How Star Trek Is Expanding Across TV, Streaming, and Cool Merchandise

New Star Trek Show Coming to Paramount+

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will premiere January 15 exclusively on Paramount+, continuing the franchise's growth in streaming television. The series will be available in major markets worldwide, including the U.S., U.K., Latin America, Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Japan.

This launch also follows a big deal between Netflix and CBS Studios International to distribute Star Trek shows in 188 countries. This shows how Star Trek is spreading itself across multiple streaming platforms to reach audiences everywhere.

Star Trek Gadgets You Can Actually Use

The Wand Company has created a working Bluetooth Communicator based on the original Star Trek series, released for the show's 55th anniversary. The device was made using precise 3D scans of the actual prop used in the original show, so it looks exactly like what appeared on screen—but it actually lets you make phone calls through Bluetooth.

This product combines two things: accurate replica-making (using modern 3D scanning technology) and real working technology. You can buy it directly from the official Star Trek Shop, giving the franchise direct control over this premium collectible market.

Designer Star Trek Watches

In July 2024, luxury watch company NUBEO announced a partnership with Star Trek to create four limited-edition Starfleet-themed watches. This partnership targets two groups of fans at once: people who love watches and people who love Star Trek.

Limited-edition products (meaning there are only so many made) create a sense of urgency—fans who want them know they can't wait or they'll miss out. The Starfleet design elements work well on watch faces and bands while still looking like luxury watches.

How Star Trek Makes Money From Multiple Angles

Star Trek isn't just relying on TV shows anymore. Instead, the franchise is using a multi-pronged strategy:

• Streaming subscriptions (Paramount+ and Netflix) provide regular monthly income
• Premium collectibles like the Bluetooth communicator target dedicated fans willing to spend more money
• Licensed products like NUBEO watches bring in money without requiring Star Trek to manufacture them

Each product sits at a different price point. A Paramount+ subscription costs less than a limited-edition watch, but the watch makes more money per sale. New TV shows generate excitement that makes fans want to buy the merchandise.

Internationally, Netflix handles distribution in 188 countries without Star Trek needing to run those operations itself. Paramount+ handles major markets like the U.S. This keeps things simple while reaching the whole world.

Why This Strategy Works

Star Trek's approach reflects a broader shift in entertainment. Companies aren't just making content anymore—they're creating whole ecosystems of products and services.

New manufacturing technology (like 3D scanning) has made it possible to create screen-accurate replicas at affordable prices. At the same time, luxury brands like NUBEO can partner with popular franchises to reach new customers, and Star Trek gets access to watch customers without building a watch factory.

The timing of these launches isn't random. When Starfleet Academy premieres, it creates buzz that helps sell the Bluetooth communicator and NUBEO watches. New TV content acts as an advertisement for the merchandise, which in turn drives engagement back to the streaming platform—it all feeds into each other.

This coordinated approach spreads risk (if one product flops, others succeed) while maximizing how much money the franchise makes from each fan.