Starfleet Academy Divides Critics & Fans On Rotten Tomatoes

The latest addition in the sci-fi franchise, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, is seriously dividing critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Following the conclusion of Star Trek: Discovery in 2024, Paramount opted to proceed with a direct spinoff centered on Starfleet cadets as they undergo training.

Now, following its two-episode premiere on Paramount+ on January 15, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has an 84% score from critics coupled with a 37% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. At the time of writing, the show has 31 reviews from critics and 100+ ratings from users, so its scores could change as more are added. See how this divide compares to other Star Trek shows below:

Created by Gaia Violo, with Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau acting as showrunners, the new Star Trek show is set in the 32nd century, a far-future era first introduced in Discovery, and follows the first incoming class of Starfleet cadets in more than a hundred years as they mature and prepare for service as officers.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy‘s cast includes Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, and Bella Shepard as the cadets, alongside Holly Hunter, Zoë Steiner, Robert Picardo, Tig Notaro, and Oded Fehr in main roles. Also appearing in recurring roles are Gina Yashere, Paul Giamatti, and Tatiana Maslany. Meanwhile, Mary Wiseman, Becky Lynch, Stephen Colbert, and Brit Marling guest star.

In ScreenRant‘s review of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Gregory Nussen writes, “The kids are just okay in Gaia Violo’s school-set comedy-drama… Holly Hunter, Gina Yashere and Robert Picardo lead the way. Just one problem: it’s not their show.”

Despite its strong Rotten Tomatoes score, critical sentiment is somewhat split on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy – praising its optimism, inclusivity, and willingness to try something new despite its uneven execution. Many applaud its hopeful spirit, strong potential, and fresh take on Star Trek‘s legacy – while others criticize its soapiness, tonal issues, overcrowded alien concepts, and reduced tension – calling it messy but promising.

On the other hand, audience reactions are far more polarized than critics’, ranging from genuine affection to outright hostility. Many viewers praise the show’s optimism, humor, and fresh energy – calling it comforting and fun, especially in dark times. Others angrily reject it as “not real Star Trek” – criticizing its teen drama, dialogue, and canon changes. Unlike critics’ more measured optimism, audiences are responding emotionally and divisively to Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.

Release Date

January 15, 2026

Network

Paramount+

Showrunner

Alex Kurtzman, Noga Landau

Directors

Alex Kurtzman

Writers

Gaia Violo, Gene Roddenberry

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