Exclusive Interview: Star Trek: Lower Decks Showrunner Reveals the Secret to His Bold, Unapologetic Take on the Classic Franchise

The Wild, Wacky, and Whimsical World of Star Trek: Lower Decks

You Won’t Believe the Unlikely Path That Led Mike McMahan to Create a Beloved Star Trek Series

In the realm of sci-fi, few shows have captured the hearts of fans like Star Trek. For Mike McMahan, a comedy writer with a passion for all things Trek, getting the opportunity to join the writing staff of a new series was a dream come true. And yet, he turned it down. But, as we’ll see, his unconventional journey ultimately led to creating something truly out of this world – Star Trek: Lower Decks, a wildly successful and critically acclaimed animated series that’s reached beyond the faithful.

A Fan’s Pleasure and a Writer’s Passion

Growing up, McMahan, aka the mastermind behind TNG Season 8, was captivated by the Star Trek universe. As he began his writing career, he would often find himself watching Star Trek with his wife, lamenting the fact that new episodes weren’t being produced. He jokingly remarked, "I’m just going to write Star Trek, whether someone pays me to or not." That joke would eventually become a reality, as he went on to create Lower Decks, an animated series set in the 24th century, during the declined years of Starfleet.

From Parody to Reality

McMahan’s journey began with a parody Twitter account, "TNG Season 8," where he summarized imaginary episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The project gained attention, and he even sold the idea to Simon & Schuster, writing a guide to a fictional season. Although he initially declined an invitation to write for the new Star Trek series, he continued to pursue his passion project, working on another animated series, Rick and Morty. In 2018, when asked what he wanted to do, McMahan pitched an animated sitcom based in the Star Trek universe, which eventually became Lower Decks.

Finding the Right Balance

In an interview, McMahan reflects on the early days of Lower Decks, saying, "We were doing it wrong… we were doing Star Trek." He notes that the first season was all about playing it safe, trying to fit into the Star Trek mold. However, as the team grew more comfortable with the characters, they began to find their unique voice. "We’re doing a Lower Decks show now," he admits, referencing the show’s second season. This evolution was crucial in creating a series that appeals to both old and new fans.

A Team of Star Trek Enthusiasts

The writers’ room, comprising a mix of comedy writers, animation writers, and deep, deep Star Trek fans (not including those who had worked on previous Star Trek projects), played a crucial role in shaping the show. Dr. Erin Macdonald, their science advisor, helped ensure that the scientific aspects of the series made sense, while the Star Trek franchise team provided guidance on Trek lore. The result was a show that honors the spirit of Star Trek while still being fresh and innovative.

A Legacy in the Making

As we chat with McMahan, he shares tales of the series’ early days, from finding the right tone to working with the talented cast. The show’s success has led to spin-offs, including Tawny Newsome’s involvement in another Star Trek show, and Starbase 80, a concept that’s been pitched but hasn’t yet been greenlit. As McMahan concludes, "I would love to go back to Starbase 80, but there are no plans to do it at the moment."

From a parody Twitter account to a beloved television show, Mike McMahan’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and perseverance. Star Trek: Lower Decks has left its mark on the franchise, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this brilliant writer and his team.