As a huge sci-fi fan, I’ve been following the buzz around the new Star Trek series that landed on TV in 2026. It’s gotten people talking, which isn’t surprising for Star Trek! While critics are really loving Starfleet Academy, some pretty well-known figures – like Elon Musk and Stephen Miller – have been complaining that it’s too “woke.” And honestly, the reaction was huge, especially when Whoopi Goldberg from The View really let them have it.
Whoopi Goldberg is a dedicated Star Trek fan, and she even played Guinan on The Next Generation. Interestingly, she took the role after already winning an Oscar – a very unusual move back then – which shows how much she loves the show. Because of her passion, she recently explained to the audience of The View the debate around Starfleet Academy, what Elon Musk and Kevin Miller said about it, and why she disagreed with their statements.
People are criticizing the show, saying it’s become too focused on social issues. But the core idea of Star Trek – created by Gene Roddenberry – was always about different cultures and species learning to coexist peacefully. That’s the dream he had, and what the show consistently portrays.
Star Trek has always been about more than just spaceships and visiting new planets. From the beginning, it championed the idea that strength comes from diversity – ‘Infinite Diversity, Infinite Combinations’ – and consistently promoted forward-thinking values. It even sparked controversy back in the original series with its interracial kiss, leading some TV stations in the South to refuse to broadcast the show.
Even so, Elon Musk and others have voiced their dislike of certain aspects of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, specifically including the portrayal of a lesbian couple. This isn’t the first Star Trek series to include same-sex relationships, however; Paul Stamets and Hugh Culber were a married gay couple in Discovery.
Whoopi Goldberg challenged the reasoning behind Elon Musk and other influential figures expressing concern over the Star Trek: Starfleet Academy series.
With so much suffering happening – people being harmed, going without food, and farmers losing their livelihoods, and even children not getting school meals – why are you focused on a TV show? It feels misplaced to prioritize entertainment when so many are struggling.
Many fans of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy feel the same way. After the trailer was released, I was surprised to see some Star Trek fans strongly criticizing it as being “woke,” especially since the franchise hasn’t really changed its approach since Discovery premiered in 2017. Those who’ve been watching should be used to this by now.
An actress auditioning for a role didn’t know it was for Starfleet Academy and gave a surprisingly powerful and emotional performance, reminiscent of the iconic scene from ‘Full Metal Jacket’.
Like many science fiction series with a long history, such as Star Wars and Doctor Who, Star Trek is struggling with differing expectations from its fanbase. With fans spanning multiple generations, there’s a wide range of opinions on what constitutes good storytelling and what fits within the franchise. This creates a difficult situation for the show’s creators, as pleasing everyone is simply not possible.
It’s unusual how often Star Trek faces criticism, but it might be because the show always aims to depict a hopeful, forward-thinking future. As the franchise approaches its 60th anniversary in 2026, expect to see more news and possibly announcements of new shows in the coming months.
Paramount+ offers streaming plans starting at $7.99 per month or $59.99 per year. You can currently watch Star Trek: Starfleet Academy on Paramount+. They have two main monthly plans: an Essential plan for $7.99 and an ad-free Premium plan for $12.99. For the best value, consider an annual subscription to save money while enjoying your favorite shows and movies. See the deal here.
New episodes of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy are available on Paramount+ every Thursday. The show has already been renewed for a second season, which means fans can enjoy it without worrying about its future for the time being.
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Shameless is a Massive Streaming Hit 15 Years Later
- ‘That’s A Very Bad Idea.’ One Way Chris Rock Helped SNL’s Marcello Hernández Before He Filmed His Netflix Special
- We Need to Talk About Will
- Stephen King Is Dominating Streaming, And It Won’t Be The Last Time In 2026
- XDC PREDICTION. XDC cryptocurrency
- Ex-Rate My Takeaway star returns with new YouTube channel after “heartbreaking” split
- Decoding Infant Cries: A New Approach to Understanding Baby’s Signals
- Top Ongoing Fantasy TV Shows Based On Books
- RIVER Coin’s 1,200% Surge: A Tale of Hype and Hope 🚀💸
2026-01-22 19:41