Section 31's success will likely dictate the next era of Star Trek content

It's beyond obvious that Paramount is moving away from Star Trek television/streaming series for their future projects. The shows have been hit or miss and have catered to a shrinking number of fans, save for Strange New Worlds. While the quality is there, the value isn't. Paramount isn't happy with how much money these shows are taking to make, compared to the viewership figures they bring in.

It's why Paramount+ only has one series in active development beyond this year. Sure, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is being worked on, but until it starts airing, the only show on Paramount+ beyond this summer is Strange New Worlds.

That doesn't mean that Star Trek is dead, far from it. Right now there are three, with a rumored fourth film in active development. The Star Trek Kelvin prequel, Star Trek 4, Star Trek: Section 31 and a mystery fourth film that appears to be in the early stages of development.

Section 31 is the film that everyone needs to have their eyes on, as its'll be the first non theatrical film in the franchise's history. It'll air on Paramount+, assuming it's still around when the film is done, and the idea is to see how fans embrace a made-for-streaming film on a budget as opposed to traditional Star Trek shows.

Even Jonathan Frakes, a Star Trek legend, believes that this is the new format going forward, telling TrekMovie.com;

"“I do know that there’s a lot of positive energy around the Michelle Yeoh Section 31 movie. So that 2-hour format is now on the table for Star Trek going forward.”"

The idea does seem to cut costs drastically, while still making Star Trek content that could last for weeks as a film concept. It doesn't mean that the series is moving away from shows like Strange New Worlds, but it's likely a more fiscally responsible idea, considering a film costs less than most shows these days.