“Starfleet Academy” Is Such A Cute Star Trek Series — But Is It Worth Watching? My Full Review

When Paramount+ announced their new Star Trek series, Starfleet Academy, I didn’t expect it to have me smiling, tearing up, and missing my high-schoolers all in one episode! And yet, here we are. We’re only three episodes in, and I’m already completely hooked! So clearly, EYE think Starfleet Academy is worth watching! But I’m a nerd, and dare I say … probably more of a Star Trek fan than a Star Wars fan? So it’s not shocking that I thoroughly enjoy it!

But if you’re wondering if YOU should jump into this new Star Trek series, or jump into a wormhole to avoid it at all costs, here’s my spoiler-free take so far!

Plus a little homework from the Federation if you’re an overachiever, like moi.

Is Starfleet Academy Worth Watching?

I’ll say it again … Yes!

Starfleet Academy is definitely worth watching. But if you need more info … keep reading.

First … here’s what Starfleet Academy is actually about (no spoilers)

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism.

Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves, and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.

So basically us at eighteen … just with cooler uniforms and warp drives. It’s part sci-fi, part coming-of-age story, and it will totally make your heart melt if you’ve got a soft spot for “troubled teens”.

Here’s What Works

Aside from the series being insanely cute, Starfleet Academy is the kind of show that instantly wraps you up in its warmth. Heavy on “found-family” energy, this Star Trek series immediately pulls on your heartstrings. Yes, these “kids” are in San Francisco learning how to navigate galaxies. But they’re also learning how to trust, grow, and show up for each other. (And themselves!) So for those of us who have been through a few things and have had to kiss a few frogs to find our chosen family, whether that be via a friend group or a partner — the emotional beats in this are off the charts!

But the character development is like none other! I could literally watch our Number One, Lura Thok, scream at her cadets all day long! She’s strict, but also hilarious, and it’s nice to see such a well-rounded woman of color character at the forefront. Never, do I ever, feel like she’s a side character, or not as important as her white counterpart, aka boss and Captain. And for that I am grateful.

But when a character’s so-called “enemy” helped him make his bed for the first time. I almost lost it! And when the Captain secretly helped her cadets pull off the biggest prank ever, ending the war amongst both schools, I realized that this story was made for me. Starfleet Academy truly captures the tone of hope and optimism that made classic Star Trek so special! Yet, it still feels modern, diverse, and grounded. And as someone who used to work with teens? I feel so seen. It’s honestly so comforting.

Kinda like Abbott Elementary, but with young adults instead of young kids, and fewer jokes, with more action. Yet still a fun-loving school-based series, where the adults learn just as much from the kids as the kids learn from the adults.

Now … Here’s What Doesn’t Work

Currently? I’ve got no complaints. None at all. Which is rare.

Though with only a few episodes out, anything can happen before this series calls it a wrap. So I’ll come back and update this after I watch the finale to see if I’ve had a change of heart.

So, should you watch Starfleet Academy on Paramount+?

Absolutely. Especially if you’re craving:

• Feel-good sci-fi that focuses on humanity, not just technology
• Coming-of-age stories with emotional depth
• Hopeful, character-driven plots
• A soft place to land after a hard, long day

It’s easy viewing that still makes you feel something, which of course is my favorite combo.

Trigger Warnings: mild trauma, grief, and loss (handled gently)

Do I have to be a Star Trek fan to watch Starfleet Academy?

Nope! Not at all. You don’t need to know a single thing about warp speed or the Federation to enjoy this. The show explains what you need to know as you go, and it’s way more about relationships than lore. But longtime fans will catch cute nods to the larger universe that make it extra fun.

Do I need to watch anything before Starfleet Academy?

Not really, but if Starfleet Academy pulls you in, you can watch Star Trek: Discovery next.

It’s another modern, diverse, emotional take on the Trek universe. Discovery leans a little heavier on action and moral dilemmas, while Academy stays in its cozy-coming-of-age lane — but they’re perfect together. Plus, Star Trek: Discovery happens before Starfleet Academy in the Trek universe. So it’ll be helpful to recall when they start discussing things like “the Burn”.

You’ll also see a familiar face or two from Discovery in Starfleet Academy!

And honestly, I’ve started watching Discovery as I wait for new Starfleet Academy episodes to drop since they’re weekly, and I absolutely LOVE this series also. So it’s totally worth watching both.

Final Thoughts: Yes, Starfleet Academy Is Worth Watching!

Starfleet Academy is the kind of sci-fi that makes you believe in people again. It’s warm, funny, emotional, and beautifully optimistic — a cozy escape for anyone who needs a little light in their week. If the rest of the season keeps this same energy, it’s going straight on my comfort-watch list.

Escapism Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars for a heartwarming escape with found-family feels)
Show Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (currently a 5 out of 5 for me, but we’ll see if that holds up until the end)

Have you watched this new series yet? Did you think Starfleet Academy on Paramount+ was worth watching? Let me know in the comments below!