If you're like me, then you're excitedly awaiting the premiere of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, the franchise's newest offering, which comes to Paramount+ on Jan. 15. The show, which takes place after the events in Star Trek: Discovery, follows a group of Starfleet cadets as they board the USS Athena, a starship that doubles as the main campus in San Francisco. Yes, it can leave its dock at the Academy and venture into space whenever needed.
Starfleet Academy is full of familiar faces, from Robert Picardo to Paul Giamatti, and if you're a Discovery fan, then you're going to be thrilled over the return of these popular and beloved actors from the series who are confirmed to appear.
1. Tig Notaro as Jett Reno
I was riding the Star Trek fence about Starfleet Academy (new series jitters), but then I heard that Tig Notaro was reprising her role as Jett Reno, Discovery's engineer and resident snack enjoyer. Her character quickly became my series' favorite because, as a Gen Xer, Reno's deadpan humor and being amusing without actually telling jokes is the kind of vibe I was raised on.
Notaro's comedic timing extends from her history as a stand-up comedian, which gives her line deliveries a pop without sacrificing the deadpan tone. Notaro's Jett Reno will likely teach young engineers on board the Athena and offer engineering support as needed. I can't wait for more of her!