Paramount+ has
announced it is cancelling and removing multiple shows from its TV service. As a result Star Trek: Prodigy has been cancelled. The nearly finished season 2 will not be aired but due to contractual obligations will be completed. Season 1 of the show will also be removed from Paramount+ as will. More then likely any streaming services offer to sell you episodes will also be forced to stop selling it, no idea if this means already purchases copies will remain available. The streaming service's intent is to take a tax write-off on the shows to improves it margins for Wall Street.
If this seems famliar, Warner Bros. Discovery kicked off this bizarre new error of making things and then doing nothing with them. In some cases the shows streaming rights were sold to other streaming channels and in other cases the work is permantely vaulted with the expectation it will never be seen again. Its a rather odd movie for a Star Trek show since the franchise always makes money over time but executives want their bonuses and that is where their focus is. Paramount is shopping the show but if no one is willing to buy, then it could be vaulted. No matter where the show might wind up, there will definitely never be a season 3.
Show co-creator Annabel Oakes
wrote, “In a particularly brutal move, it is also being removed from @paramountplus next and unless it finds a new home, you will no longer be able to watch it anywhere. The cast, my creative partners, and I are all devastated at the complete erasure of our show. Thank you to our beautiful fans… The #1 thing we would love is for you to watch the show before it comes down.”
Other show creators Dan and Kevin Hageman
wrote, “We have faith this show will be picked up by a new home to help grow our fervent fanbase and inspire the next generation of Star Trek fans. Our talented and passionate team of artists are working tirelessly to complete S2. And we are staying positive and hopeful that our amazing fans will get to see it soon! Janeway would never give up, so why would we? Let’s follow her orders and ‘Go Boldly.'”
What this means for the future of Star Trek on Paramount+ is unclear but the signs are not looking good. Clearly the streaming goal at this point is find instant hints and not slow roll that builds its audience. Star Trek has always been a slow roll. Just to do a quick roll call, Star Trek: Picard has completed its run, Star Trek: Discovery is cancelled with next year's season five, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds was renewed for season 3, Star Trek: Lower Decks has a completed season 4 to air and renewed for a season 5, Star Trek: Section 31 movie is still in the works as is Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. At this point the volitility in the streaming space means an order or renewal doesn't mean a thing until it starts to air and between the current writers' strike and possible upcoming actor strike, there is a distinct possiblility that a bunch of green lit shows, including these Trek projects, get cancelled over the next six or so months.
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