JANUARY 26, 2022 - The latest issue of SFX Magazine is available now, and the cover story is causing a bit of a stir, leaving many fans (and multiple news outlets) wondering if Star Trek: Picard will definitely end after only three seasons.

The answer? No one knows for certain.

The 10-page interview with series star Patrick Stewart and Picard Executive Producer Akiva Goldsman is meant to give viewers a deeper insight into the second season of Star Trek: Picard, in anticipation of its March 3rd debut. There was, however, an unexpected side effect. An open-ended quote from Goldsman and a statement from Stewart have left many seeking an explanation as to the future of the series.

At one point in the conversation, Stewart was asked how the second season furthered his interest in playing the Picard character. For his part, Stewart finished filming the second season of Picard months ago, with production beginning immediately on season three. Stewart responded, saying, “When we go back to work on Monday, I will be shooting episode eight of season three, with only two more episodes to go. So we are weeks away from wrapping the series.”

The key word here is “series”. In “American English”, as it is known, a television “series” indicates the full collection of individual “seasons”. In “British English”, the term “series” can be used to describe “seasons” of a show. Are you with me so far?

With Stewart’s usage of both “season” and “series” in his reply, it is certainly possible that Star Trek: Picard will end with three seasons. It is also possible that he simply used the two terms to mean the same thing, leaving no indication whatsoever as to the future of the series.

That’s where Akiva Goldsman comes in. According to the article, Goldsman said “there was always a plan for three seasons”, which is no surprise. When it comes to the idea of Picard beyond three seasons, Goldsman stated, “God only knows what the future will bring.” Unfortunately, this only brings with it more questions than answers. Goldsman has previously stated that Picard was discussed as being three, five, or possibly an unlimited number of seasons, and that the show would continue (in his view) “as long as Patrick Stewart wants to do it.”

At this time, there has been no confirmation from Stewart, Goldsman, or ViacomCBS as to the full number of seasons Picard will run. 

You can order your own print or digital copy of the latest issue of SFX Magazine from their website, or through MagazinesDirect.com. Season two of Star Trek: Picard will premiere March 3rd, with season three expected sometime in 2023. Until then, catch up on all of the action of Star Trek: Picard, season one, available to stream now on Paramount+.