Tawny Newsome Updates on First Live-Action Star Trek Comedy

Tawny Newsome, co-lead of the upcoming series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, has provided an exciting update regarding the franchise’s first live-action comedy. This announcement comes as the anticipation builds for the new series, which is set to premiere on January 15, 2026, on Paramount+.

At the recent San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Newsome and writer-director Justin Simien revealed their development of a comedy series featuring Federation outsiders on a resort planet. Although the concept has evolved since its initial announcement, it will take place in the 25th century, following the events of Star Trek: Picard. Notably, Newsome will portray a new character, distinct from her well-known role as Ensign/Lieutenant Beckett Mariner in the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks.

During the New York City red carpet premiere of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Newsome shared insights into the progress of the comedy project. She expressed satisfaction with the collaboration with CBS Studios and Paramount+, stating that the scripts have been submitted and they are now awaiting a decision from the studio.

Newsome articulated her feelings about the development process, saying, “The conversations that I have had is, ‘Hey, we finished writing it,’ and everyone said, ‘Yep, we love it.’ And then, we turned it in, and then it was Christmas… The business is in an interesting place right now… Who knows? I’m so proud of the work that Justin and I did. We love our scripts. We’re ready for someone to just decide. If it’s meant to be, it’ll be. If not, I’ll go do something else. But we love what we wrote.”

As a prominent figure within the Star Trek universe, Newsome has garnered respect both in front of and behind the camera. While contributing to Star Trek: Lower Decks, she also hosted The Pod Directive, the official Star Trek podcast, alongside comedian Paul F. Tompkins. Newsome made history with co-star Jack Quaid by bringing their animated characters to life during the crossover event between Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Lower Decks.

Newsome’s involvement in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has earned her praise from executive producer and co-showrunner Alex Kurtzman, who referred to her as a “stone-cold killer” in the creative process. A lifelong fan of the franchise, particularly Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Newsome has taken on the role of a “continuity cop,” ensuring that the new series remains true to Star Trek canon.

As Newsome and Simien await the green light for their live-action comedy, there is a flurry of other Star Trek projects in development. These include a spinoff of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds featuring Paul Wesley as Captain James T. Kirk, a proposed comeback series for Scott Bakula, titled Star Trek: United, and the long-anticipated spinoff of Star Trek: Picard, named Star Trek: Legacy.

While fans eagerly await the future of Newsome’s live-action comedy, her comic talents and deep-rooted Star Trek enthusiasm will be showcased in episode 5 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, a project she co-wrote with Kirsten Beyer.

The world of Star Trek continues to expand, promising new adventures and stories for both longtime fans and newcomers to the beloved franchise.