Amazon has struck a “multi-year agreement” to become the exclusive streaming home of Sir Patrick Stewart’s new Star Trek series in more than 200 countries and territories, including the UK and Ireland.
Produced for CBS by Alex Kurtzman, the as yet untitled series sees Stewart reprise his role as Jean-Luc Picard, a role which he played for seven seasons on Star Trek: Next Generation, and follows the iconic character in the next chapter of his life.
Today’s news will mean Trek fans having to hold two streaming subscriptions as the new show’s stablemate, Star Trek Discovery, is only available in the UK on Netflix.
“There’s only one word that can begin to describe Sir Patrick Stewart as Starship Commander Jean-Luc Picard, and that’s ‘legendary,’” said series executive producer Alex Kurtzman (Sleepy Hollow).
“We are thrilled beyond measure to have him back in command, bringing the optimistic messages of Star Trek to audiences around the world.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with CBS to bring the newest edition of the storied ‘Star Trek’ franchise to our international Amazon Prime Video customers,” said Brad Beale, Vice President, Worldwide Content Licensing for Amazon Prime Video.
“With the incredible Sir Patrick Stewart returning as the beloved Jean-Luc Picard, we’re excited we can give ‘Trek’ fans both old and new the opportunity to see him back in action. It’s a terrific addition to our already robust catalogue of exclusive Amazon Prime Video content.”
“For 50 years, the Star Trek series have been a global sensation, spanning generations and audiences of all ages. It’s an honour to welcome Sir Patrick Stewart back for what is sure to be another world-class extension of the historic franchise,” said Armando Nuñez, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Global Distribution Group.
“We look forward to working with the team at Amazon Prime Video to bring this next chapter of the incredible Star Trek franchise to its passionate international fan base.”
Alongside Stewart, the series will also star Alison Pill (The Newsroom), Harry Treadaway (Penny Dreadful), Isa Briones (American Crime Story: Versace), Santiago Cabrera (Salvation), Evan Evagora, and Michelle Hurd (Blindspot).
The series will be produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. Kurtzman, Michael Chabon (John Carter), Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind), James Duff (The Closer), Stewart, Heather Kadin (Salvation), Rod Roddenberry (Earth: Final Conflict) and Trevor Roth (Star Trek: Discovery) will serve as executive producers and Aaron Baiers (Secret Hideout) will serve as co-executive producer and Kirsten Beyer (Star Trek: Discovery) will serve as supervising producer.