Alex Kurtzman star trek
Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Trekkies, rejoice! New reports have surfaced revealing that CBS Television Studios has signed Alex Kurtzman to a new five-year deal where he will oversee the expansion of the ‘Star Trek’ franchise, developing new series, mini-series and other content, including animation.

We have learned that the potential new shows may include the following:

  • A series set at Starfleet Academy made by Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz, who currently serve as co-showrunners on Marvel’s ‘Runaways. The two are also known for creating ‘Gossip Girl’ and the CW reboot of ‘Dynasty.’
  • A limited series based on the ‘Wrath of Khan’ storyline.
  • An animated series with unknown plot details.

CBS Television Studios has not confirmed any specific projects or details.

The new deal with Kurtzman also gives CBS Television Studios exclusive rights to produce all television content created and developed by Kurtzman for the next five years. Heather Kadin currently serves as president of Kurtzman’s company, the Secret Hideout, and Aaron Baiers is senior vice president of television. Kurtzman and Secret Hideout currently produce the CBS shows ‘Hawaii Five-O,’ ‘Salvation,’ and ‘Instinct.’

David Stapf, president of CBS Television Studios, has spoken very highly of Kurtzman and his company, saying:

“There is a very short list of writer-producer-directors that every film and television studio wants to be associated with, and Alex and his Secret Hideout team are always at the top. His talent, taste and ability to shepherd a successful project is unparalleled. Alex has done remarkable work for our Studio, dating back seven years to the launch of ‘Hawaii Five-O,’ and we are thrilled that he, Heather and their team will be partnering with us for a long time to come.”

Kurtzman and the Secret Hideout crew are also on the hook to develop new, non ‘Trek’ content across multiple broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Secret Hideout plans to expand its production operation and will add new talent to help with their new ventures.

Kurtzman’s new deal comes on the heels of being named showrunner for the second season of ‘Discovery’ following the firing of co-showrunners Aaron Harberts and Gretchen J. Berg amid accusations of abuse. Kurtzman previously co-wrote the screenplays for the 2009 film ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Into Darkness.’ He also serves as an executive producer on ‘Star Trek’ and served as a producer on both ‘Into Darkness’ and ‘Star Trek Beyond.’

In a statement about his new deal, Kurtzman said:

“Heather, Aaron and I are thrilled to continue Secret Hideout’s amazing partnership with CBS Television Studios. Since our first collaboration with ‘Hawaii Five-O’ almost a decade ago, Les [Moonves], David, and the full team at CBS Studios have been our foremost collaborators and champions, treating each project with integrity, supporting the creative visions and working breathlessly to make each episode of every show the best it can be. CBS has also allowed us the great pleasure of reintroducing the world of ‘Star Trek’ audiences new and old, and we are very excited to keep working alongside them to expand that world.”

Stay tuned for more ‘Trek’ news as it becomes available!