The show won’t be back for a third season, as it’s ending after Season 2. Had it been renewed for another season on Paramount+, it would have included a nostalgic treat for longtime fans.
Robert Picardo is well known for his role as The Doctor on Star Trek: Voyager. He reprised the character, now a long-time teacher at Starfleet Academy, years after the events of Voyager. Picardo also played an earlier version of The Doctor in the Voyager episode “Living Witness.” According to a recent appearance on The D-Con Chamber podcast, plans were made to bring both versions of The Doctor together in Season 3 of Starfleet Academy.
Robert Picardo Could Have Played 2 Doctors at Once
Picardo explained he envisioned meeting a younger version of his Voyager character, essentially his past self, and interacting with him on screen. He imagined using de-aging technology to portray himself at age 41, while playing opposite himself as his current age of 71 or 72. The scene would involve the younger Doctor sharply criticizing the older Doctor’s choice to change his appearance, questioning why he would want to look that way.
The change in The Doctor’s appearance in Starfleet Academy was explained as a deliberate choice he made around five centuries ago. He added a program to his system that made him look older, hoping to seem more experienced and approachable. Regarding the possibility of showing both versions of The Doctor on screen together, actor Jonathan Frakes (Picardo) mentioned he suggested the idea to the Starfleet Academy writers, Noga Landau and Alex Kurtzman, who thought it could be a good storyline for a possible third season.
It’s “Too Late Now” for the Double Doctor Episode
Picardo explained he considered digitally altering one of his performances to match the other, almost as a form of self-criticism, but realized it would change the dynamic. He described his two characters as ‘technological brothers’ – originating from the same core programming but evolving differently through their experiences, much like identical twins raised apart.
The actor explained how his two characters, The Doctor and his backup, both have complicated feelings about their creator, Dr. Lewis Zimmerman. He described them as ‘children’ of the same person, with one having worked through their issues and the other still struggling. He pointed out that even after centuries, unresolved family conflicts remain. He framed it as a message about the importance of therapy, suggesting that past trauma doesn’t simply disappear unless you actively address it.
Picardo expressed disappointment that a particular storyline can’t be pursued now that Starfleet Academy won’t be continuing to a third season. Despite this, fans are actively campaigning for Paramount+ to renew the show. A petition has been created and has already collected almost 40,000 signatures. Whether this effort will lead to a Season 3 remains to be seen.
Stream Star Trek: Starfleet Academy on Paramount+.
Read More
- William Shatner Expresses ‘Sorrow’ Over Starfleet Academy End, Mocks Criticism
- Nintendo Officially Cuts Switch 2 Production After Low Sales
- Daredevil: Born Again Easter Egg Reveals a Thunderbolts* Villain You May Have Missed
- CBR’s Nintendo Trivia Quiz
- There’s Officially 2 Weeks Left Until Prime Video Changes Forever
- Zander Hawley Discusses The Rookie Season 8 Return & New Single ‘Caroline’
- Batman Director Andy Muschetti Addresses Fan-Casting For The Dark Knight In James Gunn’s Live-Action DC Universe
- Gwyneth Paltrow on Avengers: Doomsday Return: ‘What’s That?’
- Missing Link: The Underrated Stop-Motion Animated Gem That Made History
- Taylor Sheridan’s ‘The Madison’ Becomes His Biggest Series Launch Yet
2026-04-05 00:07