Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is about to become the next big stop for Trek fans on Paramount+. Set in the 32nd century and directly tied to the events of Star Trek: Discovery, the series is designed as a fresh entry point for newcomers while still rewarding longtime viewers.
Paramount+ is opting for a staggered rollout instead of an all-at-once binge drop, combining a two-episode premiere with a steady weekly release through mid-March. Below, you’ll find the complete episode schedule, what to expect from the release strategy, and how it fits into the broader Star Trek streaming landscape.
When does Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premiere on Paramount+?
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy officially launches on January 15 on Paramount+. On that day, subscribers will be able to stream the first two episodes right away.
This double-episode premiere is meant to drop viewers straight into the new time period, introduce the central class of cadets, and establish the Academy setting in the 32nd century, all in one sitting. It also helps connect the show tonally and narratively to Star Trek: Discovery, whose timeline it continues.
Trailer and first look
Paramount+ is actively positioning Starfleet Academy as the next tentpole Star Trek series on its platform. The show leans into character-driven drama, academy life, and an overarching threat that builds across the season.
Get a taste of the show’s tone and visual style here:
The trailer teases both the emotional stakes of training at Starfleet’s most prestigious institution and the kind of large-scale danger you’d expect from a modern Star Trek series.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy release pattern explained
After the two-episode premiere on January 15, Starfleet Academy settles into a weekly release schedule. Paramount+ will add one new episode every week, maintaining a consistent drop day from late January through mid-March.
This model mirrors the rollout strategy used for other recent Star Trek shows on the service. Instead of a binge model, Paramount+ favors a slow-burn approach that keeps the conversation going week after week—similar to how genre hits on streaming and cable have been programmed in the U.S. for years.
Starfleet Academy Season 1: complete episode calendar
Season 1 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy consists of 10 episodes. Two arrive on premiere day, and the remaining eight episodes land weekly. Here’s the full U.S. release timeline for Season 1 on Paramount+:
| Episode | Release date |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | January 15 |
| Episode 2 | January 15 |
| Episode 3 | January 22 |
| Episode 4 | January 29 |
| Episode 5 | February 5 |
| Episode 6 | February 12 |
| Episode 7 | February 19 |
| Episode 8 | February 26 |
| Episode 9 | March 5 |
| Episode 10 | March 12 |
With this schedule, the season finale lands on March 12, keeping the show in the spotlight for nearly two full months after the premiere.
Why Paramount+ is using a weekly release for Starfleet Academy
While many streaming platforms originally leaned into full-season drops, Paramount+ has increasingly adopted a hybrid approach for its flagship franchises. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy follows that trend with a two-episode launch followed by weekly installments.
This strategy makes particular sense for a series set at Starfleet Academy:
- Character development over time: The story focuses on a class of cadets learning to become Starfleet officers. A weekly cadence gives viewers time to sit with each step of their growth, from classroom conflicts to away missions.
- Ongoing mystery and external threat: Beyond the day-to-day academy life, a larger external danger unfolds slowly across the season. Releasing one episode at a time allows tension—and fan theories—to build.
- Community and conversation: Weekly episodes encourage discussion on social media, Reddit, and fan forums, echoing how previous Star Trek shows have been watched and debated in the U.S. for decades.
For Paramount+, this approach also keeps subscribers engaged over a longer period instead of encouraging a quick binge and cancellation cycle.
How Starfleet Academy fits into the Star Trek universe
Although Starfleet Academy is crafted as an accessible starting point for new viewers, it’s firmly anchored in 32nd-century continuity following Star Trek: Discovery. The academy setting allows the series to:
- Explore new corners of the Federation in a far-future era
- Introduce a younger ensemble cast while still honoring established lore
- Blend campus drama, mentorship, and high-stakes sci-fi threats
That mix positions Starfleet Academy as a natural fit for fans of character-led genre series and teen/young adult ensembles, while still delivering the exploration, ethics, and big sci-fi ideas that have defined Star Trek for U.S. audiences since the 1960s.
How to watch Star Trek: Starfleet Academy in the U.S.
To follow the season from premiere to finale, you’ll need a Paramount+ subscription. Episodes will be available to stream on demand as they drop, so you can either watch live with the weekly schedule or catch up later at your own pace.
If you prefer to binge, you can wait until after March 12, when all 10 episodes of Season 1 will be available in the Paramount+ library.
Key dates to remember
- January 15: Series premiere with Episodes 1 and 2
- January 22 – March 5: One new episode every week
- March 12: Season 1 finale (Episode 10)
Whether you’re a longtime Trekkie or completely new to the franchise, these dates mark the full run of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1 on Paramount+.
FAQ
When does Star Trek: Starfleet Academy start streaming on Paramount+?
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premieres on January 15 on Paramount+, with the first two episodes available to watch on day one.
How many episodes are in Starfleet Academy Season 1?
Season 1 consists of 10 episodes in total, combining a two-episode premiere with eight additional weekly episodes.
What is the release schedule for new Starfleet Academy episodes?
After the double premiere on January 15, Paramount+ will drop one new episode every week, from January 22 through March 12, when the season finale arrives.
Is Starfleet Academy a good entry point for new Star Trek viewers?
Yes. Although it continues the 32nd-century timeline from Star Trek: Discovery, Starfleet Academy is built around a new class of cadets and is designed to work as a stand-alone starting point for newcomers while still offering deeper connections for longtime fans.
