J.J. Abrams was successful in resurrecting Star Trek to the big screen. Now it’s time to see if CBS can do the same on the small screen. The network is employing producer Alex Kurtzman to shepherd Star Trek‘s return to TV. Kurtzman is no stranger to the Star Trek universe; he previously co-wrote and produced Abrams’ reboot films Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness. We don’t have a definitive title or plot synopsis just yet; what we have is this:

The brand-new “Star Trek” will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966.

In a nutshell, the new TV series will not incorporate the classic original series characters like Kirk and Spock. Instead, it will introduce a new crew and fresh locations and inhabitants to explore.

Now here’s the kicker. CBS will premiere the new Star Trek on its network in January 2017, but following its “special preview broadcast,” the show will be airing exclusively on the network’s CBS All Access streaming service. That’s a subscription-based service that demands a $5.99/month fee to use. Currently, CBS All Access is home to the majority of all the network’s current and past seasons on demand, including all prior Star Trek iterations. This will mark the first time that CBS is adding a new, exclusive series into the fold.

This news is a bit of a shocker to me and the industry overall. Star Trek is such an iconic franchise, and limiting its return to the medium that gave birth to it is a poor decision. Of course, CBS envisions Star Trek‘s inherent popularity to draw audiences to its All Access service. I’ll be curious to see how this all goes down; perhaps if things don’t go according to plan, CBS will do a 180 and air the series on CBS proper. Are you will to pay another monthly fee to access a show not available through your cable provider, even if that show touches that nostalgic place in your heart?

Jump after the break for choice quotes plucked from CBS’ Star Trek press release. Continue reading ‘Star Trek’ to make anticipated return to television…with a questionable twist →