CBS tightening security around Star Trek: Discovery, no screeners for critics

The launch of Star Trek: Discovery is set to be one of the biggest events of the year for sci-fi fans, and it’ll be a surprise for everyone — even the TV critics.

Entertainment Weekly reports the network has decided to not provide the series for press or critics ahead of the September 24 premiere on CBS (before jumping to the CBS All Access streaming service). The Hollywood premiere is next Tuesday, but the embargo will remain up until the network premiere date. We’ve reached out to CBS for some additional context on the decision, but it looks to be just the latest move in a greater push to provide some secrecy around a major television project. It’s not uncommon for high profile shows and movies to leak ahead of premieres, and it seems CBS is keen to make sure that doesn't happen.

HBO practically pioneered the practice with Game of Thrones (though admittedly, the show still leaked a whole lot anyway), but it looks like CBS wants the premiere of Discovery to be a global event shared by fans and critics alike. As some fans are concernedly pointing out, this is an approach studios sometimes take when they know a show or film is likely to be a dud with critics. But, we wouldn’t jump to conclusions just yet. Early reviews are designed to build buzz, and the first Trek series in a decade doesn’t really need any more buzz at this point. Until we know more, this looks like a marketing move, as opposed to something more nefarious.

Because reviews or no reviews, a whole lot of people are going to be tuning in for Discovery. Now, they’ll just be surprised. Here’s hoping it blows us away as much as that stellar theme song.