In addition to all the big reveals today at San Diego Comic-Con, there was one more surprise. Star Trek may be getting its first live-action comedy series.
Newsome and Simien developing workplace comedy for Trek
Today’s Star Trek Universe panel was moderated by Justin Simien, writer-director of Dear White People and director of The Haunted Mansion. Simien turns out to be a big fan, especially The Next Generation, but that wasn’t the only reason he was at San Diego Comic-Con for Trek. As the Lower Decks section of the panel was wrapping up, Simien pointed to cast member Tawny Newsome (Mariner) and announced “Tawny And I are pregnant… With a Star Trek show.” They pair gave cryptic clues about the the series they are developing — talk of 25th century shenanigans, odd couple pairings… at one point Justin just shouted “vibes”— to get fans excited.
After this sort of mock pitch, Alex Kurtzman, who heads up Star Trek TV for Paramount, said “How about we just call it Star Trek’s first live-action comedy.” Kurtzman also said he has become impressed with Newsome’s work as a writer on Starfleet Academy calling her a “stone cold assassin of a writer.” While some in the audience weren’t sure what to make of this moment, TrekMovie has confirmed with Paramount+ that this is a real show in development. Here is the official logline for the series:
Federation outsiders serving a gleaming resort planet find out their day-to-day exploits are being broadcast to the entire quadrant.
You can see Simien moderating during the Lower Decks portion of the Star Trek Universe panel below…
After the panel, Newsome and Simien sped away on Jet skis. [NOTE, this did not happen. It’s just something they wanted us to say, even though Hall H cannot accommodate jet skis]
According to Paramount, the show has Kurtzman, Simien, and Newsome as writers and executive producers with Aaron Baiers, Rod Roddenberry, and Trevor Roth as executive producers. CBS Studios is developing the show for Paramount+ with hopes for a series pickup. Sources for The Hollywood Reporter say the show has “workplace comedy tones” along the lines of The Office or Parks and Recreation.
Star Trek: Lower Decks already broke a barrier as the first animated adult comedy for the franchise, wrapping up its fifth season starting this October. So maybe there is room for a live-action workplace comedy as well.
More Star Trek SDCC 2024
Check out our SDCC category for more from the Star Trek Universe panel, including announcements and reveals from Strange New Worlds, Lower Decks, Starfleet Academy, and Section 31. And we will have more coverage of what was said at the panel later this weekend.
Keep up with news about the Star Trek Universe at TrekMovie.com.
