Late-night TV host Stephen Colbert appeared virtually at New York Comic Con on Saturday, October 11, 2025 to announce he’ll be voicing a role in the upcoming Star Trek series, “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” according to Deadline.
‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ Explained
Getty“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” is an upcoming Paramount+ TV show produced by CBS Studios. According to Deadline, “the series will follow the adventures of a new class of Starfleet cadets as they come of age in one of the most legendary places in the galaxy.”
The show will introduce a new group of cadets who discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers with the help of their instructors. These characters will also navigate friendships and rivalries, as well as love and a new enemy.
Stephen Colbert’s Role in ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’
On the set of his late-night show, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Colbert made a video apologizing for not being at Comic Con in person. He then announced his role in the new “Star Trek” project; Colbert will be playing the Digital Dean of Students.
Colbert will only be a voice on the show; his face will not be on camera. Per the video, Colbert said he was excited about this, as he doesn’t want to “spend four hours in hair and makeup every day.” He also said he’s “thrilled to join this universe,” as he’s a big fan of the franchise.
Colbert’s iconic CBS late-night show was recently canceled, ending a juggernaut of the genre after 33 years. Luckily for the host, he’s found multiple gigs close to home. In addition to “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” on CBS’s streaming service Paramount+, Colbert will be on the “Elsbeth” season three premiere on CBS, playing a fictional late-night host.
When Does ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ Premiere?
Fans will have to wait until January 15, 2026 to watch the first two episodes of “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.” From there, episodes will launch weekly on Thursdays.
“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” has already been renewed for season two, even though season one has yet to air, according to Deadline. Along with Colbert, stars like Holly Hunter, Tatiana Maslany, Paul Giamatti, and more will make appearances on the new show.
