Let's dive into a fascinating chapter in the history of television and the iconic Star Trek franchise. The idea of a Paramount TV network dedicated to Star Trek is an intriguing what-if scenario that has the potential to reshape our understanding of both the show and the industry.
The Paramount TV Network: A Long-Standing Dream
The concept of a Paramount TV network isn't a recent idea; it's a dream that stretches back to the late 1940s. Paramount Pictures, a major player in the film industry, was one of the key partners in the DuMont Television Network, one of the earliest TV networks in the US. In 1948, the Paramount Television Network made its debut, becoming an early player in a medium that was about to explode in popularity. However, the network's success was short-lived, and it shuttered its operations in 1956.
Paramount's desire to relaunch its network didn't wane, and in 1995, it finally happened with the debut of the United Paramount Network (UPN). On its very first night, UPN premiered the hit sci-fi series ‘Star Trek: Voyager’. While the network struggled, ‘Voyager’ stood out as a bright spot, showcasing the potential of a Star Trek-centric network.
Star Trek: Phase II and the Paramount Television Service
Between the network's early attempts and the UPN launch, Paramount made another significant push in the 1970s. In 1977, plans were unveiled for the Paramount Television Service (PTS), with the then-in-development ‘Star Trek: Phase II’ as its flagship show.
‘Phase II’ was an ambitious project, with a $2 million budget for its two-part opening episode and a half-million-dollar budget for each subsequent episode. The series was set to run for 20 episodes and featured the return of the USS Enterprise and the original series cast, minus Leonard Nimoy due to legal disputes with show creator Gene Roddenberry.
However, not everyone was on board. The absence of Spock, the franchise's most recognizable character, sparked outrage among Trekkies, who threatened to boycott the show. Despite the controversy, ‘Phase II’ was on track to become the PTS's flagship show, with Paramount's president, Barry Diller, expressing optimism about the network's potential.
The End of Phase II and the PTS
Unfortunately, ‘Phase II’ faced production challenges and was eventually canceled just days before production was set to begin. Paramount's doubts about the viability of a fourth network grew, leading to the cancellation of both ‘Phase II’ and the PTS. Instead, ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture’ was greenlit in 1978, and the rest, as they say, is history.
What Could Have Been
It's intriguing to speculate about what might have been if the PTS had launched. Could Paramount have become a major player in television? Would ‘Phase II’ have been a success, despite the absence of Spock? These questions are left unanswered, but they highlight the risks and rewards of such ambitious ventures.
A Continuing Legacy
Paramount's Star Trek journey didn't end with the PTS. In 2017, they debuted ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ on their streaming service, CBS All Access, continuing the franchise's evolution and showcasing its enduring appeal.
The story of Paramount's attempts to launch a Star Trek-centric network is a reminder of the risks and rewards of innovation in the entertainment industry. It's a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering insights into the decisions that shape the media landscape we know today.
