New ‘Star Trek’ Series Faces Backlash From Stephen Miller, Defends ‘Woke’ Themes

“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” the latest installment in the beloved franchise, premiered on Paramount+ with its first two episodes on Thursday night. The program features Holly Hunter in the role of chancellor at the eponymous academy, focusing on a younger audience while retaining the futuristic essence of the “Star Trek” series.

Premiere and Initial Reception

Upon its release, “Starfleet Academy” gained attention not just for its content but also for the mixed reviews it received. While the series boasts an 85% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience rating contrasts sharply at only 35%. Additionally, the show currently holds a 4.9 out of 10 user score on IMDb.

• Network: Paramount+
• Critic Score: 85% (Rotten Tomatoes)
• Audience Score: 35% (Rotten Tomatoes)
• User Score: 4.9/10 (IMDb)
• Star Margot: Holly Hunter as chancellor

Backlash from Critics

The series has sparked controversy, particularly among certain factions of the fanbase. Critics, such as Stephen Miller, a former advisor to President Trump, voiced disapproval after sharing clips from the series. Miller characterized the portrayal of women in the show as “tragic” and called for original series actor William Shatner to reclaim “total creative control.”

Right-wing commentary on social media platforms has amplified this backlash, with accounts like “End Wokeness” circulating clips that received body-shaming and derogatory comments targeting the cast. Some critics have ridiculed the series humorously, while others have made serious accusations regarding its “woke” themes, suggesting a departure from the franchise’s roots.

Reactions from the Cast and Crew

In a bid to counter the negative response, actress Gina Yashere defended the series on CNN, asserting that “Star Trek” has always embraced its woke identity. Yashere endorsed the term “woke,” arguing it represents awareness of societal issues.

Veteran Star Trek actor Robert Picardo added that the franchise has always been progressive. He emphasized that “Star Trek’s heart was woke long before the term became an insult,” aiming to clarify misconceptions surrounding the new show.

Comparative Analysis to Other Franchises

Critics have drawn parallels between “Starfleet Academy” and “The Acolyte,” a recent “Star Wars” series that faced similar backlash. Both shows have been accused of catering to modern social issues at the cost of established fan expectations. Despite these controversies, “The Acolyte” was reportedly canceled after just one season due to low viewership and high production costs.

As “Starfleet Academy” moves forward in its inaugural season, it remains to be seen how audiences will continue to react and whether the themes of the series resonate with both longtime fans and new viewers alike.