“Discover, grow, and boldly go!”
Creator Gene Roddenberry’s beloved science fiction universe is boldly going where it has never gone before in its nearly 60-year existence. Yes, the very first animated series designed specifically for preschoolers has warped onto YouTube courtesy of the Nickelodeon Digital Studio and CBS Studios. Trekkies, welcome to the world of Star Trek: Scouts.
These delightfully fun and entertaining little Star Trek adventures appear to be cut from the same cloth as much more well-known Nick Jr. shows like Blue’s Clues and Dora the Explorer — aimed at preschool-aged kids between three and seven years old. So, parents, if you're tired of watching nothing but Bluey 24/7, give your kids a shot at Scouts.
The shorts are all less than four minutes long, and the cast of characters include the leader of the group, JR, who is wearing a redshirt of all things! Thankfully, kids are too young to understand what wearing a red uniform meant for most characters appearing on Star Trek: The Original Series.
Roo and Sprocket — a blue-haired Vulcan with an android arm — round out the adorable trio of explorers training to become Starfleet's future explorers. Each week, they are tasked with taking on a variety of different asteroids in their adventures, the variety the crew encounters is hilarious, which should keep kids entertained. Instead, of space rocks, JR, Roo, and Sprocket comes upon piñatas filled with pickles, bubblegum, and even a stinky booger asteroid!
Oh, and much like Captain Archer of Star Trek: Enterprise fame, the Scouts all have pets, too! Admittedly, though, none of them (Zips, Bubbles, Star) are as adorable as Archer’s beagle, Porthos. However, kids will love all three.
Blaze and the Monster Machines YouTube channel is where you can find new Star Trek: Scout episodes, which will continue being released through 2026, with a total of 21 kid-friendly adventures scheduled. Have you watched the brightly colored, fun, and surprisingly engaging Scouts with your young kids yet? What do you think about the late Gene Roddenberry’s expansive universe finally offering content for preschool-aged children to enjoy?
Personally, it’s wonderful to see a new series aimed solely at kids, who could become full-fledged Trekkies someday. And I have to admit, I can’t get Roo’s catchphrase, “On it like a comet, JR,” out of my head now that I’ve watched the episodes currently available — I’m sure that’s what the powers that be behind the animated adventures was hoping for, but from preschoolers, not a full-grown adult.
The theme song is also a catchy little jingle sure to stick in your mind for hours on end, but it will give your kids something else to watch rather than wall-to-wall Peppa Pig and Sesame Street all day long! And be sure to share your thoughts and comments with us about Star Trek: Scouts on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!