Star Trek: Discovery season 5 is not coming to Paramount+ in 2023

"Light and Shadows" -- Episode #207 -- Pictured (l-r): Mary Wiseman as Tilly; Anthony Rapp as Stamets of the CBS All Access series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo Cr: Michael Gibson/CBS ©2018 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
"Light and Shadows" -- Episode #207 -- Pictured (l-r): Mary Wiseman as Tilly; Anthony Rapp as Stamets of the CBS All Access series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo Cr: Michael Gibson/CBS ©2018 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The wait for Star Trek: Discovery season 5 could be a long one as the show is not coming our way in 2023. Here’s what we know about the final season!

Star Trek: Discovery has been a roller coaster of emotions. Applauded (and sometimes heavily criticized) for its fresh take on the Star Trek universe and divisive for its modern approach to storytelling, the series has been a meaningful part of modern science fiction television.

Paramount+ recently confirmed that the show would take its final voyage with Season 5, which will premiere in 2024. While fans may have mixed feelings about its end, there’s no denying that Discovery has rejuvenated the Star Trek franchise and paved the way for other projects.

Given that Season 5 will not air until 2024, 2023 hasn’t had and won’t have new Discovery episodes. Though Paramount+ had planned promotional campaigns that would lead up to the final season, things are still up in the air about that considering the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes are still in motion. The absence of Discovery in 2023 has made for a slightly quieter year in terms of Star Trek content, but spin-offs like Picard, Strange New Worlds, Lower Decks, and Prodigy have continued entertaining audiences.

How many episodes will Star Trek: Discovery season 5 have?

Star Trek: Discovery season 5 will reportedly only have 10 episodes, which is fewer than its previous season but still unfortunately consistent with the episode counts of other recent Star Trek shows. While some of us, myself included, may see this as an annoying limitation, others might appreciate a tighter narrative – it could maintain the focus of the final season and keep it from many many filler episodes.

Star Trek: Discovery season 5 cast

The final season will see most, if not all, of the original cast members come back to give viewers a chance to say a proper goodbye to their favorite characters. It’s worth noting that Mary Wiseman’s Lt. Sylvia Tilly is also expected to return despite her character’s decision to leave Discovery for Starfleet Academy in the fourth season.

What’s the plot for Star Trek: Discovery season 5?

According to the official synopsis and the trailer released at NYCC 2022, season 5 will be an epic adventure. Captain Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and the crew will come across a mystery that takes them in search of an ancient power. This will set the stage for the crew to explore new civilizations and go deeper into the 32nd century.

Though the final season won’t air until 2024, Star Trek: Discovery‘s impact on the franchise is hard to ignore. Discovery not only strengthened the Star Trek universe but also introduced new and diverse characters that have become fan favorites. It’s fair to say that without Discovery, shows like Picard, Strange New Worlds, and others might not have come to fruition, or at least not in the way that we know them today.

So, while we may be a little sad about the lack of Discovery in 2023, the show’s legacy is secure. Its influence on the Star Trek franchise and modern science fiction will continue to be felt long after the crew of the USS Discovery have said goodbye to their fanbase.

Star Trek: Discovery will always be remembered as a series that dared to take risks, introduce fresh narratives, and add new dimensions to a universe that has fascinated audiences for over six decades. As we wait for its last season, we can only speculate and hope that the final season will live up to the exciting and touching moments that Discovery has always embodied.