Members of the "Star Trek" crew, from left, James Doohan, DeForest Kelley, Walter Koenig, William Shatner, George Takei, Leonard Nimoy, and Nichelle Nichols, toast the newest "Star Trek" film at Paramount Studios on Dec. 28, 1988. (AP Photo)
“Star Trek” is preparing for a yearlong celebration to mark its 60th anniversary. Packed with lineup of projects ranging from new shows to Lego collaborations. The announcement was made on September 8, which is known as Star Trek Day. It is also the 59th anniversary of the franchise’s original debut.
The milestone celebration will embrace the theme “Space for Everybody” — a message highlighting inclusivity, hope, and exploration. Paramount said the anniversary will honor the future the franchise has long inspired: one where humanity dares to be bold and rise to challenges together.
From 1966 to a Global Phenomenon
Created by Gene Roddenberry in 1966, Star Trek began as a television series following the crew of the USS Enterprise. With William Shatner’s iconic words — “to boldly go where no man has gone before” — the show captured imaginations with its vision of space travel and unity.
What started as a cult favorite has grown into a multi-billion-dollar cultural legacy. Over six decades, fans, often called Trekkies, have embraced a universe of films, spinoffs, video games, and conventions, cementing Star Trek as one of the most influential science fiction franchises ever.
Rose Parade to Launch Festivities
The 60th anniversary celebrations will kick off on New Year’s Day at California’s Rose Parade. A themed float will showcase Star Trek’s enduring values of unity, inclusivity, and discovery.
The float will also spotlight the upcoming Paramount+ series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Slated for early 2026, the show will follow a group of cadets balancing training, friendships, and rivalries while preparing for life as Starfleet officers. Academy Award nominee Holly Hunter and actor Paul Giamatti will star in the highly anticipated series. It was previewed at Comic-Con in July.
New Series for a Younger Audience
The franchise is also expanding to a younger generation with Star Trek: Scout, a YouTube-first animated series created by Nickelodeon Digital Studio and CBS Studios. Aimed at preschool audiences, the show introduces three 8-year-old friends training to become Starfleet Explorers.
The first two episodes premiered on Monday, with the remaining episodes scheduled to release throughout the coming year. This marks the first preschool-focused extension of the Star Trek universe.
Revisiting a Legendary Villain
For fans of classic Star Trek, a new scripted podcast titled Star Trek: Khan has also launched. The series chronicles the transformation of Khan Noonien Singh, the formidable villain first introduced in the 1982 film The Wrath of Khan. Episodes will be released weekly.
Expanding Partnerships and Experiences
In another major announcement, Paramount revealed its collaboration with Lego. Meaning, this is going to be the first time the sci-fi franchise will be translated into the beloved building blocks.
The partnership was described as a perfect fit, as both brands share the same values of imagination and exploration.
Adding to the anniversary festivities, a themed Star Trek cruise will depart in February. The voyage promises immersive fan experiences and will feature appearances by franchise veterans, including William Shatner and Walter Koenig.
Looking Ahead
With floats, Lego sets, podcasts, and new shows, Star Trek’s 60th anniversary is shaping up as a celebration of past achievements and future possibilities. For fans young and old, the coming year promises to be a journey as bold and adventurous as the franchise itself.
