--- title: "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/star-trek-starfleet-academy/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/tv/star-trek-starfleet-academy" critics_score: 71 critics_reviews: 9 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (2026): what the critics said Critics' score 71 from 9 reviews: 7 positive, 1 mixed, 1 negative. Most critics like it, and for the same reasons. The reviews agree that setting Star Trek in a high school is a cheerful idea rather than a cynical one, and that the show’s sincerity suits a franchise built on hope. Holly Hunter’s Chancellor Ake is praised in nearly every notice as a commanding presence unlike any previous Trek captain. Several also welcome the mix of standalone episodes and a running story, and Paul Giamatti’s guest turn gets warm mentions. The reservations are about execution. Pacing comes up repeatedly, along with filler episodes, heavy jargon and some shaky effects, and more than one review calls the series uneven or messy. The spread is wide. Collider ranks it above every other Star Trek series of the modern era, while Den of Geek, reviewing only the two-episode premiere, finds it fixated on a single unsympathetic lead at the expense of the ensemble. Radio Times sits nearer the middle, unconvinced by the characters and the sweetness. ## Variety — Aramide Tinubu Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 15 January 2026. The critic praises it as a joyous, earnest, and fun YA entry that pays homage to the franchise while appealing to new viewers, highlighting the strong cast and episodic structure with overarching themes. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2026/tv/reviews/star-trek-starfleet-academy-review-paramount-plus-1236629682/) ## Empire — David Opie Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 14 January 2026. The critic praises the series for embracing imperfection and trying something new in the Star Trek universe, highlighting Holly Hunter's commanding performance as Chancellor Ake and the fresh take on the academy setting. They note some CGI issues and cast juggling but see potential for growth. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/tv/reviews/star-trek-starfleet-academy-season-1/) ## The Guardian Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 15 January 2026. The series is great fun as a hormone-fuelled high-school spinoff set at the Starfleet training campus, with Holly Hunter's free-spirited chancellor standing out as unlike any previous Trek captain. It is earnest, formulaic and cheesy in the classic Trek manner, but the impulsive young cadets and their boundary-testing make it surprisingly moreish. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2026/jan/15/star-trek-starfleet-academy-review-holly-hunter-is-a-transgressive-thrill-in-this-horny-high-school-spinoff) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Angie Han Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 14 January 2026. The review notes the show is uneven and messy in execution but charming with a talented cast, especially Holly Hunter, and full of promise despite shortcomings in pacing and jargon. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/star-trek-starfleet-academy-review-holly-hunter-paramount-1236473724/) ## Radio Times — Louise Griffin Rating 3/5. 8 January 2026. The critic finds the series has potential in its setup and guest stars like Paul Giamatti and Holly Hunter, but criticizes the slow pace, filler episodes, uninteresting characters, and overly sweet tone. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/star-trek-starfleet-academy-review/) ## Collider — Samantha Coley Rating 9/10. 8 January 2026. The critic calls Starfleet Academy the best Star Trek series of the modern era and a bold new chapter for the franchise. They single out its perfect blend of episodic and narrative storytelling, magnetic lead performance by Holly Hunter, talented young ensemble, and writing that feels like a breath of fresh air while honoring the franchise. [Read the review](https://collider.com/star-trek-starfleet-academy-review/) ## /Film — Jacob Hall Rating 8/10. 8 January 2026. The critic finds the YA-flavored series delightful and recommends it to skeptical Trek fans, noting it turns elements from the divisive Discovery into sweet lemonade. They single out the comedic swings, queer romantic subplots, Paul Giamatti's guest performance, fresh approaches to the universe, and frequent Easter eggs and callbacks. [Read the review](https://www.slashfilm.com/2069394/star-trek-starfleet-academy-review/) ## Paste Rating B. 8 January 2026. The critic found the series a surprisingly entertaining mix of teen drama and sci-fi, noting it successfully combines adolescent awkwardness with interstellar diplomacy and ethical dilemmas. They praised its sincere coming-of-age approach as a good match for the franchise's hopeful outlook. [Read the review](https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/star-trek-starfleet-academy/star-trek-starfleet-academy-review-tv-paramount-plus) ## Den of Geek — Lacy Baugher Rating 3 out of 5. 15 January 2026. The two-episode premiere has plenty of potential in its visuals, eclectic cast, and moments of classic Trek teamwork among the cadets, but struggles to find its footing amid too much focus on a single unsympathetic lead character and insufficient attention to the broader ensemble or institution. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/star-trek-starfleet-academy-premiere-review/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/tv/star-trek-starfleet-academy.md