It’s like Deja Vu all over again. It looks like Star Trek: Discovery showrunners, Gretchen Berg and Aaron Harberts, are out. Executive producer, writer, and co-creator Alex Kurtzman will replace them.
In news pretty similar to season one, before Discovery has even finished season 2 there has been a shakeup in the staff. This also happened before season one had aired a single episode when it was announced that the showrunner at the time, Bryan Fuller, was forced out. Berg and Harberts were longtime collaborators of Fuller. The first five episodes of season 2 have already been filmed. Kurtzman’s impact should be more widely felt starting with episode 6.
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Kurtzman has been with the franchise since its 2009 rebirth. He worked on the first two Kelvin universe Trek movies and, of course, season one of Discovery. He is listed as an executive producer and co-writer of both Star Trek 2009 and Star Trek: Into Darkness.
It’s being reported that the shakeup is less about creative differences and more due to management style. The management style may have been too much for some of the writers. There have been reports that Berg and Harberts had an abusive management style. There were multiple reports of expletive-laced shouting at writers. Their concerns were brought to Kurtzman and the change was made.
Next: Discovery executive producers, cast sit down for interview
Personel issues weren’t the only issue. The budget for the season 2 premiere went way over budget. Berg and Harberts planned on taking it out of remaining episodes. Which, if those concerns turn into anything like they did with the first season, can only be a good thing. If you want to read about the former showrunners drop hints for (the first half) of season 2, check out here. Or check out the maker’s final push for Emmy voting here. Do you think this will be a positive move?