its run and, after the recent comments by the cast, it's hard not to feel that way.

Jonathan Frakes works within the Star Trek franchise as an actor and director, and I’d also like to think he’s a professional instigator for the franchise as well. Frakes is always teasing fans with reveals about future projects or stirring the pot when the fandom discusses hypotheticals like a Picard spinoff. As such, it’s not too surprising that Frakes had fans talking when he shared the latest trailer for Season 3 and hinted that this may not be the end of the line for Picard and his cohorts after all: 

It’s a really ominous tease though, because of who's saying it, it could mean something. Jonathan Frakes has already directed many episodes of the new Trek shows and even reprised his role as Riker for the animated series Lower Decks. So chances are he'd be in the know if something big was coming up. It seems like a safe bet that he’ll continue to work in Trek after Picard Season 3 airs regardless. Still, one can't help but wonder if he's hinting at something specific to his TNG co-stars.

When discussing the chances of an offshoot of sorts in a tweet, Marina Sirtis provided some diplomatic thoughts -- and that seems fitting given her role as Counselor Deanna Troi. Sirtis assured fans that they could see her and other The Next Generation stars in future productions, but it’s going to come down to a little bit of work on two fronts:

If enough viewers make some noise about it, then sometime down the road, they may be able to use their Paramount+ subscriptions to watch a Geordi La Forge spinoff, or maybe even that Klingon show Michael Dorn has been campaigning to get made. If nothing else, it’s clear that there are several TNG stars who are interested in appearing in more Trek projects. Even Beverly Crusher actress Gates McFadden confirmed as much in her quote-tweet of Marina Sirtis’ remarks: 

While there are no confirmed plans for a Star Trek: Picard spinoff, it wouldn’t be surprising if executives decide to put plans in motion should fans show interest. It’s often said that Strange New Worlds wouldn’t have happened had fans not pushed to see more of Anson Mount’s Captain Pike and others on a show, and that worked out pretty well if you look at the critical and fan response to that Trek spinoff. 

The same could happen for a Picard spinoff but, with so many Trek shows already running and a couple still in development, there’s just so much to consider in regard to whether a Next Generation-connected spinoff could actually happen. We’ll just have to wait and see how Season 3 is received and whether fans are truly up for more adventures with the crew.

Star Trek: Picard Season 3 premieres on Paramount+ on Thursday, February 16th. It’s one of many upcoming Trek shows on the horizon, so keep that subscription handy if you’re a fan eager for more content.

Although Patrick Stewart’s Jean-Luc Picard has been primarily accompanied by newcomers during the events of Star Trek: Picard, there have been a handful of familiar faces from this sci-fi franchise who’ve come along for the ride. Along with “several glasses of champagne” paving the way for Jeri Ryan to reprise Seven of Nine from Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: The Next Generation vets Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, John de Lancie and Whoopi Goldberg have also popped up here and there. Well, get ready, because Picard Season 3 is gearing up for the biggest Next Generation reunion yet, including LeVar Burton coming in.

As a result of Star Trek: Picard Seasons 2 and 3 shooting back-to-back, Season 3 finished filming last month and is set to premiere sometime in early 2023 for people with a Paramount+ subscription. While it’ll presumably be a while until we learn the plot of what will be Picard’s final season, Paramount+ has announced that LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Jonathan Frakes, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis and Brent Spiner will all be appearing. Watch the announcement video below.

Throw in John de Lancie having already been confirmed to reprise Q, and that’s eight Star Trek: The Next Generation actors accompanying Patrick Stewart in Star Trek: Picard Season 3.  The only Next Generation mainstays missing are Denise Crosby, Diana Muldaur and Will Wheaton, but given that Crosby’s chief character, Tasha Yar, died back in The Next Generation Season 1, Muldaur only appeared as Dr. Katherine Pulaski in Season 2, and Wheaton doesn’t act as much anymore, their absences makes sense. I’m still hoping Wheaton might be able to make a cameo as Wesley Crusher, but if that doesn’t pan out, at least we can likely count on him interviewing most, if not all of his returning Next Generation castmates on the Ready Room aftershow. Also, if we get more of Whoopi Goldberg’s Guinan, we could end up getting 10 Next Generation faces in Picard Season 3 total!

It is worth noting that although LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Jonathan Frakes, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis and Brent Spiner will appear in Star Trek: Picard Season 3, don’t expect to see all of their Next Generation characters. Remember, Brent Spiner’s Data died in Star Trek: Nemesis, and in the Picard Season 1 finale, Jean-Luc Picard encountered a copy of Data’s consciousness with memories up until the original Data sacrificed himself in the final Next Generation movie. This Data copy requested that Patrick Stewart’s character terminate him, so unless there’s one final surprise way to loop Data back into Picard before the show’s over, expect Spiner to appear as a member of the Soong family, like Altan Inigo Soong, the son of Noonian Soong, Data’s creator.

As for how the rest of the Star Trek: The Next Generation gang fits into the Star Trek: Picard Season 3 picture, going off the brief footage screened in the announcement video, we know at the very least that Jean-Luc Picard and Jonathan Frakes’ William Riker will team up one last time. Both Riker and Marina Sirtis’ Deanna Troi didn’t hesitate to offer Picard and Isa Briones’ Soji Asha a place to lie low in Season 1’s “Nepenthe,” and Riker returned in the Season 1 finale to help the main characters out of a jam, so naturally he’d be ready to fight alongside his former captain again. Fingers crossed all the returning Next Generation have meaningful roles to play in Picard Season 3, especially Worf. The Klingon may be older, but that doesn’t mean he’s incapable of tearing into any enemies that get in his way.

For now though, we still have the latter half of Star Trek: Picard Season 2, with the events of last week’s episode, “Fly Me to the Moon,” possibly strengthening a fan theory about Agnes Jurati that’s been floating around, as well as being packed with First Contact references. New Picard episodes drop Thursdays on Paramount+, and you can keep track of what else is currently airing by scanning through the 2022 TV schedule.

Although Jonathan Frakes is best known within the Star Trek community for playing the unconventionally-sitting William Riker, he’s also done a lot of directing for the sci-fi franchise. This includes the Star Trek: The Next Generation follow-up movies First Contact and Insurrection, as well as three episodes of Star Trek: Picard. Frakes sat in the director’s chair for the third time on this Paramount+ series for this week’s “Fly Me to the Moon,” and he’s now opened up about how this chapter of Picard Season 2 included some big callbacks to First Contact.

While the Borg have been of Star Trek’s mythology since the Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2 episode “Q Who,” 1996’s First Contact introduced the Borg Queen, who serves as the chief representative of the Collective and was played by Chariots of Fire’s Alice Krige. 24’s Annie Wersching is playing the Borg Queen this time around, and Jonathan Frakes was jazzed about getting to work with the character again in Star Trek: Picard. As he told THR:

Annie Wersching is the third actress to play the Borg Queen, as Arrow’s Susanna Thompson played her in a handful of Star Trek: Voyager episodes until Alice Krige returned to the role for Voyager’s two-part series finale. While Wersching considers this Borg Queen to be a different incarnation than her predecessors, Jonathan Frakes thought the actress did a great job channeling the same kind of energy that Krige brought to the role in Star Trek: First Contact, which saw the crew of the Enterprise-E traveling back to 2063 to prevent the Borg from interfering with Zefram Cochrane’s first warp drive flight.

Warning: SPOILERS for the Star Trek: Picard episode “Fly Me to the Moon” are ahead!

If you pay close attention in Star Trek: Picard’s “Fly Me to the Moon,” you’ll notice that Renée Picard’s birthdate is listed on her passport as November 22, 1996, the day that Star Trek: First Contact opened in theaters. So there’s a smaller First Contact Easter egg for fans to enjoy, but Jonathan Frakes also acknowledged that Picard’s makeup and visual effects teams also took some cues from the movie, saying:

Although it seemed as though Annie Wersching’s Borg Queen died when Alison Pill’s Agnes Jurati shot her in order to save a captured policeman, it was revealed at the end of “Fly Me to the Moon” that the Borg Queen downloaded her consciousness into Agnes. This strengthens the fan theory that Agnes becomes the Borg Queen we saw in the Star Trek: Picard Season 2 premiere. Along with this episode revealing that the changes John de Lancie’s Q made to the timeline involve Jean-Luc Picard’s ancestor, astronaut Renée Picard, we also reunited with Brent Spiner and Isa Briones, who are now playing Adam Soong and his daughter Kore, respectively. Jonathan Frakes commended Pill, de Lancie and Spiner for their performances, specifically saying about the latter two that they’ve gotten “better with age.”

New episodes of Star Trek: Picard can be watched with a Paramount+ subscription every Thursday, and you can learn what else is currently airing with our handy 2022 TV schedule. In addition to his Star Trek directing work, Jonathan Frakes reprised William Riker over the last few years in two episodes of Picard Season 1 and three episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks, the latter of which he especially enjoys. If it’s announced Frakes will return as Riker again, we’ll let you know.

Star Trek has no shortage of interesting, inspiring, and admirable characters. Fans can argue for ages about who’s the top choice for each of those adjectives, though I think many agree that there’s only one definitive choice for “cool.” Jonathan Frakes’ William T. Riker is unquestionably one of the coolest people to ever grace Starfleet, to the point that even the way he sits in a chair is awed by the fandom. 

One fan recently recreated the “Riker Maneuver” online, and Jonathan Frakes just had to see it for himself. Check out Frakes' reaction to this hilarious Tik Tok (via Paramount+), which can be seen below.

Jonathan Frakes seemed to love that, and as a Star Trek: The Next Generation fan myself, it isn’t hard to see why. Seeing the guy perform the Riker Maneuver over larger and oddly designed chairs was a nice touch, and it wouldn’t be a Riker meme if it didn’t make some reference to his womanizing ways. If only this fan did one scene where he got in a chair while wearing the headset Riker wore in “The Game,” it would’ve been the perfect sketch!

For those always curious about the origins of Riker’s unique way of sitting, the actor claimed the trend first started in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Ten Forward.” Frakes noted that on the set, the backs of the chairs were so low that it’s relatively easy to swing a leg over and sit the way he did. Frakes remarked the maneuver felt like a “cocky, unattractive, bad cowboy move,” and he thought there’s no way he’d actually be able to do it on the show. As luck would have it, no one stopped him or tried to cut the scene, and thus, the Riker Maneuver was born. 

It’s just one of the many reasons that fans like William T. Riker and why Star Trek: The Next Generation remains one of the most celebrated works of the franchise to this day. Of course, the series has maintained peak relevance as of late with Star Trek: Picard, which welcomed back Jonathan Frakes in his iconic role. He’s confirmed to appear in Season 2, and while I can’t guarantee we’ll see him try to do a Riker Maneuver over something as large as a computer chair, I’d applaud the effort if he tried. I’d also just be cool with seeing him interact with more former cast members from TNG, and it looks like we’ll get at least one scene of that happening in the upcoming season. 

Star Trek: Picard Season 2 premieres over at Paramount+ on Thursday, March 3. With that and many other Trek shows on the way in 2022, now is as good a time as any to pick up a Paramount+ subscription and catch up on the franchise. 

Star Trek: Picard is a treat for many fans of The Next Generation, especially those who never believed Patrick Stewart would return to the franchise. Now, he’s back, and as fans may remember, he and Star Trek mastermind Alex Kurtzman once spoke about a desire to incorporate the entire principal cast of TNG into the series if they could. It’s an ambitious goal and one that I recently asked Jonathan Frakes about the logistics of it happening. 

Jonathan Frakes, who played Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation and reprised the role for Picard, also has ties to the franchise via his various directorial credits. I asked him whether he thought a TNG reunion was still possible given struggles with production shutdowns and the fact the series is currently in production for Season 3. Here’s what the actor had to say:

It sounds like Jonathan Frakes isn’t too sure about the odds of a full-scale Star Trek: The Next Generation reunion happening on Picard. Frakes will return to Season 2 of Picard both as an actor and director and shares a scene with notable Star Trek actor John de Lancie. I’d wager he knows a thing or two about the odds of this TNG reunion happening.

While a major reunion between TNG actors may not be planned for Star Trek: Picard, we do know that there will be more mini-reunions like the one that occurred between Picard, Riker, and Deanna Troi in Season 1. Jonathan Frakes confirmed to CinemaBlend that he’ll share a scene in Season 2 with John de Lancie and another notable veteran of The Next Generation: Brent Spiner. The scene will feature one of Spiner’s Soong family characters, and according to Frakes, it is one of his favorite scenes of the season.

The question remains just how many actors from Star Trek: The Next Generation will appear on Picard before the end, and if the ambitious goal of featuring the entire principal cast is doable. Gates McFadden mentioned to CinemaBlend that there might’ve been plans for her to appear in Season 2, but production shutdowns changed a lot of the story direction for the upcoming season. It’s possible that’s also why LeVar Burton seemed to hint at his involvement in the show at one point but later confirmed it wasn’t happening. For now, all we can do is wait and hope that whatever the show does is something fans appreciate all the same. 

Star Trek: Picard Season 2 streams on Paramount+ in February. Gear up for the return of Q by binging the previous season or checking out some of the other new Trek shows like Prodigy or Discovery.

When it comes to Star Trek, there’s always been one actor the franchise can trust to share his honest opinion -- Jonathan Frakes. He previously starred and currently works as both as an actor and director on several shows within the franchise. Plus, his role as a cast member on Star Trek: The Next Generation only helps his reputation with fans as a trusted source of the state of Trek. Essentially, when Frakes talks, fans listen, so they’ll definitely be interested to hear about his honest thoughts on Star Trek: Lower Decks and how it’s handled Riker. 

For those not watching, Lower Decks Season 2 briefly featured Bradward Boimler on the USS Titan, a ship captained in that era by William T. Riker. The episodes featured a bold, daring, and perhaps a bit reckless Riker in control of the ship, while Boimler struggled to keep up with the ship’s insane escapades week-to-week. I asked Jonathan Frakes how he felt about his character’s stories in new Trek shows (including his reprisal in Picard Season 1), and after a brief general response, Frakes shared his love for the animated series:

As the actor says, not all fans love Lower Decks, yet it's nice to see that the the Paramount+ series gets a big thumbs up from Jonathan Frakes. He, and others, are obviously fans of the work Mike McMahon and others put in with including references and the ways they’re able to make light of a franchise that took itself very seriously for decades before allowing a series like this to happen. 

Jonathan Frakes’ involvement in Star Trek: Lower Decks should be enough to show he’s a fan but, in fairness, he’s been in a lot of Trek projects in various capacities over the years. Frakes acknowledged the luck he’s had with being continually welcomed back in the fold:

It’s safe to say fans are fine with his continued involvement, which happened as recently with his involvement in the current season of Star Trek: Discovery. He is also slated to appear in Season 2 of Picard and teased to CinemaBlend he’s got a scene with John de Lancie’s Q on the horizon. Hopefully, we’ll also see more of Riker in Lower Decks and more of the character's wilder days on the Titan. 

Star Trek fans can see all of Jonathan Frakes’ latest contributions to the franchise with a Paramount+ subscription. It’s well worth the value for those looking to keep up with the new shows, as well as a place to find all the classic series as well.

Star Trek: Picard Season 2 is coming this year, and fans are excited because it means the return of actor John de Lancie and his devious character, Q. Fans weren’t the only ones excited, though, as Jonathan Frakes is also happy to be reteaming with the de Lancie. Frakes recently talked to CinemaBlend about his longtime friendship with the actor, and teased an upcoming scene, which he called his favorite of the upcoming season.

I spoke to Jonathan Frakes ahead of his recent directorial return to Star Trek: Discovery and, inevitably, our conversation led to his work both in front of and behind the camera on Season 2 of Picard. I asked Frakes what it was like to reunite with John de Lancie yet again, and the actor shared his admiration for de Lancie both as a friend and as a fellow actor:

Based on the star's positive comments, it appears Star Trek: Picard Season 2 was a good time for him. The new season will feature Q’s reunion with the titular character and highlight some trouble that results in the creation of an alternate reality. This is nothing new for Star Trek regarding, as altering reality is more or less his thing, especially when Picard is involved. 

Fans already knew Patrick Stewart and John de Lancie would share some scenes within the new episodes,, but Jonathan Frakes revealed he’ll also share a scene with de Lancie. Frakes talked about the upcoming scene, which also features another actor from The Next Generation: 

It’s good to hear Star Trek: Picard got at least three actors from Next Generation in one scene, even if Brett Spiner (allegedly isn't playing) his original character from the series. I can only imagine how an older Riker will deal with Q and the hijinx that may ensue as a result. Fans will also see another familiar face in Whoopi Goldberg's Guinan. 

John de Lancie is one of The Next Gengeration's most memorable supporting characters and made appearances across other past Trek shows like Voyager and Deep Space Nine. Jonathan Frakes spoke to de Lancie’s time on TNG and how his episodes acted as a “litmus test” of the show:

With the actor and director so high on John de Lancie’s upcoming performance on the new season of Star Trek: Picard, which should get fans even more excited for the season premiere. Hopefully, his return lives up to fan expectations and maybe further expounds on some of the mysteries surrounding his cryptic character. 

Star Trek: Picard Season 2 premieres on Paramount+ in February. That’s not too long of a wait for Trek fans, especially with new episodes of Prodigy and Discovery to keep them occupied in the meantime. In addition, be sure to check out CinemaBlend's 2022 winter and spring schedule for info on the other shows that will be returning this year.

Warning! The following contains spoilers from the Star Trek: Discovery episode “Stormy Weather.” Read at your own risk!

Michael Burnham and the Star Trek: Discovery crew decided to try and get to the bottom of the Dark Matter Anomaly through an excursion into a void and found nothing. Unfortunately for the crew, that “nothing” was actually destroying all matter around them, and the entire ship nearly disintegrated until Michael’s quick thinking saved them from an assured death. It’s a tense episode, despite the fact that the main enemy of the episode is unseen and, to the viewer, literally a black void. 

As Star Trek: Discovery’s most heart-pounding installment of Season 4 so far, “Stormy Weather” is directed by none other than Star Trek veteran Jonathan Frakes, who was kind enough to speak to me ahead of Burnham’s biggest challenge as Captain yet. I asked Frakes how the episode was able to maintain a tense atmosphere despite it literally being staged around a black void, and he broke it down:

Jonathan Frakes pointed out that the episode relies on very few visual effects in terms of the void, which was a good thing. The burden of selling the threat was on the actors, and Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, and others did a great job of showing just how terrifying the situation was with little to no visual aid.  

The episode is the seventh that Jonathan Frakes directed for Star Trek: Discovery and his twenty-third director’s credit for a show in the Star Trek universe. I asked him about past directing experiences and how those compared to Discovery, and the actor likened the Discovery actors' experiences when he first joined to his own on Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Star Trek: Discovery does seem to have a bright future ahead of it, despite the way it polarized viewers at first with some of its creative decisions. It also seems like there’s some interest in the series continuing to flesh out Season 4’s current timeline of the 32nd century, as Tilly’s recent departure from the crew has some potential ties to a spinoff Star Trek has in development. 

Jonathan Frakes has appeared in far more episodes in the Star Trek franchise than he has directed, but 23 is still a sizable number. I asked the Riker actor how his experience directing impacted him and his view of the franchise:

Jonathan Frakes is grateful for Star Trek and confirmed that his closeness to it acts somewhat as a measure of how he lives his own life. It’s good to see folks like Frakes still embracing the core concept of the franchise to this day and continuing to incorporate it in the projects we see coming out. 

Star Trek: Discovery streams new episodes on Paramount+ on Thursdays. The DMA mystery is still rolling strong in Season 4, so be sure to get caught up if you aren’t and follow one of the series’ most exciting arcs to date.

Star Trek: Picard is officially in production for Season 2, which means it's officially open season for actor/director Jonathan Frakes. The Riker actor has a history of spilling the beans on the most intimate secrets for Star Trek television, and it's looking like he may be doing that yet again with a very oddly timed photo with two notable actors from Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Jonathan Frakes recently took to Twitter to upload a photo, which shows him with two former co-stars Star Trek fans definitely know. Check it out below, and continue reading for why we think this means LeVar Burton and John de Lancie are headed to Star Trek: Picard in Season 2:

It's been reported that Jonathan Frakes is expected to direct at least one episode within Star Trek: Picard Season 2. Given that, and the fact that LeVar Burton and John de Lancie are two guys who both starred on Star Trek: The Next Generation, it doesn't seem like a stretch to speculate the three are reuniting on the series. This is especially true considering Patrick Stewart has signaled a large goal of the series is to bring back as many actors from TNG as possible, though only in ways that feel organic.

Star Trek: Picard Season 1 left some pretty open territory for Season 2 when it comes to its direction, so it's not a stretch to believe Geordi La Forge or the mysterious Q could pop up anywhere. Geordi was, of course, a trusted crewmate and friend of Picard during their time together on the Enterprise, while the all-powerful Q had a far more complicated relationship with Jean-Luc. The two had some real reality-bending battles and, if John de Lancie is headed to Season 2, I'm expecting another one to be on the way.

Should Star Trek: Picard feature the actors in Season 2, this will be the second time in recent memory that John de Lancie has appeared in a new Star Trek series. The actor reprised the role of Q in the animated series Lower Decks, which is set during the same timeframe as the events of The Next Generation. I'm assuming none of that will be relevant should he appear in Star Trek: Picard, though a nod to the Cerritos would be pretty great.

As for Geordi La Forge returning, many Star Trek: Picard fans wished they could've seen him interact with a character in Season 1, Hugh the Borg. Unfortunately, that's not going to be possible given Hugh's death, which I'm sure would be brought up should Picard reconnect with Geordi. I'm sure the engineer will also be interested to learn that Picard is now in a synth body, a surprising twist thrown in at fans at the end of Season 1.

Star Trek: Picard Season 2 is currently in development, and it's currently unknown when it will arrive on Paramount+. For more on Geordi, Q, and other characters, be sure to check out our list of the best episodes from The Next Generation here.

Space may be the final frontier, but for the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation, it was the beginning of several long and prosperous careers. Of course, I am not counting Sir Patrick Stewart, who had previously found success as a Shakespearean actor on the stage and screen, or LeVar Burton, who had already acquired Emmy-nominated fame as the star of Roots in 1977. Yet, the acclaimed sci-fi TV hit would remain a defining era of their working lives, not only for those aforementioned esteemed performers, but their gifted co-stars as well.

Once again coming from the mind of creator Gene Roddenberry, the Emmy-winning cultural landmark chronicled the continuing adventures of Starfleet, but with a new crew aboard a new starship (also dubbed the Enterprise) and set nearly a century after the exploratory mission led by Captain James T. Kirk. The sequel series was, in fact, so successful (lasting seven seasons, from 1987 to 1994) that it would inspire a civil war among the most loyal of Trekkies regarding which iteration of Star Trek is superior: The Next Generation or William Shatner and TOS company’s run in the late 1960s.

Well, unless you are someone who prefers J.J. Abrams’ cinematic updates, we may never see the end of that debate, which is at least less combative than the fight between Trekkies and Star Wars fans (or Star Wars fans and Star Wars fans, even). Nevertheless, one thing that is for certain is how the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation have all since been cemented as pop culture icons, as the following careers prove. Let’s engage in a deeper dive into their current whereabouts, starting with one whose journey to go where no one has gone before is not yet over.

Patrick Stewart (Capt. Jean-Luc Picard)

Succeeding in the captain’s chair on Star Trek: The Next Generation skyrocketed the theatre-trained Patrick Stewart into the mainstream, and the hearts of sci-fi fans everywhere. That appreciation would only increase when he was cast as Professor Charles Xavier in the first of seven X-Men films. In addition to working often with fellow Star Trek vet Seth MacFarlane, playing a neo-Nazi in Green Room, and supposedly poking fun at the Star Wars vs. Star Trek debate in an Uber Eats ad opposite Mark Hamill, the 80-year-old, knighted Englishman has also returned to the role of Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: Picard, which has been greenlit for Season 2 on CBS All Access at some point in near-ish the future.

Jonathan Frakes (Cmdr. William Riker)

Patrick Stewart’s spin-off has already brought back a few other series veterans, such as Jonathan Frakes. The actor/director followed his tenure as William Riker with more TV roles (such as voicing a Gargoyles villain and showing up as Riker many more times), and directing films like Clockstoppers, and even a few of the Star Trek movies that he also appeared in. The 68-year-old still acts (most recently on the Nickelodeon sci-fi series The Astronauts), and is a prolific TV director whose credits include episodes of NCIS, The Orville, and many Trek spin-offs, including TNG and the recently announced upcoming prequel series, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Brent Spiner (Lt. Cmdr. Data)

Despite his previous claims that he never wanted to reprise the character, Star Trek: Picard also saw Brent Spiner’s return as the Soong-type android Data - his best known role and the first of many notable sci-fi and fantasy projects. These include Independence Day and its 2016 sequel, Robert Kirkman’s horror series Outcast, and even the animated Star Wars: Rebels series (which you might want to keep quiet about around some TNG fans). The 71-year-old also had a recurring role on Patrick Stewart’s Starz comedy Blunt Talk, has voiced several comic book characters (most recently Riddler on Justice League Action), and played a veteran police detective on Penny Dreadful: City of Angels in 2020.

LeVar Burton (Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge)

This multi-talented Emmy-nominee has playing Geordi La Forge on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Kunta Kinte on the groundbreaking miniseries Roots, Kwame on Captain Planet and the Planeteers, and hosting Reading Rainbow as his claims to fame. Outside of TV directing and executive producing a Roots remake in 2016, LeVar Burton is best known lately for playing himself to hilarious effect on shows like Community and The Big Bang Theory. And, in addition to fans demanding a Star Trek: Picard cameo, others have been pulling for him to succeed Alex Trebek as the new host of Jeopardy!

Marina Sirtis (Counselor Deanna Troi)

Fans did not have to demand a Star Trek: Picard appearance from Marina Sirtis, who also reprised Deanna Troi on the animated Star Trek: Lower Decks in 2020. Sirtis payed homage to her Star Trek: The Next Generation days the previous year in a cameo on The Orville, and even earlier by voicing the Enterprise on the fan-made, 1960s-inspired spin-off, Star Trek Continues. The 65-year-old British actress is also starring in the upcoming London-set crime thriller The Benzoians with Vinnie Jones, and is one of the four female Star Trek veterans appearing in the crowdfunded series about New Orleans’ red-light district called Storyville.

Michael Dorn (Lt. Worf)

Unless you count his Ted 2 character’s convention cosplay choice, Michael Dorn still has yet to reprise his Klingon character, Worf, since 2002’s Star Trek: Nemesis - not that he really needs to, though. The 68-year-old Texan already has more geektastic credits under his belt than most actors can even dream of with several voice roles, including video games like Mass Effect 2, an uncredited recurring spot as Prometheus on Arrow, and the upcoming Amazon Prime original animated series Invincible, based on a comic book by Robert Kirkman.

Gates McFadden (Dr. Beverly Crusher)

If you really want to get technical, Michael Dorn last played Worf in a Family Guy video game, which was also the last time Gates McFadden played the Enterprise-D’s chief medical officer, Beverly Crusher. Much of the 71-year-old actress’ work since Star Trek: The Next Generation has been smaller recurring roles and guest appearances on TV shows like NCIS, or the legal dramedy Franklin & Bash. But, she also revisited her legacy as Beverly by acting as narrator (and one of the subjects) of the third installment of the documentary franchise, That Guy.. Who Was in That Thing, which focuses on lesser-known Star Trek stars.

Wil Wheaton (Wesley Crusher)

Playing Beverly Crusher’s teenage son Wesley was Wil Wheaton, who joined the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation after rising to fame in Stand By Me, and going on to a steady career that would later consist primarily of voice acting, such as playing Aqualad on Teen Titans and Teen Titans GO! More recently, he played himself in 17 episodes of The Big Bang Theory as Sheldon’s on-and-off nemesis, appeared on the CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event, and currently hosts the Star Trek after-show The Ready Room.

Colm Meaney (Chief Miles O’Brien)

Irish actor Colm Meaney technically played three characters on Star Trek: The Next Generation, but Miles O’Brien was the only one with a name, and would go on to have a more prominent role on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. It was during that time when he also appeared in the 1997 actioner Con Air, and much later landed a starring role on AMC’s Hell on Wheels opposite future Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds star, Anson Mount. The Gangs of London actor has a number of film projects currently in post-production, such as Ireland-set horror flick The Little People and the crime thriller Confession, with True Blood and fellow UK-based actor Stephen Moyer.

Whoopi Goldberg (Guinan)

With an Oscar nomination for The Color Purple and worldwide success as a comedian already under her belt, Whoopi Goldberg joined the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation in the recurring role of clairvoyant bartender Guinan, whom she would reprise thrice more in two movies and the Family Guy: The Quest for Stuff video game. The Academy Award winner is busy these days as a regular co-host of The View, since 2007, and plays yet another all-knowing figure on CBS All Access’ new miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s The Stand. She's also preparing to star in a third installment of the Sister Act franchise for Disney+.

Majel Barrett (Enterprise Computer Voice)

Fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation will likely recognize the face of Majel Barrett as Lwaxana Troi (mother to Deanna), whom she would play again on DS9, but most will definitely recognize her as the voice of the ship's computer - not just in that series, but in several video games and every small screen and big screen spin-off until her death. That being said, a fan of the original Star Trek series should surely recognize the actress as Nurse Christine Chapel, as well as the wife of the franchise’s original creator, Gene Roddenberry. Barrett would also play the computer in J.J. Abrams’ 2009 update, which, sadly, was released one year after her death from Leukemia at the age of 76.

What do you think? With all of the known recordings of Majel Barrett’s unmistakable voice available in stock, should the franchise try to bring the late Mrs. Roddenberry back to voice Starfleet computers at least once more? Let us know if you think they should make it so in the comments, and be sure to check back for additional information and updates on past and present actors in the Star Trek universe, as well as even more insight into the current whereabouts of your favorite celebrities, here on CinemaBlend.

Although Star Trek has gone boldly where it’s never gone before on the streaming front with CBS All Access’ breadth of television shows on the premium platform since 2017. Shows such as Picard, Discovery and Lower Decks may be filling a void for Trekkies, but we have yet to see another Star Trek movie on the big-screen since 2016’s Star Trek Beyond.

Paramount is reportedly still developing another Star Trek movie after rumors spread that the franchise is ending over at the studio. There’s been word of a number of Star Trek projects in the works, but time will tell which one’s see the light of day. Jonathan Frakes, who famously played Picard’s No. 1 Riker and directed a handful of Trek movies and TV episodes has shared his thoughts about how Paramount should move forward. In his words:

Sounds good to me. Jonathan Frakes is referring to two different Star Trek projects that we’ve heard about over the years, but have either fallen through or have been shelved at an office somewhere. Quentin Tarantino has shown interest in directing a script from The Revenant co-writer about an original series episode called “The City on the Edge of Forever.” Noah Hawley of FX’s Legion and Fargo series was hired at some point to continue the Star Trek franchise as well.

Jonathan Frakes’ response to TrekMovie is a logical one. Both these filmmakers are obviously incredible and Star Trek would be lucky to have them on board. Why wouldn’t the studio have them signed and committed already for their visions stumps us all, though Paramount has dealt with some restructuring since it found itself a new Head of Motion Pictures earlier this year.

Jonathan Frakes got his start on Star Trek: The Next Generation back in 1987 when the series started and has since remained a key figure to the franchise since. The actor also directed a number of episodes on the series and Deep Space Nine and Voyager before helming a string of Next Generation movies. Frakes is still involved in Star Trek, recently directing and guest starring in episodes of Picard along with being behind the camera on Discovery. Delving into his thoughts on the Star Trek movies further, Frakes said this about the other dropped project that involved Chris Hemsworth:

From what we heard, Chris Hemworth was set to reprise his role as Kirk’s father for a time twisting Star Trek 4 alongside Chris Pine and the Enterprise crew we know and love including Zachary Quinto and Zoe Saldana. But it was issues with pay cuts that reportedly caused that project to fall through. Chris Pine, Quinto and Simon Pegg have all recently shown interest in returning to the fold for another Star Trek film should Paramount decide to resume where they left off for 2016’s Star Trek Beyond. What do you think? Which Star Trek film do you want to see the most? Vote in our poll below.

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Just when it seemed like the Star Trek franchise couldn't possibly have another television show in development, fans of the original series and Discovery Season 2 got a nice surprise. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is in development and will focus on the adventures of the Enterprise before the events of the original Star Trek series.

Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, and Rebecca Romijn will all reprise their Discovery roles as Captain Pike, Spock, and Number One, but they won't be the only familiar faces returning to the franchise. As is almost tradition at this point, Star Trek actor and director Jonathan Frakes has confirmed he will be a part of the recently announced series:

The news, which the actor/director revealed to Syfy Wire, should come as little surprise considering Jonathan Frakes has been a frequent collaborator on Star Trek both in front and behind the camera. Frakes has been a director for all of the new Star Trek shows in recent years and unless something changes between now and filming, he'll likely be directing episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and any future projects.

Beyond his relationship with Star Trek being a factor of why he's good for the job, Jonathan Frakes also revealed that he has a working relationship with the three major stars that have been teased. Some of which happened during Season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery and on science fiction shows elsewhere:

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds which will cover the Enterprise the decade before Captain Kirk took command of the ship. The series is said to have come into existence thanks in large part to fans who really enjoyed the performances of Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, and Rebecca Romijn in Season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery. With this, viewers will finally get more television adventures of the pre-Kirk Enterprise and possibly, some more details on the upbringing of Spock and his relationship with his adopted sister, Michael Burnham.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds does not have a release date as of yet, but there's plenty of Star Trek content to check out on CBS All Access right now. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for more details on the series as they come to light and for the latest major news in general from the world of television and movies.

Star Trek: The Next Generation is one of the most beloved shows of the Star Trek franchise, thanks in no small part to the fantastic ensemble cast it featured over the years. These people poured so much into their characters, and as the epsiodes went on, added little quirks that made these characters on screen seem like actual people you'd see on the street.

With that being said, Riker's quirk of how he sat in chairs may have made some fans think he's secretly an android. For those that don't remember, check out this compilation of Riker's technique for sitting in a chair.

No matter the chair, or section of the ship, Riker would often swing a leg over the top and then sit down. It's an action similar to what one would do when riding a horse, but far from the way the average person plops down in a chair.

So then, why did Riker do it? Jonathan Frakes discussed the sitting tactic during a Q&A of Star Trek: First Contact with IGN, and also explained how it pertained to his character.

Jonathan Frakes did it once, and when no one yelled "cut" or told him he was being an idiot, proceeded to make that a part of Riker's personality on Star Trek: The Next Generation. It was a stunt that may have been harder for other actors to pull off consistently, but Frakes didn't seem to struggle too much with his 6'3 frame.

Riker's weird chair sitting deal isn't a thing most casual Star Trek: The Next Generation fans will immediately notice, mostly because there's a whole lot going on, like great stories, aliens, and Patrick Stewart acting his ass off. Those who browse the internet looking for stuff on the show will find out soon enough, though, thanks to the YouTube video above, which Jonathan Frakes gave a shout out to during the Q&A.

Jonathan Frakes has been in the Star Trek news cycle a lot as of late, thanks in large part to his two-episode cameo in Season 1 of Star Trek: Picard. Frakes is also slated to direct upcoming episodes of Star Trek: Discovery Season 3, though it is unknown if he tries to sit in director's chairs the same way he sits on the Enterprise.

Star Trek: The Next Generation is available to stream on almost every major platform. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for more on the world of Star Trek, and the latest news in television and movies.

Jonathan Frakes has been around for the new era of Star Trek television since taking on directorial duties in Star Trek: Discovery, but it wasn't until Star Trek: Picard that the actor stepped back in front of the camera. Frakes talked about what it first felt like to step back into the shoes of Will Ryker beside his seasoned co-star Patrick Stewart for the first time in decades, and now he's shared some thoughts on what it was like to shoot his second appearance

After his first appearance on Star Trek: Picard Season 1, Ryker made a triumphant return in the season finale as a temporarily reinstated Starfleet captain of the USS Zheng He. While Jonathan Frakes admitted he had massive anxiety when he first returned to play his Star Trek: The Next Generation character, his appearance in the finale wasn't nearly as stressful. The director shared the difference in the two experiences and why his return in the season was so thrilling to him personally:

Jonathan Frakes told Comicbook.com that portraying Ryker was more comfortable the second go-around, and not just because he had done it only a short time prior. As Frakes said, it was the familiarity of what he was doing, which is to say he was all dressed up and playing a traditional member of Starfleet rather than a husband and father.

When considered in that light, it's easy to see why Jonathan Frakes was initially so intimidated about his first return as Ryker. Frakes wasn't just asked to return to acting after a long absence from the character; he had to reintroduce the Star Trek fanbase to a character who was in many ways an entirely different person. Getting back onto a ship's bridge was a return to the Ryker Frakes played on Star Trek: The Next Generation, or at least, closer than what he did in "Nepenthe."

Jonathan Frakes' excitement about being asked back to Star Trek: Picard could mean more Ryker in Season 2 alongside other familiar faces. While there have been hints about which former Star Trek characters will return, we still have some time before Alex Kurtzman and crew will pull back the curtain on who or what to expect going forward.

Star Trek: Picard Season 1 is currently available to stream on CBS All Access. Stick with CinemaBlend for all the latest happening in the world of Star Trek and with television throughout the rest of 2020 and beyond.

Star Trek: The Next Generation spent most of its time dealing with all manner of adventures involving the Borg and other aliens, and the very close friendships of the crew we followed on the Enterprise. While romance was generally a very small factor in the lives of the crew members, one romantic relationship that captured people's attention early on was that of Riker and Troi. Jonathan Frakes, who played Riker, is now saying that he was never happy with how that romance unfolded on the series.

Riker and Troi (Marina Sirtis) began their time together on the Enterprise as former lovers who separated because Riker's work took him too far from Troi. When we first meet them on The Next Generation, they actually haven't seen each other in two years. But, instead of immediately jumping right back into dating, the show grew their friendship while making their clear feelings for one another fluctuate over the seven seasons of the series.

Jonathan Frakes recently had the opportunity to reprise his role alongside Marina Sirtis' Troi, on Star Trek: Picard, and it turns out that one reason he wanted to do the show was so that they could fulfill the promise of the relationship which he felt was side-lined by The Next Generation. Here's what he told Syfy Wire:

While Riker and Troi did, in fact, marry, that didn't happen until Star Trek: Nemesis, the last of the movies featuring the cast of TNG. Most of the time the two characters spent on the show saw them put aside any personal feelings and be able to work as close friends. They had plenty of other romances (Riker especially) and would even periodically check to make sure that the other was alright with a new partner when that person was somehow important to their former love. You know, like that time Troi found herself falling for an exact copy of Riker's younger self.

Even though it was obvious how Riker and Troi felt about each other, TNG was pretty committed to keeping them apart romantically, and made the controversial move in the last season of having Troi and Worf start a relationship, which, of course, strained things between them and Riker.

Frakes noted that he understood why TNG left them as free agents, but felt that having the characters show up on Picard so many years after their wedding really helped add closure to their relationship.

Fans have certainly enjoyed being able to watch Riker and Troi continue their romance as a married couple, so it's good that Jonathan Frakes and Marina Sirtis stuck to their original idea that the relationship was important and needed to be explored.

If you haven't caught up with Star Trek: Picard, Season 1 airs new episodes every Thursday on CBS All Access. But, be sure to check out our 2020 midseason guide to see what else is new right now.

With Star Trek: Picard nearly through Season 1, plenty of fans of the Star Trek franchise have had a chance to form an opinion on it. Jonathan Frakes recently shared an insight about one key way Picard and Star Trek: Discovery are different from past shows that is certainly worth thinking about.

Jonathan Frakes, who has directed episodes for both Star Trek: Picard and Star Trek: Discovery and reprised his role as Riker for Picard, brought up how the new shows are subjected to a level of scrutiny with a slight bias. Frakes explained the situation to Syfy, and how the Picard experience was positive compared to Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Audiences were very excited for Star Trek: Picard, possibly because Patrick Stewart returning for a Star Trek series felt like an improbable dream. Of course, Jonathan Frakes' statement about Star Trek: The Next Generation being a series that a generation of fans grew up on is definitely also on point. Regardless, it's interesting to hear someone with great experience between new and old Trek giving their perspective on the fan reaction to both shows.

Of course, there may be a double-edged sword in fan excitement and anticipation in relation to Star Trek: Picard. While there was plenty of optimism ahead of the series, and still many excited during, there has been a vocal number of fans upset with the overall product. Similar to the way classic Star Trek fans reacted to Star Trek: The Next Generation, though a bit more personal because the new series contains a number of the same characters. With that said, it wouldn't be a fandom if the community universally agreed on every direction a show took, so it's not like some dissent wasn't to be expected.

Star Trek: Picard airs new episodes on CBS All Access Thursdays. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for more updates on it, and other happenings in the Star Trek universe.

Space. The final frontier. The voyages of the Starship Enterprise continue in spirit with the newest sci-fi series, Star Trek: Picard, which will premiere in just a few short months. It'll serve as Patrick Stewart's unexpected return to the sci-fi franchise, and it'll hopefully be both a fitting, formidable return for the beloved captain. What do we know about the Star Trek series, though, particularly as it's expected to connect the tissues of several hit shows?

With the show practically weeks away from its much-anticipated premiere, we do know a bit about Star Trek: Picard and the rousing return it'll provide to the long-running legacy of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Let's get into a rundown of what Star Trek fans can expect from this streaming program!

Are There Any Trailers For Star Trek: Picard?

During this year's San Diego Comic Con, viewers got their first glimpse at Star Trek: Picard, which was set to premiere roughly six months later. This first trailer allowed fans to get a glimpse at what was considered a more grounded, contemplative show centered on the familiar character. It would be a little different from Star Trek: The Next Generation, yet this teaser was also a chance to remind people of what they loved about Jean-Luc Picard and see the potential in this new streaming series.

It was in early October that viewers got a second trailer (which you can see above). This one showcased some of the other cast members as well, while also providing a broader, more expansive look at the show, thus promising a number of delightful appearances for many long time Star Trek fans.

When Will Star Trek: Picard Premiere?

As the second trailer was making waves around the web, it was confirmed that Star Trek: Picard would premiere on CBS All Access on January 23rd, 2020. This premiere date isn't in line with Star Trek: The Next Generation, but it does follow the rollout of Star Trek: Discovery Season 2, which made its debut in January of this year. The winter release date should hopefully land the series in a nice little window between the crowded return of fall shows and the equally bustling spring television line-up. Hopefully, there will be some wiggle room that will allow this new character study series to find its own little rhythm and rhyme with audiences.

What Is The Premise Of Star Trek: Picard?

In Star Trek: Picard, we follow our title character, played once again by Patrick Stewart, a full 20 years after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis, and find him still grieving the loss of his friend, Data (Brent Spiner). The intention with this series is to provide more of a "real world" feeling to the series, giving it a bit of an edge while never straying entirely far from what people can expect from these popular characters.

It's expected to be quite different from what we'd normally see in a traditional Star Trek series, however, and it's safe to assume that the creators will make great use of the possibilities provided by its streaming service home. It's also reported to show how the destruction of Romulus in Star Trek (2009) has affected our title character.

That last development is certainly an intriguing one, as it'll be the first time that the new Star Trek blockbusters and the events of Star Trek: The Next Generation will correlate, with the new show having a feeling that combines TNG with Star Trek: Discovery. It's unclear how exactly it'll work. But, we know that the character will have a different future than what viewers saw in the flash-forwards during the series finale of TNG, titled "All Good Things." The creators of the show have admitted outright that this series will be both similar and different to what came before.

Who Is The Creator Of Star Trek: Picard?

Star Trek: Picard is created by Alex Kurtzman, who has served as a writer and producer for Star Trek for a little over ten years running. Kurtzman was first involved when he served as a screenwriter / executive producer on Star Trek (2009) alongside Roberto Orci. He also co-wrote and produced Star Trek Into Darkness and spearheaded Star Trek: Discovery as the creator with Bryan Fuller. Picard is part of his five-year overall deal with CBS Television Studios to expand the popular property into several shows following Discovery. Surely, for many Star Trek fans, Picard is the type of show they were never expecting to see.

While Patrick Stewart was initially steadfast in his reasoning that he was done playing the character, he was intrigued by the ideas presented by Alex Kurtzman, Akiva Goldsman, and Kristen Beyer. They were initially interested in having Stewart possibly reprise his character in one of their Star Trek: Short Treks episodes, but the conversation bloomed into the writers producing an outline alongside acclaimed novelist Michael Chabon. In an interview, Kurtzman has gone on to describe Picard as "a more psychological show, a character study about this man in his emeritus years." His broad intention for the series is to have the character find his way back to Gene Roddenberry's original optimistic visions, while also reflecting our times now.

Who Will Write Star Trek: Picard?

Currently, the full writing team behind Star Trek: Picard hasn't been 100 percent revealed, though we know that Alex Kurtzman and Michael Chabon are each credited with an episode, according to IMDB. Akiva Goldsman and Kristen Beyer, as mentioned earlier, were also involved in the show's core concept, but whether or not they're involved with the writing of the actual episodes themselves is currently left unclear. Though it would, obviously, make sense if they were attached. More details about the writers specifically involved with each episode is likely to be announced and confirmed in the weeks leading up to Picard's anticipated release.

Where Will Picard Take Place In The Star Trek Timeline?

Naturally, Star Trek: Picard is an extension of Star Trek: The Next Generation and the movies that followed for the cast. But, this show will deal with an important event from the rebooted Star Trek, which took place in 2379. This means that Picard will pick up in 2399. Even still, it'll be curious to see how the destruction of the Romulan empire has affected our former space captain. As the show premieres next year, it will give viewers a better reflection of how it wishes to present itself, but it should be noted that it's expected to follow what we know while also providing exciting new avenues.

How Many Episodes Are In Star Trek: Picard Season 1?

It has been confirmed that Star Trek: Picard will have a ten episode first season. This is notably more condensed than Star Trek: Discovery, which had a 15 episode first season and a 14 episode second season. It's also notably much shorter than your average season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, which ran between 22 to 26 episodes per season. Given the more isolated, contained focus of the story, though, it makes sense that this newest series would want to narrow down the number of episodes per season, allowing each one to have more bang for the buck.

Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart)

Jean-Luc Picard, former Starfleet captain and admiral, is back again. After the traumatic death of Data, along with the destruction of the Romulan empire and leading the largest rescue armada ever seen, Picard left Starfleet at the height of his career. He retired to the family winery to live a much more simple, introspective life away from everything — until a young woman in need convinces him that it's time to return to work with the Federation. Although Picard was once one of the most celebrated captains of the 24th century, he now finds himself with a new mission so that he can do what he feels is right.

Data (Brent Spiner)

Data served as the second officer and chief operations officer aboard both the Enterprise D and E. He was capable of great courage and selflessness, as seen when he sacrificed himself in order to save his crewmates, and the universe at large, in Star Trek: Nemesis. But, it appears that Jean-Luc Picard is still haunted by his crew member's sacrifice, as the droid is seen in the trailer providing a paintbrush to Picard and telling him that it's time to finish his picture. It was confirmed back in Comic-Con in July that Data would be back in some capacity. Even still, this brief but lovely glimpse at Brent Spiner reprising his character was very welcomed.

Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes) And Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis)

In addition to Patrick Stewart and Brent Spiner reprising their respective roles from Star Trek: The Next Generation, there are also at least two other favorites from the sci-fi series who are making their comebacks in Season 1. Specifically, Jonathan Frakes' Riker and Marina Sirtis' Deanna Troi are both returning for Picard. Frakes, in particular, was already confirmed to be involved with the new adventure as a director of at least a couple of episodes. The latest trailer shows fans Riker and Troi, when Picard goes to visit them at home, so you can be sure that this surprise made folks happy.

Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan)

In addition to the characters from Star Trek: The Next Generation who will be appearing on Star Trek: Picard, there is also a favorite from Star Trek: Voyager who has been confirmed to star in the new CBS All Access program. That would be Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan), a former Borg who joined the Federation starship Voyager. She was intended to be the Spock to Voyager's Captain Kathryn Janeway, though she developed into an intriguing and memorable presence of her own throughout the show.

Seven's involvement in Star Trek: Picard is certainly a fascinating development, especially when you consider Picard's checkered history (to say the very least) with the Borg — as detailed in both TNG and in Star Trek: First Contact. Not to mention the fact that we see a Borg ship in the most recent trailer, and that Jonathan Del Arco, who played the freed Borg, Hugh, in TNG is scheduled to appear as someone in Picard. So, it looks like Picard's most fearsome foes will be big players in the story.

What New Characters Will Be On Star Trek: Picard?

In addition to all the characters named above, there are a bunch of fresh new faces joining the Star Trek series. While Picard was designed to be more of an introspective character study based on the eventful final years of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the streaming series will also feature Santiago Cabrera as Cristobal "Chris" Rios, Michelle Hurd as Raffi Musiker, Evan Evagora as Elnor, Alison Pill as Dr. Agnes Jurati, Harry Treadaway as Narek, and Isa Briones as Dahj. Details about their respective characters will be revealed closer to the show's premiere date, but it is definitely a solid cast.

Will Worf Appear On Star Trek: Picard?

Bad news for fans of Worf (which should, hopefully, be a good many of you). It has been revealed that Worf is not expected to appear in the first season of Star Trek: Picard. There had been rumors that the character would make an appearance in the series, though. A clapboard which featured a number of signatures from different cast members had an intriguing signature that looked very similar to the one from actor Michael Dorn.

Alas, the folks at CBS claim Dorn isn't involved with this season, though it's entirely possible they're just saying this as a diversion. Here's hoping that the actor makes at least a surprise cameo. Either that, or he will be asked to join next year. Perhaps this could provide some storyline incentive for season two.

How Can You Watch Star Trek: Picard?

Star Trek: Picard will be premiering exclusively on CBS All Access. The show will make its debut on January 23, and every episode will be found on the streaming service. While it might be an inconvenience for some folks, there is a good chance that a lot of Star Trek fans already have the service in order to watch Star Trek: Discovery. If not, this show might finally give them the incentive to buckle down and get yet another new streaming service.

This is what we know about Star Trek: Picard so far, but there are certainly more details to follow. Be sure to stay tuned here for the latest information about this new Star Trek series and a whole lot more.

In a world where Star Trek is trying lots of new things heading into 2020 and beyond, there are some fans who just want the old show formula they know and love. For many, The Orville has scratched that itch, and while the series is becoming something entirely new with each season, there's still a lot of classic Star Trek framework there.

That's evident from some of the show's guest stars who were formerly part of the Star Trek world. Now, Jonathan Frakes announced in a video uploaded to YouTube he would be interested in appearing in front of the camera for a future episode, which would really bump up the Trek factor in The Orville to the max.

Jonathan Frakes is down to appear in The Orville, and even mused he'd like to show up in "full alien regalia." That's not too surprising considering he mostly played a human in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and will presumably do the same in his upcoming stint on Star Trek: Picard. I'd imagine any actor would love to get into prosthetic and costumes after seeing so many others have the fun of doing so.

Jonathan Frakes appearing on The Orville would be a return for the actor, who has directed episodes of the Seth MacFarlane series in the first 2 seasons. If he’s interested in playing a role, one would think he definitely has an in to do so.

As mentioned earlier, The Orville has had no qualms with scooping up former Star Trek talent for its episodes. Penny Johnson Jerald is a main character to start, and then there have been appearances by Marina Sirtis, Robert Picardo, and Tim Russ to name a few. Seth MacFarlane is also technically a Star Trek alum, as he played an ensign on Star Trek: Enterprise.

Jonathan Frakes is apparently feeling pretty good about getting back in front of the camera, which is a far cry from where he was not that long ago. Frakes admitted he kind of freaked out reprising his role as Riker in Star Trek: Picard and briefly felt like he had forgotten how to act. Luckily, he managed to get back in the zone, and we're hoping delivered in upcoming CBS All Access series.

If Jonathan Frakes is attached, it's another reason to get excited about The Orville Season 3. The move to Hulu sounds like a positive one where the show can spread its wings a little, so it would be great to see a sci-fi icon like Frakes be a part of that fun.

The Orville Season 3 Will Have Longer Episodes On Hulu (And More Bortus Mic Time)

The fall season is still rolling strong, and CinemaBlend is still the place to be for updates on all the best things happening in television and movies. Stick with us for that, and more on The Orville.

Star Trek: Picard is set to re-open the book on one of the franchise's most-acclaimed characters, and fans couldn't be more excited. As they should be, because all signs so far show that Patrick Stewart is fully committed to helping make this adventure as great and as true to the character as it possibly can be. This means callbacks to the past, which of course mean that characters from Star Trek: The Next Generation's past will appear.

This includes Jonathan Frakes, who admitted that appearing on Star Trek: Picard gave him an anxiety attack. The actor turned director realized something quite alarming when he went from being behind the camera to in front of one again.

It's easy to imagine how scary of a moment that had to be for Jonathan Frakes. In addition to forgetting how to act, he's on set with Patrick Stewart, who has acted in several projects almost non-stop since Star Trek: The Next Generation's ending. It would be pretty intimidating to get back in the saddle in the midst of that company, especially when it's been nearly two decades since last playing the character you're there to portray.

Frakes may have been in his own head about appearing as Ryker again for a while, as he noted he had just directed two episodes of Star Trek: Picard prior to his own performance. That meant watching Patrick Stewart do what he does best, and potentially realizing that the veteran is so in-tune with Picard to the point that it may have felt that he stopped playing the role and simply became the Starfleet legend. Frakes added that Deanna Troi actress Marina Sirtis had just come back from an acting stint of her own, so he was really the odd man out.

Jonathan Frakes told attendees to his panel at Fan Expo Canada that getting back into the swing of acting was hard, and certainly not just something he fell back into. Fortunately, he managed to overcome his anxiety and make his appearance in Star Trek: Picard, which means that the next time he's asked to appear may not be so difficult. That's assuming, of course, there is a next time and we're not in for some gut-wrenching Ryker scene in Season 1!

Star Trek's Alex Kurtzman Talks Picard Being First Trek Series Named After A Character

Star Trek: Picard is set to arrive on CBS All Access in 2020. CinemaBlend is the place to be in the meantime for updates on its development, and for the latest news happening in the world of television and movies.

Well, Trekkies everywhere can rejoice! It turns out that several characters from The Next Generation will be stopping by Star Trek: Picard as we'd hoped, and there are some surprises in the choices.

San Diego Comic-Con always brings big news when it comes to science fiction and fantasy, and this year was no different. The convention played host to the cast and crew of the highly anticipated CBS All Access series Star Trek: Picard, and not only did they show off the first full trailer (after giving us a brief tease a couple of months ago) of the latest entry in a long line of Star Trek series, but they also surprised the audience by revealing who we can expect to see reprising their roles from TNG in Picard. Looks like LeVar Burton was right.

First up? This, honestly, isn't that much of a surprise, but it's good news, nonetheless. Jonathan Frakes (Commander William T. Riker) and Marina Sirtis (Counselor Deanna Troi) will be hopping on board the Picard train for appearances on the show. Of course, Frakes (who will also be directing a few episodes of the freshman series) posted a tweet back in early June that many took as a hint that he'd be reprising Riker on Picard, but now we have confirmation.

Seeing as how the film Star Trek: Nemesis (which was the last time the full TNG cast had an adventure on screen) showed soon-to-be Captain Riker at the wedding reception for his marriage to his longtime love Deanna Troi, it makes sense that they would both be seen on Picard. Unfortunately, fans didn't get to see Frakes or Sirtis show up on stage, but that's not the case for the next two stars from The Next Generation.

Do not adjust your screens, folks. You are, in fact, looking at Brent Spiner, who appears to be reprising his role as Commander Data from this glimpse of him we see in the Star Trek: Picard trailer. I say that he "appears to be reprising his role" because the panel at Comic-Con only confirmed that Spiner will be on the show, not that we'd see him as Data again. Well, that, and the fact that Data died saving his crewmates at the end of Nemesis, so it's possible that Spiner could appear as Data's brother, B-4, or even show up as both characters.

Here are where two truly big surprises came in during the Comic-Con panel. One actor who appeared on stage and was also a veteran of The Next Generation was Jonathan Del Arco. Who?, you might be asking. Well, correct sound but wrong name. Del Arco played (get ready for it) the Borg, Hugh, all those years ago, and will be back for Picard.

The addition of Hugh (who may or may not be the unplugged Borg we saw in the trailer, and is pictured above) comes as a special surprise because he was only seen in three episodes of TNG. But, the character is iconic, because he was a Borg who eventually regained a sense of individuality and managed to maintain it. Instead of staying with the Enterprise crew, he went back to the crash site where they'd found him, knowing that the Borg would never stop looking for him and he'd put the Enterprise in jeopardy.

Again, Del Arco wasn't confirmed as Hugh, but it would seem to be a shame to have a sympathetic Borg who's still alive in the Star Trek timeline and not bring that specific character back for Picard, especially considering how those assimilating assholes have impacted Picard's life.

And now we come to the biggest surprise of the panel, when it was announced that Jeri Ryan, who starred on Star Trek: Voyager as the former Borg Seven of Nine, would be appearing on Picard, as well. Because we can see her in the trailer with Seven of Nine's distinctive Borg facial plate, there's really no doubt that Ryan will be showing up as Seven, which is surprising because she never appeared on TNG or in any of the movies led by that cast.

As you can see, there will be a lot of fan-favorite old faces showing up on Star Trek: Picard to join Patrick Stewart and the new cast as he continues Picard's adventures. We don't know for sure how much we'll see of each of these actors, or how important their parts will be, but it seems like Picard is shaping up to be quite the ride.

Star Trek: Picard will hit CBS All Access in early 2020, until then you can stay tuned to CinemaBlend for the latest on that show as well as everything in TV, movies and pop culture!

Over the course of several decades, the Star Trek franchise has given television audiences some of TV's most compelling characters. From Star Trek: The Original Series to the current shows featured on our upcoming Trek projects, there’s no shortage of beloved captains, lieutenants, and even ensigns who we’d consider among the greatest to ever be seen. 

It's hard to pick just one character as the undisputed best of Star Trek, so here are seven of the best. As a note, this list is limited to Star Trek characters affiliated with Starfleet, so don't expect to see folks like Harry Mudd or Q popping up here.

7. La'an Noonian-Singh

La’an is one of the newer characters on this list, but already in just two seasons of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, we’ve seen some tremendous growth and potential from the Enterprise’s Chief of Security. After being a child who survived the brutal breeding grounds of the Gorn, she’s carried a lifelong fear and grudge against the species. We’ve seen La’an confront those fears head-on, and given the ending of SNW Season 2, we’ll see her do it yet again in Season 3. 

If that all wasn’t enough, La’an’s storyline is further complicated by the fact she’s a living descendant of the infamous Star Trek villain, Khan Noonian-Singh. We’ve even seen her come face-to-face with a younger version of Khan via a temporal distortion, which seemingly sets the stage for more massive changes in the universe at large down the road. As I said, there’s some big potential for La’an’s character in the series, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out. 

6. William T. Riker

When it comes to “Number One” in Star Trek, I think a lot of readers have their personal favorites on who did it best. For me, I don’t think any walked the line of being a true friend to their captain as a confidant not afraid to speak his mind like Will Riker. Despite some struggles they faced at the beginning of the relationship, Jonathan Frakes’ performance being worthy of award recognition in Star Trek: Picard Season 3 shows just how much he and Picard have been through in the best way. 

Outside of his official Starfleet duties, few characters in the franchise are as immediately beloved or as cool as Riker. Whether he’s risking his life, romancing Troi, or even playing the trombone, he can look effortlessly suave and awesome while doing so. He even has his own patented maneuver for sitting in chairs, for crying out loud, so it shouldn’t be surprising that he’s on this list. 

5. Michael Burnham

Star Trek has featured a lot of captains in its run, but few have ever been given a redemptive arc like Michael Burnham. Her journey from prosecuted mutineer to eventual Starfleet Captain, and one of the more celebrated ones in the 32nd century, is awesome. Season 5’s episode “Face The Strange” highlighted just how far she’s come perfectly, and why I believe she’s one of the most inspiring characters of Trek. 

Burnham is, in key ways, a character who represents a new era of Trek. One could argue that her stories inspired writers to take more risks in the shows that followed, which resulted in deeper character development for both legacy and new characters in the franchise. Burnham isn’t directly responsible for that, but if her story wasn’t so interesting and fun to follow, who knows what the current status of the franchise would look like? 

4. The EMH "The Doctor"

Star Trek: Voyager has good and bad moments for all of its characters and some wtf moments that keep me up at night. If there was one character who had way more great moments than bad, however, it’s the EMH more commonly known as “The Doctor” in most episodes. From becoming the greatest opera singer for an entire planet, to a hero in a Beowulf holodeck simulation gone awry, there are no shortage of quality episodes starring The Doctor. 

He taps into the classic sci-fi trope of an inorganic life form who wants to appear and be more human. His occasional misguided understanding of what it means to be a person leads to hilarious moments and occasionally a real thinking moment for the viewer on the human condition. With the exception of one other character that’s on this list, he’s the best example of a character “learning to be human” in Trek. 

3. Seven Of Nine

Seven of Nine, in truth, could be someone who easily ends up as the best character of all time on another writer’s Star Trek list. A woman pulled from the collective of The Borg is suddenly forced out of her comfort zone and, despite being an adult, learned what it is to be human again. There are some uncomfortable moments in that process in Voyager, but it’s still captivating to watch. 

What really made her story evolve to the next level, however, was when Jeri Ryan reprised her role for Picard. Here, we saw a Seven who was more aware of what it meant to be human but still faced prejudice and issues due to her remaining Borg features. What we saw was a Seven who knew who she was, both part-human and part-Borg, and the way she married them to become one of the most capable members of Starfleet in the end. It was awesome, and Jeri Ryan deserved her Astra award for her portrayal. 

2. Jean-Luc Picard

Trek fans will always have their favorites when it comes to captains, but I don’t think there is one who is more meaningful to the overall lore. Not only has Jean Luc Picard been one of the best captains Starfleet has ever seen, he’s also one of the greatest enemies they ever faced as Locutus of Borg. If you’re wanting assured success to a mission with the best possible outcome for humanity, Picard is usually the best option every time. 

The incredible acting ability of Patrick Stewart is not to be undersold here, because he is also a large part of what makes Picard so great. If ever there were an actor who could convince the world he’s a capable leader worthy of marching them into hell and back with assured success, he would be the one. 

1. Spock

Since his introduction to the present day, Spock has remained not just the best character in Star Trek but one of the best characters in pop culture. The half-Vulcan, half-human’s story has been explored across several shows and movies, and the fact that viewers are still excited to see Ethan Peck portray the character in fresh stories in Strange New Worlds is evidence that the fandom has not tired of it.

Why do we love Spock so much? Perhaps it’s the fact that as humans, we know how difficult it can be to suppress emotions and think logically about problems in our lives. The franchise has not shied away from showing the times that he has fallen short, reminding us that even the most idealized characters can make mistakes. He also, quite famously, has shown that there are times where logic can be defied, which is something the illogical crowd can always get behind. 

See all of these characters and more by streaming Star Trek with a Paramount+ subscription. With more upcoming Trek shows on the way, who knows how this list will change in a few years, and what other great characters we will see as the franchise continues to shift and evolve with the times.