‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Draws Positive Reactions After First Screening
Following a screening of the first two episodes of Star Trek: Discovery, reactions to the new show have been largely positive.
On Tuesday night, CBS premiered the show at a screening in Hollywood, California. Reviews are still embargoed until Sunday night, but those in attendance for the screening were allowed to tweet their thoughts.
Sonequa Martin-Green in Star Trek: Discovery | CBS
Many of those who were invited to the screening were not critics, but Entertainment Tonight editor-in-chief Shana Naomi was there, and she loved it.
i am not allowed to spoil you for @startrekcbs so just let me say: it is phenomenal.
— shana (@shananaomi) September 20, 2017
Culture writer Ira Madison III agreed, describing the show as “next level.”
STAR TREK: DISCOVERY is lit beyond fucking belief. Next level.
— Ira Madison III (@ira) September 20, 2017
The Wrap TV reporter Carli Velocci added that the show is really good.”
OK just got out of #StarTrekDiscovery and can't say much but… It's good. Really good.
— Carli Velocci (@velocciraptor) September 20, 2017
Freelance film critic Jordan Hoffman had good things to say about Discovery as well, though it’s worth noting that he has written for StarTrek.com and hosts a Star Trek podcast.
STAR TREK DISCOVERY does the impossible. It's modern and enormous but still fundamentally STAR TREK. Q'apla!
— Jordan Hoffman (@jhoffman) September 20, 2017
CBS will put me in the Agony Booth if I give spoilers but can say Doug Jones' Lt. Saru is an INSTANT CLASSIC sci fi icon.
— Jordan Hoffman (@jhoffman) September 20, 2017
I'm not supposed to get into spoilers, but I'm pretty sure this doesn't count: the opening credits to Discovery are NEXT LEVEL BRILLIANT. https://t.co/pdabqNxwS6
— Jordan Hoffman (@jhoffman) September 20, 2017
Actor Sam Witwer, who is known for Star Wars: Rebels but has also appeared on Star Trek: Enterprise, was a fan of the premiere, as was Mythbusters‘ Grant Imahara.
Just saw Star Trek Discovery.
Whoa.And yes. That's a good whoa.
A vintage Keanu whoa.#whoa— Sam Witwer (@SamWitwer) September 20, 2017
Guys, the first episode of #StarTrekDiscovery is Awesome. Cinematic. Epic. Well done, @StarTrek. Well done.
— Grant Imahara (@grantimahara) September 20, 2017
Interestingly, while the Star Trek fansite TrekMovie.com had good things to say about the show, they noted that some elements are going to spark debate.
Quick Spolier free review of #StarTrekDiscovery 2part premiere : Truly cinematic and steeped in Trek lore. Lots of action and backstory…
— TrekMovie.com (@TrekMovie) September 20, 2017
..surprisingly light at times w/ Saru/Burnham dynamic a standout. Klingons truly alien. Effects, costumes, production impressive …
— TrekMovie.com (@TrekMovie) September 20, 2017
…some elements sure to spark debate, but expect most fans will be ready for more – Anthony. Full review Sun. at https://t.co/Wj2zE2hxze
— TrekMovie.com (@TrekMovie) September 20, 2017
Here are some additional Twitter reactions following the Star Trek: Discovery premiere:
First two episodes of @startrekcbs were fantastic. @StarTrek is back, living long & prospering. Watch later this month! #StarTrekDiscovery
— Danny Sullivan (@dannysullivan) September 20, 2017
Just awestruck on what I saw tonite. Anyone worried about @startrekcbs can rest easy. Thank U to all the cast & crew for what you have done
— Dan Davidson (@TrekGeekDan) September 20, 2017
The first two episodes were awesome! Everyone is in for an amazing ride next week! #StarTrekDiscovery @trekonlinegame @StarTrek
— Salami_Inferno (STO) (@Salami_Inferno) September 20, 2017
#StarTrekDiscovery went quite boldly in its first 2 episodes w/ an incredibly charming cast & shocking twists. A promising start. #StarTrek pic.twitter.com/EOsLqkdWIb
— Dan Casey (@DanCasey) September 20, 2017
People I trust just came out of the Star Trek: Discovery premiere, and they are raving. My hype is now OFF THE FUCKING CHARTS.
— Dan Hernandez (@CubanMissileDH) September 20, 2017
Saw the first two episodes of #StarTrekDiscovery tonight and loved it. I will be subscribing to @CBSAllAccessTV for sure. pic.twitter.com/Fuld52vVb1
— Mel Caylo (@melcaylo) September 20, 2017
#StarTrekDiscovery's first ep is so good, everyone. @SonequaMG kills it. Acknowledging the old while embracing the new. Can't wait for more.
— michelle buchman (@michelledeidre) September 20, 2017
We got these cool lapel pins at the #StarTrekDiscovery premiere. We'll just say #StarTrek is back in a big way! pic.twitter.com/g6FkkeDDba
— NCC-1031.com (@ncc_1031_com) September 20, 2017
We won’t be seeing any official reviews of Star Trek: Discovery before the first episode airs, though, as critics are not allowed to publish reviews prior to the show’s release. Oftentimes studios don’t allow critics to release reviews ahead of time if they know that the film or television show is bad. But sometimes this is done just to prevent spoilers from leaking on a highly secretive project. With Star Wars: The Force Awakens, for instance, Disney would not allow any reviews to be published until the day before the movie opened.
Fans have been anxious about Star Trek: Discovery for months now, but hopefully these first reactions indicate that they have nothing to worry about, especially seeing as some professional TV critics are digging the new series. Star Trek: Discovery will premiere its first episode on CBS on September 24, but after that, it will become exclusive to CBS All Access, CBS’ streaming service that costs $5.99 a month.