Star Trek fans may not have to wait too much longer for a new comedy series, that is if Tawny Newsome has anything to say about it. The actress who starred in Star Trek: Lower Decks as Beckett Mariner, was tasked with coming up with a new live-action comedy series. Alongside Justin Simien, the pair were given the lead on a new series that would focus on the crew of a pleasure planet.
Think The Office meets Star Trek but with a non-Starfleet main cast. It's one of those show concepts that really only exists because of Alex Kurtzman and his need to have as many different types of Star Trek shows as possible. A live-action, comedy, set as a workplace comedy? I'm not sure anyone is really asking for that kind of content for Star Trek.
Yet, here we are. Following the failure of Star Trek: Section 31, it's understandable if such an idea doesn't land with you. After all, why would anyone think such a bold idea would work when so many other bold ideas, which are more in line with what Star Trek fans want, have failed?
Well, it seems like the show has hit a snag of sorts. Speaking to TrekMovie.com, Kurtzman revealed that he's yet to read a single script. He'd further go on to say that "they're just breaking the story" after Newsome revealed in December that the concept has already moved away from the original concept.
Now, not having the show ready to go after about seven months of work isn't some big issue, yet for Kurtzman to not read a single script isn't good. Newsome has already said she's been writing a lot and will continue to do so until she finds out whether or not this show is actually going to be put into production or not. So it's a bit odd that, in her own words, she's turning in work and Kurtzman has yet to read any of it.
This may simply be due to his busy work schedule, it may also have to do with other circumstances. For instance, whether or not the risky and ill-conceived Section 31 does well with audiences. Spoiler, it hasn't. The failure of such an expensive film may put a hold on other "bold" Star Trek properties, like a resort-world, workplace comedy.
It would make sense for Kurtzman to hold off on finalizing any decision about this show considering how much money the franchise has blown through on flops and under-performing series. We'll have o wait and see if this Newsome-led show sees the light of day anytime soon.