Bestselling Author Andy Weir Criticizes Paramount+'s 'Woke' Star Trek Shows

Weir says the streaming network rejected his pitch for a new Star Trek series, calling their current shows 'shit'.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:19pm

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A striking abstract composition of jagged geometric shapes in bold red and black, conceptually representing the clash between classic and modern interpretations of the Star Trek franchise.As the 'NuTrek' era faces growing criticism, a legendary sci-fi author's scathing review exposes deep divisions within the Star Trek fandom.Los Angeles Today

Andy Weir, the acclaimed author of the science fiction novel 'Project Hail Mary', has strongly criticized the recent Star Trek shows on Paramount+, calling them 'shit' and saying he pitched his own Star Trek series idea to the streaming network but it was rejected.

Why it matters

Weir's comments highlight the growing divide between longtime Star Trek fans and the creative direction of the franchise under Paramount's stewardship. As one of the most prominent sci-fi authors today, Weir's perspective carries significant weight and reflects broader concerns about the perceived 'wokeness' and poor quality of the new Star Trek shows.

The details

In an interview with the Critical Drinker podcast, Weir revealed that he had pitched a Star Trek series idea to Paramount+ but it was rejected. He said he spent time talking to Star Trek executive producer Alex Kurtzman, whom he described as 'a really nice guy', but added that 'those shows are shit.' Weir praised some of the newer Star Trek shows like 'Strange New Worlds' and 'Lower Decks', but was highly critical of the rest, saying 'they can go'.

  • Weir made these comments in a March 2026 interview.

The players

Andy Weir

The bestselling author of the science fiction novel 'Project Hail Mary'.

Alex Kurtzman

The executive producer overseeing Paramount+'s Star Trek franchise.

Will Jordan

The host of the Critical Drinker podcast, who has been highly critical of the recent Star Trek shows.

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What they’re saying

“I pitched a Star Trek show to Paramount and I was in Zoom with the showrunners with all the shows and spent a lot of time talking to [executive producer Alex Kurtzman]. I don't like a lot of the new Trek. He, as a person, is a really nice guy. But at the same time, those shows are shit. He is a nice guy. But they didn't accept my pitch so, you know, fuck 'em.”

— Andy Weir, Bestselling Author

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Paramount will heed the criticism from Weir and other fans and make changes to the creative direction of the Star Trek franchise on their streaming service.

The takeaway

Weir's scathing comments about the recent Star Trek shows on Paramount+ reflect a growing sentiment among longtime fans that the franchise has lost its way under the network's stewardship. As a prominent sci-fi author, Weir's perspective carries significant weight and highlights the need for Paramount to carefully consider fan feedback as they chart the future of Star Trek.