All we know About Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3

Get ready, Star Trek fans—the wait just got a whole lot more thrilling. Paramount+ recently unveiled the trailer for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season three, and it’s bursting with bizarre twists, genre-bending antics, and bold new adventures. From classic sci-fi homages to unexpected comedic detours, the trailer promises a wild and unpredictable ride. Also, yes, beloved characters are back—and they're diving into uncharted territory like never before.

Season two left us hanging on the edge of our seats with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger involving the Gorn and multiple crew members in peril. The stakes have never been higher for Captain Pike and the Enterprise, and fans are bracing for an explosive return. With the Star Trek universe shifting gears after Discovery’s finale, Strange New Worlds now stands as the new flagship of the franchise. That means all eyes are on this season to set the tone for what’s next in the galaxy.

So, what can you expect from season three? From cast updates and character returns to a full list of episode titles and quirky plot teases, we've got you covered. And yes, we'll be revealing when and where you can watch the new episodes—just not right away. Keep reading to uncover all the thrilling updates and bookmark this page—we’re updating it with every new discovery as it drops across the stars!

Release date & Where to Watch

Season three is set to premiere on Paramount+ on Thursday, July 17, 2025, with the first two episodes dropping together. The remaining episodes from the 10-episode season will be released weekly, leading up to the finale on Sept. 11, 2025.

How to Access Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Online from Anywhere

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season three is now streaming on Paramount+ in select regions. But if you're traveling or living somewhere it’s not available, geo-restrictions could stand in your way. Thankfully, a robust VPN can help you stream Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season three from anywhere, bypassing these limitations effortlessly.

To get the most out of your viewing experience, choose a high-quality VPN that offers more than just speed. NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro shields you from malware, intrusive ads, and trackers—keeping your connection secure while you explore the stars.

It also features SmartPlay technology, which blends VPN encryption with Smart DNS for effortless access to geo-blocked content. Paired with blazing-fast servers and robust security, NordVPN ensures smooth, private, and uninterrupted streaming—no matter where your mission takes you.

What is the plot of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3? 

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season three continues the voyages of Captain Christopher Pike and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise as they explore strange new worlds across the galaxy. Set in the 23rd century, the show chronicles the decade before Star Trek: The Original Series, highlighting Pike’s leadership alongside Number One, Una Chin-Riley, and Vulcan Science Officer Spock.

The third season picks up immediately after season two’s dramatic finale, “Hegemony,” in which the Gorn launch a brutal assault on a human colony and ambush the U.S.S. Cayuga. While some survivors are rescued—thanks to a cloaking device engineered by Montgomery “Scotty” Scott—La’an, M’Benga, Sam Kirk, and others are taken by the Gorn. The final moments left Captain Pike with a gut-wrenching decision: obey Starfleet’s retreat order or risk war to rescue his crew.

According to a three-minute New York Comic-Con 2024 clip, season three begins with Pike still reeling from the fallout of that decision. Distraught yet determined, he defies orders in favor of saving his people, with help from his bridge crew, who devise a method to breach the Gorn's shields. Pike is visibly shaken, a stark contrast to his usual calm command.

Paramount+ teases that beyond this confrontation, the crew will encounter “new life and civilizations,” including a formidable new villain who will “test our characters’ grit and resolve.” In an official synopsis, the streamer promises (via TV Insider): “An exciting twist on classic Star Trek, Season 3 takes characters both new and beloved to new heights, and dives into thrilling adventures of faith, duty, romance, comedy, and mystery, with varying genres never before seen on any other Star Trek.”

Genre experimentation continues to be a hallmark of the show. One confirmed standout is a “Hollywood murder mystery” episode directed by franchise veteran Jonathan Frakes. He told TV Insider, “I can say that it is maybe the best episode of TV I’ve had the privilege of directing.”

This genre-bending episode is expected to follow in the footsteps of last season’s groundbreaking musical chapter and the Lower Decks crossover. Other upcoming episodes will include a rom-com, a documentary-style story, and additional “Vulcan hijinks,” including one where the crew temporarily transforms into Vulcans for a mission, as shown in an extended five-minute preview.

Multiple long-arc storylines also take shape this season. Nurse Christine Chapel’s fiancé, Roger Korby, makes his debut—potentially stirring romantic tension with Spock. Meanwhile, Lieutenant James T. Kirk navigates impending fatherhood and a promotion to Commander aboard the U.S.S. Farragut. Dr. M’Benga’s mysterious past during the Klingon War will resurface, and Montgomery Scott continues to evolve into the legendary Chief Engineer fans know from the original canon.

The Enterprise itself will see upgrades, including a brand-new science lab. These developments further push the show closer to the timeline of The Original Series. Goldsman told Inverse that there are long-term plans to explore that era: “Left to our own devices, which really means if Paramount will, we’ll keep going into the TOS era.”

Romijn and Mount, speaking to Radio Times, shared that the cast has become more collaborative with the writers. Romijn noted, “We hope we can keep on going, keep taking risks, keep thinking of bigger ideas outside the box... The writers have this open-door policy where they want us to come in and pitch ideas and continue to play with genre.” She added, “We’ve now taken complete ownership of our characters… It’s a very collaborative effort.”

Strange New Worlds season three will consist of ten episodes, following the show's tradition of standalone adventures with light serialization. With classic Trek themes woven through innovative storytelling and unexpected formats, this season is poised to challenge, surprise, and delight both new viewers and lifelong fans.

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Who’s in the cast of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3?

• Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike
• Ethan Peck as Lt. Spock
• Rebecca Romijn as Number One / Lt. Commander Una Chin-Riley
• Jess Bush as Nurse Christine Chapel
• Christina Chong as Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh
• Celia Rose Gooding as Ensign Nyota Uhura
• Melissa Navia as Lt. Erica Ortegas
• Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. Joseph M'Benga
• Carol Kane as Commander Pelia
• Dan Jeannotte as Lt. Sam Kirk
• Paul Wesley as Lt. James T. Kirk
• Martin Quinn as Lt. Montgomery Scott
• Cillian O'Sullivan as Dr. Roger Korby
• Rhys Darby
• Patton Oswalt

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Is There a Trailer for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3?

A fresh trailer for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season three thrusts us headlong into classic‑meets‑kooky Trek territory. The USS Enterprise crew find themselves trapped inside a retro sci‑fi TV show—and they’re none the wiser. We see Captain Kirk (Paul Wesley) awed on the bridge, followed by Spock’s crisp line: “We await your orders, sir”. 

Uhura, Number One, and Ortegas play along with campy tropes—complete with a Clue‑style murder mystery and old‑school rotary phones on the bridge, under Commander Pelia’s guidance. In another standout moment, Pike, stern as ever, warns Kirk: “The choices you make in that chair — they are yours to make, and yours to live with,” signaling a new dynamic aboard the Enterprise. 

The clip leans into 1960s kitsch, yet amps it up with nostalgia and tongue‑in‑cheek humor reminiscent of classic Trek era adventures. Plus, there’s a jaw‑dropping tease of a holodeck—and what looks like analog phone receivers lining the bridge—defying all expectations.

With high stakes and playful twists, this trailer promises a season that balances epic sci‑fi with retro charm, unfiltered laughs, and heartfelt leadership arcs. Buckle up: Strange New Worlds is ready for its most adventurous—and delightfully weird—voyage yet.

The first full-length teaser for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season three, released on April 2, 2025, teases a bold and eclectic new chapter for the Enterprise crew. Among the standout glimpses are a murder mystery unfolding on what appears to be the holodeck, an episode drenched in 1960s-style retro sci-fi aesthetics, and a wild, meta-fictional twist on the Star Trek universe itself.

The teaser also showcases Spock and Chapel’s relationship intensifying, suggesting more emotional arcs ahead. Familiar threats return—including the Gorn and the Klingons—while action-packed sequences hint at high-stakes missions throughout the galaxy. And in true Strange New Worlds fashion, it looks like the crew will once again push boundaries, with imaginative, genre-blending episodes that balance heart, humor, and high-concept adventure.

Alongside the official trailer, Paramount has released two extended clips from Strange New Worlds season three. One standout is a five-minute scene where members of the Enterprise bridge crew undergo a humorous transformation into Vulcans, hinting at another lighthearted “Vulcan hijinks” episode in the upcoming season.

The first of these clips originally debuted as a “First Look” during the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, showcasing Pike, Chapel, Uhura, and La’an adopting Vulcan personas for an undercover mission. True to the spirit of the show, it looks like season three will continue blending sci-fi drama with comedic flair.

At New York Comic Con 2024, fans were treated to a three-minute sneak peek that picks up immediately after the dramatic cliffhanger of Strange New Worlds season two. This exclusive preview offered the first few minutes of the season three premiere, revealing the immediate aftermath of the Gorn confrontation and setting the stage for what's next aboard the Enterprise.

Episode Titles

• Season 3 Episode 1: Hegemony, Part II (Thursday, July 17, 2025)
• Season 3 Episode 2: Wedding Bell Blues (Thursday, July 17, 2025)
• Season 3 Episode 3: Shuttle to Kenfori (Thursday, July 24, 2025)
• Season 3 Episode 4: A Space Adventure Hour (Thursday, July 31, 2025)
• Season 3 Episode 5: Through the Lens of Time (Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025)
• Season 3 Episode 6: The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail (Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025)
• Season 3 Episode 7: What Is Starfleet? (Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025)
• Season 3 Episode 8: Four-and-a-Half Vulcans (Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025)
• Season 3 Episode 9: Terrarium (Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025)
• Season 3 Episode 10: New Life and New Civilizations (Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025)

What happened in the Second Season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?

Season two of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds was packed with bold experiments, emotional dilemmas, and high-stakes drama. Spock defied orders and took command of the Enterprise, venturing into disputed space. Number One stood trial in a tense court-martial that put her future in Starfleet on the line. 

Meanwhile, La’An found herself time-traveling and forming a connection with an alternate-timeline James T. Kirk, adding unexpected emotional complexity to her journey.

In one of the season’s most talked-about episodes, the series crossed over with Star Trek: Lower Decks, as Boimler and Beckett Mariner were flung into live-action via a portal mishap and had to rely on the Enterprise crew to return home. The season also went full musical in “Subspace Rhapsody,” with a contagious Broadway-style soundtrack that had fans singing along.

Spock grappled with his humanity in a new way after an accident left him fully human, complicating his identity and relationships. The season introduced viewers to a young Lt. Montgomery Scott, who joined the saga during a perilous Gorn encounter.

In the two-part finale, Pike led a rescue mission to save Batel’s crew — including Chapel — after a Gorn ambush. The mission took a dark turn when Batel became infected and La’an, M’Benga, Ortegas, and Sam Kirk were taken by the Gorn. The season closed with a cliffhanger as the captured crew was last seen aboard a Gorn vessel, setting up a dramatic and uncertain start to season three.

Will There be a Season 4 & 5 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?

Yes! Star Trek: Strange New Worlds was officially renewed for season four in April 2024, ahead of its third season premiere. Production on the new season began in Toronto in spring 2025, though unlike seasons one and two, season four will not be filmed back-to-back with its predecessor. A 2026 release is expected, which would align with Star Trek’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

Jeff Grossman, Executive Vice President of Programming at Paramount+ said (via TV Insider): “It has been incredibly rewarding to continue to build the Star Trek universe, and we’re so grateful to Secret Hideout and our immensely talented casts and producers. 'Strange New Worlds' has found the perfect blend of action, adventure and humor, and we’re elated to announce another season ahead of our season three premiere.”

Executive producers Akiva Goldsman, Henry Alonso Myers, and Alex Kurtzman added (via Variety), “On behalf of the cast and crew of Strange New Worlds, we are thrilled and grateful to continue our voyages together. We can’t wait for you to join us and the crew of the Enterprise on another season of exploration and adventure.”

But that’s not all—Paramount+ has also greenlit Star Trek: Strange New Worlds for a fifth and final season. Season five will consist of six episodes, with production beginning later in 2025. Goldsman, Myers, and Kurtzman said (via Deadline):

"From the very beginning, Strange New Worlds set out to honor what Star Trek has always stood for — boundless curiosity, hope and the belief that a better future is possible. We’re deeply grateful to Paramount+ for the chance to complete our five-season mission, just as we envisioned it, alongside our extraordinary cast and crew. And to the passionate fans who’ve boldly joined us on this journey — THANK YOU. With three more spectacular seasons ahead for you to see and enjoy, this adventure is far from over."

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Filming Details

Principal photography officially began on Dec. 11, 2023 (via Trek Movie). Anson Mount confirmed the entire season had wrapped by May 23, 2024 (via Trek Movie). The series was filmed in Toronto, Canada. Season 4 has begun production.

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Behind the Scenes

Chris Fisher directed the premiere of the third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Notable directors this season include Jordan Canning (Episodes 2 and 8), Jonathan Frakes (Episode 4), Dan Liu, Valerie Weiss, Sharon Lewis (Episode 7), and Andrew Coutts, who made his directorial debut with Episode 9. Maja Vrvilo directed the season finale.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout, Weed Road Pictures, HMRX Productions, and Roddenberry Entertainment. Akiva Goldsman and Henry Alonso Myers serve as co-showrunners.

The executive producing team includes Alex Kurtzman, Akiva Goldsman, Henry Alonso Myers, Aaron Baiers, Dana Horgan, Davy Perez, Frank Siracusa, John Weber, Chris Fisher, Rod Roddenberry, and Trevor Roth.