Star Trek: Enterprise star Scott Bakula recently shared an update on the previously reported pitch for a spinoff starring Archer, and he really didn't hold back about whether it could really happen. While his comments more or less state we shouldn't expect to stream it with a Paramount+ subscription anytime soon, there is some hope.
The star spoke to TVInsider in connection with Star Trek's 60th anniversary. With that in mind, and with this being a year when no shows are in active development, he was asked if there was a possibility the pitched Star Trek: United spinoff was any closer to becoming a real series. He said the following:
That’s an idea that’s been suggested. I’m not actively involved. A lot of fans would like to see more Star Trek and perhaps see Archer be involved. But there are new people in charge of the franchise, new owners of the studio. The franchise benefitted from a rest after Enterprise. There had been some fatigue with the number of shows and movies, and that may be what’s happening. Nothing is on my radar right now. But I know better than to say never.
While Paramount Skydance is going full steam ahead with planning for Star Trek's return to theaters, the television side has stalled. Both Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy will presumably end in 2027. And with no new announcements for shows at San Diego Comic-Con, it seems the company is waiting for Trek head Alex Kurtzman's contract to expire at the end of 2026 before entertaining ideas for new shows.
I can't help but feel a bit rattled by what Scott Bakula said in regard to this latest period for Star Trek, specifically because he likened it to when Enterprise ended. I don't think any Trekkie right now wants to hear that we might be in for another five-year gap before we get a new project, but who knows if that's just him sharing his personal speculation or something he's heard while helping pitch Star Trek: United.
For those in the dark about the aforementioned spinoff, it was revealed that Bakula and Star Trek: Enterprise writer/producer Mike Sussman had pitched a series that follows Archer after he assumed his role as President of the United Federation of Planets. The series was described as a mix of political and espionage drama, which sounded pretty intriguing to some.
There's also an argument that in the wake of diminishing interest in Star Trek, the last thing Paramount Skydance needs to pursue is more shows that cater to diehard fans and require past knowledge of other shows. While we have no idea how the company will feel or approach upcoming Trek shows, it's worth noting the movie is set up to highlight an entirely new cast and time period.
Doing this creates a jumping-on point for newcomers to Star Trek, who don't need decades of knowledge to appreciate or understand what's going on. As much as I would personally appreciate a follow-up to Star Trek: Enterprise, making a sequel series to a show that struggled to find an audience during its run on television feels like a recipe for failure, and likely not something the franchise would indulge in at this time. Of course, I'm no executive, so maybe we'll be surprised by the time we do get an announcement for the next Trek series.
So, with all that said, I'll keep a shred of hope alive. Now, as we wait for more information on new Star Trek, Scott Bakula's Enterprise series is available to stream over on Paramount+.
