&x27;Star Trek&x27; Icon, 73, Reveals Why He&x27;s Surprised by the Hate for New Show Nicole MooreTue, March 10, 2026 at 12:57 AM UTC 0 (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images) Jonathan Frakes is getting candid about the criticism regarding the newStar Trek series, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. The 73yearold actor, who famously starred as William T. Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation, discussed directing an episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy in a March 2026 interview withIGN.
'Star Trek' Icon, 73, Reveals Why He's Surprised by the Hate for New Show
Nicole MooreTue, March 10, 2026 at 12:57 AM UTC
0
(Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)
Jonathan Frakes is getting candid about the criticism regarding the newStar Trek series, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
The 73-year-old actor, who famously starred as William T. Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation, discussed directing an episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy in a March 2026 interview withIGN. Frakes noted that the new series, which follows a group of Starfleet Academy cadets, has been criticized by some Star Trek fans. He shared that he and his Star Trek: TNG co-stars were also not initially welcomed into the fandom upon the show's 1987 debut.
"I was prepared because when Next Gen came out almost 40 years ago, we were trolled. Nobody wanted us. And this was pre-internet," said Frakes, who also directed episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
He said, however, that "it's still dimensionally more painful [today]."
"And the trolls are hiding, and the trolls are hating. … It's the first rule of the Constitution. I guess they're entitled to their opinion, but it surprises me how aggressively 'anti' they are with each new iteration of the show. And it continues to surprise me, and I try not to let it upset me," said Frakes to the publication.
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Robert Picardo Also Gave His Opinion About 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy'
Frakes isn't the only Star Trek icon who has been vocal about Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Actor Robert Picardo, who reprised his Star Trek: Voyager character, The Doctor, for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, said he didn't agree with some of the criticism towards the new Star Trek show, which premiered on January 15, during a January 2026 interview with Reel School.
"I've heard some fans say that Star Trek has gone too far in its diversity and inclusion. I completely disagree with that," said Picardo.
He stated that Star Trek has been "diverse and inclusive" since the original series, which had a three-season run, started airing in 1966.
"Star Trek was founded during the turbulent '60s at a moment of real cultural and political turmoil. And I think that at times when you have that same critical amount of cultural and political turmoil, the world needs Star Trek more than ever," said Picardo in the January 2026 interview.
This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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Source: Entertainment
Published: March 10, 2026 at 06:45AM on Source: MANUEL MAG
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