Star Trek: Prodigy not only teaches lessons of hope and working together to a new generation of Trekkers, but is a show the whole family will love.
Star Trek has a massive fan base, but it is time for that franchise to expand to the newest generation and Star Trek: Prodigy is the perfect way to do it. Not only does this show prove as a lovely introduction to the franchise for those who do not know much about it, it teaches valuable lessons and is sure to be a hit with families. It is rare that an animated show is something both children and their parents will enjoy, but that is exactly what Prodigy is — even if no one in the family knows anything about the Star Trek franchise.
This show follows six young outcasts as they find a Star Trek fleet ship and commandeer it to save themselves. In doing so they go on a very unexpected journey into the stars and space, where none of them have ever been before. The crew knows nothing about the history of the fleet and the things they have accomplished, allowing them to explore and learn with any newcomers to the franchise.
Because these new characters know nothing of the Star Trek fleet, they are in fact new to it all themselves. That makes them very easy to relate to for those who are also new to this franchise, these worlds, and these characters. As the series goes on the crew of young teens will learn all about the history of the star fleet right alongside their new audience.
This rag tag group of kids work together to accomplish their goals. They are all from different backgrounds but that doesn’t stop them from not only becoming friends, but becoming like family to one another. They inspire hope in each other while teaching young viewers life lessons they won’t ever forget.
While most of the characters are new to the franchise, long time fans will immediately recognize Captain Kathryn Janeway. She is, of course, voiced by the amazing Kate Mulgrew because if she did not return to voice her character, it just would not have seemed right. T
his is a great way to connect the two worlds of Star Trek and give something back to the fans, while still creating something completely new for a new generation.
She picks this role up like she never stepped away from it. During a recent Star Trek: Prodigy interview Kate explains that Janeway has in fact, never left her, and while it wasn’t a no brainer to reprise the role, she was very pleased to do so after some consideration.
So we have already established that there is no need to know much about Star Trek in order to enjoy this series, however, for those that already love Star Trek this is just a great addition to the franchise. There are tons of Easter Eggs that long time Trekkers will appreciate and have fun picking out.
For parents who are massive fans of the franchise as a whole, this is the perfect way to introduce their younger children to the world. Before long they will be begging you to show them the ropes and explain everything you know about it to them.
There is a lot to love about this show and while this review is based solely on the first two episodes, it is clear that new and old fans alike are in for the ride of their lives. Star Trek: Prodigy features hilarious hijinks and epic adventures for the new crew as they learn what it means to be a part of something bigger – of Star Trek.
The crew forms an unbreakable bond and it is a joy to watch them as they discover their inner strengths, and weaknesses. Each of them brings something to the table, and they all need each other.
As for the visuals, they are simply amazing. This animation style feels quite new and like nothing we have seen before. The characters are all unique and nice to look at but it is the environments, the space, and the backgrounds that are sure to captivate. Viewers could spend hours looking at them and never tire of them.
Overall this show has something for everyone. New fans. Long time fans. Young children, and parents too. Even if you know nothing about Star Trek, this series will have wanting to deep dive into the lore. There is so much to love about this new crew, and it is fun to discover where they fit into this universe right alongside them.
About Star Trek: Prodigy
Developed by Emmy® Award winners Kevin and Dan Hageman (“Trollhunters” and “Ninjago”), the CG-animated series STAR TREK: PRODIGY is the first “Star Trek” series aimed at younger audiences, and will follow a motley crew of young aliens who must figure out how to work together while navigating a greater galaxy, in search of a better future.
These six young outcasts know nothing about the ship they have commandeered – a first in the history of the “Star Trek” franchise – but over the course of their adventures together, they will each be introduced to Starfleet and the ideals it represents.
Star Trek: Prodigy is now available to watch on Paramount+.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.