Popular web television series Star Trek: Discovery is set to air on CBS this fall. As part of the streaming service CBS All Access, Discovery is the seventh series in the Star Trek franchise and the first to air since Stark Trek: Enterprise ended in 2005. Star Trek: Discovery takes place about ten years prior to Captain Kirk and the original Star Trek crew’s five-year mission. The series follows those aboard the USS Discovery as they embark on risky adventures and discover new civilizations.

Star Trek: Discovery was one of the first scripted series for CBS All Access when the show launched in September 2017. The 15-episode first season ran until February 2018, and the 14-episode second season aired between January and April 2019. Star Trek: Discovery season three is expected to air on All Access in October 2020 and close in January 2021. Thanks to a partnership between CBS and co-creator Alex Kurtzman, Discovery has led to multiple other Star Trek series being produced, such as Star Trek: Short Treks, Star Trek: Section 31 and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Many TV premieres and film release dates have been delayed since the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States. However, CBS has become the latest network to announce a series of new release dates for its shows. Per Variety, CBS has revealed it will air the first season of Star Trek: Discovery beginning Thursday, Sept. 24. Although this is the first time an entire season of Star Trek: Discovery will appear on broadcast, CBS aired the first episode of season 1 around the time of its original All Access launch. CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl explained the decision regarding this fall in a statement:


At one point, it seemed possible CBS and other networks could have new and returning shows on at the normal time this fall. However, the arrival of Star Trek: Discovery, as well as other scheduling changes, indicates otherwise. Only time will tell, but as long as the pandemic hurts the film and TV industry, more delays may be on the horizon.

Launching Star Trek: Discovery season 1 via broadcast may accomplish what CBS set out to do in 2017: gain more traction for All Access. This is especially relevant now, as the streaming market has become increasingly saturated. This may be an opportunity for non-subscribers to get a glimpse of the show and, if they enjoy it, dive straight into season two with a new subscription to the streaming service.