Going boldly where no show has gone before, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds made a splash with fans and critics alike when the series debuted last year, charting the adventures of Captain Christopher Pike and his Enterprise. Strange New Worlds Season 2 returns for its second season this June more confident and varied in its storytelling while going deeper with its main characters this time around. While some of the shifts in tone may catch audiences a bit off-guard, the growing likability of the ensemble cast and continued strength of the series overall is sure to have fans coming back for more.
Set several months after the conclusion of Strange New Worlds Season 1, which ended with La'an Noonien-Singh assisting interplanetary refugees and Una Chin-Riley arrested by Starfleet Command for her heritage, Pike is faced with impossible decisions. As Pike does everything in his power to restore his Number One's good name and get her back on his crew, Spock grapples with his volatile emotions. With never a dull moment on the Enterprise, the crew embarks on missions across space and time, including several that put the fate of the entire United Federation of Planets in the balance, both physically and for its moral soul.
Like the previous season, Strange New Worlds Season 2 is still largely episodic in its individual missions though the connections between episodes are more evident this time around, particularly regarding character development. With additional time to grow into their respective characters, the cast brings noticeably more depth to their roles, with Christina Chong's La'an Noonien-Singh and Rebecca Romijn's Una Chin-Riley particularly offering more nuance than their more stoic performances in Season 1. Having established themselves, the show takes the time to reveal more about the backstory of each of its main ensemble, organically woven into Season 2's interstellar adventures.
One decision that's likely to become more divisive among audiences is that Season 2 leans more into comedy than the previous season. The stakes are still as high as ever, but there are more comical interludes in Season 2, similar to the body swap or fantasy hallucination episodes in Season 1. From Spock getting a catchphrase to Pike hosting a Vulcan engagement party, these moments will hopefully connect with most viewers, but some may get some mild tonal whiplash from these humorous flourishes.
The writing itself remains as strong as ever, from bombastic science fiction action to more intimate character moments often juxtaposing each other to maintain emotional stakes. Yes, there are more time-travel adventures and harrowing missions on the ground but also courtroom drama that feels just as thrilling and important as the cosmic stories. Strange New Worlds Season 1 experimented with different genre influences and those sensibilities, like venturing into horror or comedy, are explored and elevated in Season 2.
Strange New Worlds is just as strong as ever, avoiding the sophomore slump, while more willing to take creative risks as it puts the focus on its characters. Picking up right where the inaugural season left off and then some, leaning into its strengths and continuing Paramount+’s reinvigorated Star Trek programming. It's shows like Strange New Worlds that confirms there is plenty of life in the venerable science fiction franchise, giving fans plenty to look forward to every Thursday for the exciting adventures of Captain Pike and his Enterprise.
Created by Akiva Goldsman, Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 premieres June 15 on Paramount+, with new episodes released Tuesdays.