In a surprising turn of events for Star Trek fans, the animated series “Star Trek: Prodigy” has found a new home on Netflix following its cancellation by Paramount+. This move marks a significant shift in the streaming landscape for the beloved sci-fi franchise.
The global streaming giant Netflix has acquired the rights to “Star Trek: Prodigy” for the United States and most international territories, as part of a deal with CBS Studios. This acquisition comes after Paramount+’s decision in June to remove several original series, including “Prodigy,” from its platform as part of a cost-cutting measure.
“Star Trek: Prodigy” follows a group of young aliens who must learn to work together while navigating the galaxy in a commandeered starship. The series, which targets a younger audience, represents a departure from the typical Star Trek demographic and was initially developed for Nickelodeon before moving to Paramount+.
Alex Kurtzman, the mastermind behind the current Star Trek television universe, along with Emmy winners Kevin and Dan Hageman, developed the series. In a joint statement, they expressed gratitude to the show’s fanbase: “Thank you to our incredible Star Trek: Prodigy fans, who championed not just a show, but a community that’s always been connected by the belief that we build a better future together.”
The first season of “Star Trek: Prodigy,” previously available on Paramount+, is set to release on Netflix later in 2023. Fans can look forward to the second season, currently in production, which will debut on Netflix in 2024. However, the deal excludes Canada, where the show will continue to be available on CTV.ca and the CTV App, as well as certain European territories covered by SkyShowtime.
The voice cast of “Prodigy” boasts an impressive lineup, including Kate Mulgrew, Brett Gray, and Ella Purnell, among others. The series has garnered critical acclaim, earning a 2023 TCA Award nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Family Programming.
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While “Prodigy” may have found a new streaming home, Paramount+ remains the primary destination for the Star Trek franchise. The platform continues to host other Star Trek series such as “Discovery,” “Picard,” “Strange New Worlds,” and “Lower Decks,” with new shows like “Section 31” and “Starfleet Academy” in the pipeline.
This move represents a return of sorts for the Star Trek franchise to Netflix. The streaming service previously held international rights for “Star Trek: Discovery” when it launched in 2017, an arrangement that ended in 2021 when Paramount+ became the exclusive global home for the series.
As “Star Trek: Prodigy” embarks on this new journey with Netflix, fans around the world eagerly await the opportunity to continue following the adventures of this unique crew of young aliens as they explore the final frontier.
