DECEMBER 29, 2023 - Since the premiere of Star Trek: Discovery in 2017, Trek fans have been in a new golden age, being introduced to new characters and reunited with old favorites. However, with 2023 seeing entertainment strikes, series cancellations, discontinued collectIbles, and a possible shake-up at Paramount Studios, our year in review suggests the gold may have lost some of its luster.

1. WGA/SAG-AFTRA Strikes

Arguably the biggest story of the year was the dual strikes by the Screenwriters Guild (Writer's Guild of America) and the actors guild (SAG-AFTRA) which impacted the entire entertainment industry, including the Star Trek franchise.

While the Writer's Guild strike was ongoing, with writers seeking a better contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, members of the Star Trek community, including writers and actors from various Star Trek shows, showed their support by joining picket lines in Los Angeles and New York. Notable actors like Anthony Rapp, Celia Rose Gooding, Jess Bush, Jeri Ryan, Denise Crosby, and Jason Mantzoukas were among those who joined the pickets. This strike initially caused delays in the production of the third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and there was potential for further impact if the actors also went on strike.

SAG-AFTRA did vote to strike, which raised questions about the participation of striking actors in conventions and other public appearances. SAG-AFTRA provided guidelines indicating that striking members could attend conventions under certain restrictions. These guidelines specified that appearances should not promote companies that are being struck against, and striking actors were not allowed to discuss or promote struck work or companies during these events.

In a show of unity titled "United We Trek," fans were invited to join the cast and writers of Star Trek on the picket lines in both New York City and Los Angeles. This was part of a broader movement within the Star Trek community to advocate for modern contracts that address current issues, including the use of Artificial Intelligence in creating actors’ likenesses and residual payments for streaming services. The event aimed to remind studio executives of Star Trek's values, which are anti-exploitative and emphasize respect for all individuals involved in production.

These strikes highlighted significant issues within the entertainment industry, particularly concerning fair compensation and working conditions for writers and actors. They also demonstrated solidarity within the Star Trek community, both on and off the screen.

2. Series Cancellations

Beyond the strike, Paramount left many Trek fans dismayed with the proclamations that several Trek shows were coming to an end. While many expected Star Trek: Picard to end with its third season, the series’ final episodes left many fans with a desire to see the adventures continue. In fact, a petition by fans to continue the Picard storyline in a new series called Star Trek: Legacy took off, garnering more signers than the petition that led to the creation of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Picard wasn’t the only series canceled by the network, however. Star Trek: Discovery will end with its fifth season and a previously announced Section 31 show was canceled while still in development. The current plan by Paramount is to tell the Section 31 story as a stand-alone feature film.

The most shocking cancellation was the decision to ax the animated series Star Trek: Prodigy. The series, aimed at a younger audience and created in partnership with Nickelodeon, was not only approved for a second season but was in the final stages of production of said season when the announcement came down. Fortunately for fans of the show, Netflix picked up the series and is currently streaming the first season with plans to air the second in early 2024.

3. Endings and New Lives For Collectibles

Trek fans who favor collectibles had a mixed year in 2023. The year began with them dealing with the bankruptcy of Eaglemoss, the manufacturer of a large line of miniature Star Trek vessels. The year ended with a ray of hope as Fanhome announced that it had acquired the license for the vessels and is making plans to relaunch the toy ship line. 

For those who like to collect action figures, the news was also mixed. Early in the year, Playmates announced additions to its line of Star Trek figures, but within a few months, there were delays in the release dates of some of the figures. By the end of the year, the company announced it was ending production of the entire line of figures. Fortunately, collectors can still pick up figures from Hiya Toys and EXO-6.

4. Paramount Global’s Future

Further clouding the future of Star Trek was the news that Shari Redstone, daughter of media titan Sumner Redstone, is considering offers to relinquish control of Paramount Studios. While nothing is certain at this point (a number of potential buyers are currently in the mix) Trek’s future could be significantly impacted by a change in corporate structure. The new controllers of Paramount's assets may have different strategic priorities, potentially influencing the direction, production, and distribution of existing and future Star Trek projects.

5. Star Trek’s Future

Trek fans can take heart in the fact that, at least for now, there is new Trek to look forward to. Although delayed by the strikes, 2023 did see the announcement of new Trek projects. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Lower Decks will both have new seasons in the coming year. In addition, Star Trek: Academy (a brand new show focusing on cadets) will go into full production in 2024. Beyond the new Trek shows, the aforementioned Star Trek: Section 31 film is also expected later in the next year. 

The Star Trek universe has seen its share of ups and downs over the decades, but one thing remains constant: fans are always eager to boldly go on whatever adventure comes next.