Summary
Star Trek: Prodigy being picked up by Netflix raises questions about the franchise's streaming future and the decision to sell off shows to rival streamers.
The Netflix deal requires fans to switch between streaming services, yet it opens up a larger audience for Prodigy and may encourage more viewers to discover other Star Trek content. If Paramount cancels another show while in production, there is a chance that Netflix might acquire additional Star Trek shows.
The announcement about Star Trek: Prodigy being acquired by Netflix has sparked speculation about the future of the Star Trek franchise in the streaming realm. Following a fervent fan campaign, Netflix was chosen as the new platform for the animated Star Trek series after it was unexpectedly dropped from Paramount+. This decision by Paramount to cancel Prodigy was puzzling and went against their earlier promise to be the central hub for all things Star Trek. With a substantial number of episodes, totaling 24, already in production, Prodigy could have easily filled the gaps in Paramount's Star Trek schedule for 2024, caused by the WGA strike and ongoing labor disputes by SAG-AFTRA.
Scheduled to premiere on Netflix in early 2024, Star Trek: Prodigy season 2 will continue the narrative of Dal R'El (portrayed by Brett Gray) and his team of aspiring Starfleet members. It has been confirmed that the Doctor (played by Robert Picardo) from Star Trek: Voyager will make an appearance in the new series, alongside well-known characters like Admiral Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) and Captain Chakotay (Robert Beltran). Adding to the excitement for Star Trek: Voyager fans, it was revealed that the hero ship for Prodigy season 2 will be the USS Voyager-A. Now that Prodigy season 2 is secure, attention naturally shifts to how this Netflix deal will impact the broader Star Trek franchise.
What Prodigy's Netflix Deal Means For Star Trek's Future
With Star Trek: Prodigy now being streamed on Netflix, fans are faced with the inconvenience of switching between different streaming services. This was already the case internationally before Paramount+ was launched, as Star Trek shows were scattered across various platforms like Prime Video and Netflix. Interestingly, after the success of Star Trek: Picard season 3 and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, Paramount has already started selling off other Trek shows to rival streaming services. This move is surprising considering that Paramount+ initially marketed itself as the exclusive home of the Star Trek franchise.
By streaming Star Trek: Prodigy season 2 on Netflix, the franchise is expanding its reach beyond Paramount+ subscribers. Prodigy serves as both a captivating introduction for younger audiences and a nostalgic Star Trek: Voyager sequel for older viewers. As a result, Netflix subscribers who stumble upon Prodigy may be inspired to explore more of the Star Trek universe on Paramount+. The main question now is whether Netflix has the option to commission a third season of Prodigy. If not, the excitement surrounding Prodigy's comeback could be disappointingly short-lived.
Could Netflix Buy More Star Trek Shows?
In the event that Paramount+ no longer remains committed to being the exclusive platform for Star Trek, there is a slight chance that other shows may find a home on Netflix alongside Star Trek: Prodigy. The abrupt cancellation of Prodigy created an uneasy feeling that no Star Trek show is truly secure on Paramount+. Mike McMahan has expressed uncertainty about the future of Star Trek: Lower Decks beyond season 5. Just as the Prodigy situation has shown, the confirmation of a fifth season for Lower Decks does not guarantee its availability for streaming on Paramount+.
If the unthinkable were to occur, Mike McMahan and the Lower Deckers could find solace in the positive news regarding the second season of Star Trek: Prodigy. It appears that Netflix would only consider acquiring more Star Trek shows if Paramount were to cancel another show during production. With audiences and industry observers now aware of this cost-cutting measure, it is probable that the studios will approach future high-profile cancellations with caution. Nevertheless, if the hypothetical worst-case scenario were to happen and Paramount+ were to remove Star Trek: Lower Decks before or after season 5, it is fair to say that fans would rally behind the show, as they did with Prodigy, making it an attractive prospect for Netflix.
How Does Saving Prodigy Affect Star Trek: Legacy?
In addition to the campaign to save Star Trek: Prodigy, fans have been petitioning Paramount+ for the creation of Star Trek: Legacy. Just as the Prodigy petition demonstrated to Netflix the existence of an audience for the Star Trek show, it is hoped that the Legacy petition can achieve a similar result. However, there are several obstacles to bringing Terry Matalas' proposed Star Trek: Picard spinoff to life. Unlike the Prodigy showrunners who had 24 episodes in various stages of development to support their petition to Netflix, Terry Matalas' Legacy does not have this advantage. Furthermore, Netflix does not have the authority to commission a new Star Trek show, leaving the decision solely in the hands of Alex Kurtzman and Paramount+. Given that the streaming platform is currently being more selective with their projects, justifying the creation of a new show like Legacy will be challenging. Although Prodigy was able to continue production despite being initially canceled, Legacy presents a different situation. Nonetheless, the positive response to the Prodigy petition should provide Terry Matalas and his potential cast with some hope. Similar to Prodigy, the Legacy petition highlights the demand for the Star Trek: Picard spinoff, and it is hoped that this clearly visible audience will convince Paramount to continue Captain Seven of Nine's (Jeri Ryan) story into the 25th century of the Star Trek universe.
