In a development that’s already angering Star Trek fans, the ground-breaking animated series, Star Trek: Prodigy, is on the brink of disappearing from Paramount+’s UK platform.
Last week’s surprising cancellation announcement was a blow, but this imminent removal marks a new chapter in the saga.
In the US, the animated children’s show set in the Star Trek universe has already been removed from Paramount+, on June 26.
In the UK, Paramount+ confirmed to us that Star Trek: Prodigy will be removed from the streaming service on June 30, 2023.
So fans who still want to watch (or rewatch) the show – will have to hurry up. There are, however, other ways to watch the show in the UK (see below).
Star Trek: Prodigy was among four shows that were not only cancelled but also scheduled for removal from Paramount+.
The other series include The Game, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, and Queen of the Universe.
The decision was reportedly data-driven, although Paramount has not shared any specific data to highlight why these shows are being cancelled and removed.
This action is in line with a recent trend of streaming platforms removing content, a movement led by Warner Bros. Discovery and also observed on Disney+.
Star Trek: Prodigy marked a significant departure from the traditional Star Trek format.
Targeting a younger demographic, it was the first show in the franchise’s history to be explicitly aimed at children (unless you count the original Star Trek: The Animated Series, which isn’t available on Paramount+ in the UK).
Prodigy focused on a group of young aliens who discover a derelict Federation starship, using it as a means to explore the galaxy. This novel approach to the Star Trek universe was seen as a fresh take on the classic science fiction series.
The series also featured a character voiced by Kate Mulgrew, who reprised her role as Kathryn Janeway from Star Trek: Voyager.
Serving as a kind of holographic mentor to the alien characters, her presence provided a familiar face for long-term fans of the franchise.
The show was produced by Kevin and Dan Hageman, and directed by Ben Hibon.
Star Trek: Prodigy was renewed for a second season back in 2021. Despite this, it has now been confirmed that the show will not be returning to either Paramount+ or Nickelodeon, where it had been airing alongside Paramount+.
The team behind the series will complete post-production on Season 2, and then CBS Studios will be free to shop it to other streaming outlets.
Paramount+, The Home Of… SOME Star Trek?
Paramount+, a streaming service by Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS), launched in the US in 2014 as CBS All Access. It expanded globally in 2022, reaching the UK in June 2022, and boasting over 77 million customers by the year’s end.
The service is accessible via the Paramount+ app and as an Amazon Prime Video Channel. To use it through Prime Video, an Amazon Prime subscription is needed, followed by a Paramount+ subscription.
Paramount+ costs £6.99/month or £69.90/year in the UK, with a free 7-day trial. It is advert-free, unlike its US counterpart.
Promoted as “The Home Of Star Trek,” Paramount+ was expected to be the go-to platform for Star Trek content, with most of the Star Trek franchise available on Paramount+ UK.
The Trek shows on Paramount+ include The Original Series, The Next Generation, Voyager, Deep Space Nine, Enterprise, Discovery, Picard, Lower Decks and Strange New Worlds, which launched its second season two weeks ago.
However, with Star Trek: Prodigy now cancelled and soon to be removed, this position is called into question.
In response to the show’s cancellation, a statement from Paramount+ said:
“Star Trek: Prodigy will not be returning for the previously announced second season.
“On behalf of everyone at Paramount+, Nickelodeon and CBS Studios, we want to thank Kevin and Dan Hageman, Ben Hibon, Alex Kurtzman and the Secret Hideout team, along with the fantastic cast and crew for all their hard work and dedication bringing the series to life.”
While the fate of the series remains uncertain, many Star Trek fans have taken to social media with a “Save Star Trek Prodigy” campaign.
Star Trek Prodigy:
-nominated for an emmy
-won another emmy
-top animated series in 2021 and 2022
-one of the most demanded animated series in the last months
-tons of positive reviews
-amazing cast and writing
-it's for everyoneand paramount cancels itðŸ˜#SaveStarTrekProdigy
— alioli pantumaca (@Discoprise) June 26, 2023
In the meantime, once Star Trek: Prodigy leaves Paramount+ UK on June 30, fans will still be able to purchase it directly via Amazon’s Prime Video VOD store, where all 20 episodes of Season 1 are available.