Star Trek: Starfleet Academy launches with Holly Hunter. See why critics praise it (85%) but fans rate it just 35% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- February 26, 2026
AceShowbiz - Star Trek: Starfleet Academy launched with high expectations as fans received two episodes of the new series, led by Holly Hunter portraying Captain Nahla Ake. After nearly eight years in development following an agreement between CBS Television Studios and showrunner Alex Kurtzman, the show aimed to attract a younger audience within the iconic franchise.
The series quickly rose into the top three on Paramount+ streaming charts, signaling strong initial interest. However, the response from viewers has been mixed, with the audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes plummeting to a disappointing 35%. This contrasts sharply with an 85% critic score, revealing a significant divide between professional reviewers and general viewers. Both scores lag behind those of other recent Star Trek entries such as Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and the nearly flawless Star Trek: Prodigy.
In a glowing review for Collider, Samantha Coley gave Starfleet Academy a 9/10, commending it as "the best example of what Star Trek can and should be doing in this modern era — effortlessly inclusive, compelling, and innovative." She noted the series stays true to the franchise's foundational values while introducing fresh storytelling elements.
The show’s synopsis highlights the journey of a group of young cadets at the Starfleet Academy, who unite with hopes and optimism. Under the guidance of rigorous instructors, they navigate friendships, rivalries, early romances, and confront a new adversary threatening both the Academy and the Federation.
Continuing the franchise’s tradition, Starfleet Academy incorporates numerous Easter Eggs for fans to discover. Showrunner Noga Landau recently shared his favorite hidden details in an interview with Collider, underscoring the care taken to connect the new series to its rich Star Trek legacy.
Despite the current backlash and review bombing from some viewers, the series’ strong critical reception suggests Star Trek: Starfleet Academy may still prove to be a meaningful addition to the franchise’s evolving story.
