The Producers of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Discuss Using Humor in the Series

The cast of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS. Images: Paramount+.

JUNE 30, 2023 - As Star Trek: Strange New Worlds moves forward with its second season, fans can expect an infusion of comedy. Co-showrunners and executive producers Akiva Goldsman and Henry Alonso Myers recently shared their thoughts on the importance of humor and the challenges of balancing it with the show's deeply rooted sci-fi elements in an interview with StarTrek.com.

Myers, who expressed a desire to inject more comedic swings into the series, emphasized that the comedic tone never takes away from the sci-fi elements. He stated, "We are making a show for human beings to watch and experience in human being ways." This approach ensures that the humor enhances the overall viewing experience without compromising the core essence of Star Trek.

The showrunners were pleasantly surprised to discover that the cast of Strange New Worlds excels in comedy. During season 1, they began pushing the actors in that direction, and with season 2, they realized the cast's comedic abilities were even greater than expected. 

"They’re delightful at being charming and funny just as they are delightful at being dramatic and meaningful,” Goldsman said. “Why not have all these things?"

Anson Mount, who portrays Captain Christopher Pike, expressed his enthusiasm for the comedic elements, stating, "For me, it was a tremendous amount of fun. I don't always get to use my comedy chops. It's been an enormous amount of fun, and I think it's important for our show." 

Mount emphasized the significance of incorporating humor to provide balance and moments of levity within the action-packed and dramatic narrative. The ability to switch between tones allows viewers to fully engage with the story while also providing room to breathe.

Melissa Navia, one of the cast members, praised the show's creative minds for achieving a beautiful balance of light and darkness. She commended the writers and showrunners for capturing the nuances of life and successfully blending moments of joy with the exploration of the dark sides of existence. This ability to reflect the full spectrum of human experiences is what makes Star Trek so enduring and relatable to audiences.

The second season of Strange New Worlds introduces new characters played by renowned actors who excel in comedy. Carol Kane joins the cast as the Enterprise's new chief engineer, Commander Pelia, bringing a fresh perspective to the role of an engineer. Myers explained that they wanted to take a different approach to the character and when Carol Kane's name came up, it felt like the perfect fit.

Additionally, Tawny Newsome and Jack Quaid reprise their roles from the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks, embodying Beckett Mariner and Bradward Boimler, respectively, in live-action form. Bringing the over-the-top comedic style of Lower Decks into the live-action realm required careful navigation of tone. Goldsman acknowledged the complexity but was pleased with the result, crediting the talents of Tawny, Jack, and director Jonathan Frakes for seamlessly blending the two shows' comedic styles.

Goldsman made it clear that while Lower Decks' influence is felt in Strange New Worlds' humor, it remains a Strange New Worlds episode. The integration of animated and live-action characters presented no significant complications, as the focus was on portraying the characters as they are, regardless of their medium of presentation.

As Star Trek: Strange New Worlds continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of humor, drama, and sci-fi, the showrunners' commitment to maintaining a balance of these elements ensures an engaging and enjoyable viewing experience. The infusion of comedy not only showcases the cast's versatility but also adds a layer of relatability and humanity to the storylines.