New Series?? Report from Deadline

[DCR]

New article says CBS is going to come out with a new Trek series under Kurtzman.

This could be a game changer.

 

[Campe]

Huh. Well then...

Deadline's usually pretty good about these things. Guess we wait to see what shape this takes as the morning goes.

 

[Hober Mallow]

The article cites absolutely nothing in support of its claims, however...

Detailed announcement on the new series is expected later this morning.

...I guess we'll know later today.

 

[DCR]

Yep, I have to admit I'm very curious, but Deadline's usually pretty good so I'll definitely pay attention.

 

[Campe]

It's still pretty early on the west coast. I'm betting a 9 or 10am PST announcement if there's any veracity to this.

 

[Esirprus]

Kurtzman's known for Star Trek?

 

[MvRojo]

Looks like it's decently along in some development accoridng to the Hollywood Reporter:

A network is not yet attached but the goal is for the potential series to be on the air late next fall on either cable or a streaming service, sources say.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/star-trek-tv-series-works-828638

Another site indicates that the announcement will include a log-line (or basic description of the series).

http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2015/11/cbs-developing-new-star-trek-series-from-alex-kurtzman/

 

[dansigal]

Per usual, extremely extremely skeptical til something more solid comes out. But this seems somewhat more legit than norm.

 

[Campe]

I wouldn't even dream to suggest this is a forgone conclusion, but I would assume this would be set in the Abramsverse?

 

[fireproof78]

Kurtzman's known for Star Trek?

He wrote, along with Roberto Orci, the Abrams Star Trek films.

Also, my skepticism is high, but, if true, I'm impressed by CBS keeping it under wraps.

 

[DCR]

More info here, not thrilled that it's going to be on their paid streaming service.http://www.startrek.com/article/new-star-trek-series-premieres-january-2017

 

[Tim Thomason]

I wouldn't even dream to suggest this is a forgone conclusion, but I would assume this would be set in the Abramsverse?

Too early to tell. The Deadline article uses the term "reboot," but I can't imagine Kurtzman starting a series with Kirk and co while the movies are still running.

And they really need to hurry up if they plan to release it in the fall of 2016.

EDIT: Oh, I guess they're aiming for January 2017. Hopefully they can release the pilot episode a few months early.

 

[Campe]

January 2017. That seems like a long way off. And no, I'm not thrilled about this paid streaming service either.

 

[Mudd]

Oh, this is excellent.

Can't wait.

 

[JoeZhang]

Its happening - here's the press release:

CBS Television Studios announced today it will launch a totally new “Star Trek” television series in January 2017. The new series will blast off with a special preview broadcast on the CBS Television Network. The premiere episode and all subsequent first-run episodes will then be available exclusively in the United States on CBS All Access, the Network’s digital subscription video on demand and live streaming service.

The next chapter of the “Star Trek” franchise will also be distributed concurrently for television and multiple platforms around the world by CBS Studios International.

The new program will be the first original series developed specifically for U.S. audiences for CBS All Access, a cross-platform streaming service that brings viewers thousands of episodes from CBS’s current and past seasons on demand, plus the ability to stream their local CBS Television station live for $5.99 per month. CBS All Access already offers every episode of all previous “Star Trek” television series.

The brand-new “Star Trek” will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966.

Alex Kurtzman will serve as executive producer for the new “Star Trek” TV series. Kurtzman co-wrote and produced the blockbuster films “Star Trek” (2009) with Roberto Orci, and “Star Trek Into Darkness” (2013) with Orci and Damon Lindelof. Both films were produced and directed by J.J. Abrams.

The new series will be produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Kurtzman’s Secret Hideout. Kurtzman and Heather Kadin will serve as executive producers. Kurtzman is also an executive producer for the hit CBS television series SCORPION and LIMITLESS, along with Kadin and Orci, and for HAWAII FIVE-0 with Orci.

“Star Trek,” which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2016, is one of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time. The original “Star Trek” spawned a dozen feature films and five successful television series. Almost half a century later, the “Star Trek” television series are licensed on a variety of different platforms in more than 190 countries, and the franchise still generates more than a billion social media impressions every month.

Born from the mind of Gene Roddenberry, the original “Star Trek” series debuted on Sept. 8, 1966 and aired for three seasons – a short run that belied the influence it would have for generations. The series also broke new ground in storytelling and cultural mores, providing a progressive look at topics including race relations, global politics and the environment.

“There is no better time to give ‘Star Trek’ fans a new series than on the heels of the original show’s 50th anniversary celebration,” said David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios. “Everyone here has great respect for this storied franchise, and we’re excited to launch its next television chapter in the creative mind and skilled hands of Alex Kurtzman, someone who knows this world and its audience intimately.”

“This new series will premiere to the national CBS audience, then boldly go where no first-run ‘Star Trek’ series has gone before – directly to its millions of fans through CBS All Access,” said Marc DeBevoise, Executive Vice President/General Manager – CBS Digital Media. “We’ve experienced terrific growth for CBS All Access, expanding the service across affiliates and devices in a very short time. We now have an incredible opportunity to accelerate this growth with the iconic ‘Star Trek,’ and its devoted and passionate fan base, as our first original series.”

“Every day, an episode of the ‘Star Trek’ franchise is seen in almost every country in the world,” said Armando Nuñez, President and CEO, CBS Global Distribution Group. “We can’t wait to introduce ‘Star Trek’s’ next voyage on television to its vast global fan base.”

CBS All Access offers its customers more than 7,500 episodes from the current television season, previous seasons and classic shows on demand nationwide, as well as the ability to stream local CBS stations live in more than 110 markets. Subscribers can use the service online and across devices via CBS.com, the CBS App for iOS, Android and Windows 10, as well as on connected devices such as Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Roku players and Roku TV, with more connected devices to come.

The new television series is not related to the upcoming feature film “Star Trek Beyond,” which is scheduled to be distributed by Paramount Pictures in summer 2016.

 

[.:: TSN ::.]

From startrek.com:

The brand-new Star Trek will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966.

So probably not a reboot. Good.

 

[DCR]

I'm not thrilled about it, but I see the reasoning. Trek is about the only thing CBS owns that they could use to actually get people to sign up for their service.

 

[BillJ]

The howls from the folks who hate the Abrams films should be delicious!

 

[stardream]

While I'm fine with the movies (most of them anyway) I've always thought Star Trek worked better as a TV series. I don't care which timeline takes place in as long as it happens.

And yes I will probably sign up for the streaming service because that's what I do.

 

[Campe]

I guess I'm just in a little bit of shock. I thought this day was a year, maybe two off at best. Color me a lot more cautious than optimistic at this point.

While I have enjoyed the new movies, I've never been thrilled with Kurtzman's stuff. I guess as an EP, he might not have that much in the day to day stuff. And while I too appreciate that this will get people paying for their streaming service, I'm not sure I personally want to pay $6 a month for new Trek I don't own. (I would assume it's not going to be available through iTunes.). I guess time will tell!

But also, yeah, I'm a little happy to see some schadenfraude for the anti-JJ contingent. They got their new series. Be careful what you wish for.