I’m impressed byStar Trek: Strange New Worlds' musical episode, but I’m concerned that it will lead to a season 3 that’s more meta. Since season 1, I have loved seeing the adventures of the USS Enterprise beforeCaptain James T. Kirk (William Shatner and Paul Wesley)took command.Strange New Worldshas done an excellent job of telling new stories while maintaining the classicStar Trekcanon. TheStrange New Worldsmusical episode, “Subspace Rhapsody,” was innovative, while “Ad Astra Per Aspera” was a trial episode on par withStar Trek: The Next Generation’s “The Measure of a Man.”
In April 2025,Paramount+ released the first teaser trailer forStrange New Worldsseason 3, and there is already a lot to unpack. From what looked like a Klingon zombie to a noir-murder-mystery episode directed by Jonathan Frakes,it seems like the 10 episodes ofSNWseason 3 should be full of genre-bending episodesthat continue Captain Christopher Pike’s (Anson Mount) journey. But, if I am being honest, some scenes from the teaser trailer make me a little worried thatStrange New Worldsseason 3may get too meta for its own good.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3’s “Show Within A Show” Episode Might Be Too Meta
Captain Proton Was Cool, But SNW Might Take The Jokes Too Far
In particular, the teaser trailer showed a very flamboyant science fiction bridge with bright colors and levers, that almost looked like a parody ofStar Trek: The Original Series. Furthermore, the trailer opens with Ensign Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) saying,“We want to give audiences a reflection of their own world through the lens of fantasy. You know, science fiction,“and Lt. La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) asking,“All of that with weekly space adventures?“All this to say,the team behindStrange New Worldsseason 3 clearly knows what they’re doing, and they are being intentionally self-referential.
Sorry Strange New Worlds, But I Don’t Want This Classic Star Trek Character In Season 3
He may be one of my favorite characters on Star Trek: The Original Series, but I hope this icon doesn’t appear in Strange New Worlds season 3.
This is not to sayStar Trekcan never be self-referential or include nods to its impact on science fiction. Indeed, one of the best parts ofStar Trek: Voyagerare Lt. Tom Paris’s (Robert Duncan McNiell) adventures of “Captain Proton.” But while “Captain Proton” is somewhat reminiscent ofTOS, it’s ultimately closer to 1950s science fiction television and radio dramas.I’m worried the new episodes ofStrange New Worldswill be a send-up ofThe Original Seriesitself,and that could pull the show in a direction that is far too meta for its own good.
The More Meta Strange New Worlds Goes, The More It Risks Becoming A Star Trek Parody
The Greatest Strength Of Strange New Worlds Is Its Sincerity
The one thing thatStar Trek: Strange New Worldsshould really avoid becoming is a parody ofStar Trek. In the streaming era, it is rare to see shows as unapologetically sincere and hopeful asStrange New Worlds, and it would be a real shame to see season 3 undercut that sincerity with parody. There were moments inStar Trek: Lower Deckswhen ensigns Bradward Boimler (Jack Quaid) or Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome) seemed to be speaking more from the perspective ofStar Trekfans than ensigns, such as their knowledge of the Omega Directive and the Nexus.
…so far,Strange New Worldshas been a drama with a good sense of humor, rather than a comedy.
That worked inLower Decksbecause it was clearly aStar Trekcomedy, but so far,Strange New Worldshas been a drama with a good sense of humor, rather than a comedy. I would love it if the show continued playing to its strengths. Ultimately, however, I have been really impressed with the past two seasons ofStar Trek: Strange New Worlds, and I think the creative team will be able to strike the right balance between meta humor and new stories in season 3.
