'Star Trek: Discovery' Won't Be Screened Early For Critics

If you’re looking forward to learning what the critics have to say for “Star Trek: Discovery,” you’ll have to wait until it premieres as CBS is reportedly doing everything it can to avoid any kind of detail about the two-hour premiere from leaking.
Set ten years before the adventures of Captain James T. Kirk and Spock, “Star Trek: Discovery” is a prequel series that shows the beginning of the USS Enterprise. It follows the story of Commander Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), a human Starfleet official raised n Vulcan by Spock’s father, Sarek (James Frain). The show will also show a war with the Klingons, but it’s currently unknown as to what would cause the confrontation.

Embargo imposed upon ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ to avoid leaks

In a report by Entertainment Weekly, the network is taking great pains to make sure that the audiences will be kept in the dark for as long as possible. That being said, advanced screenings for critics won’t happen, and people attending the premieres in New York and Los Angeles will be prohibited from sharing their reviews until after the episodes have all aired.

A source claims that the embargo in place ensures that the plot details will not leak. However, given how fans could care less about leaks, it’s actually about the network bracing itself for a wave of negative reviews from fans and critics. “Star Trek: Discovery” has had a problematic production schedule and issues within the show’s development as well. Initial series creator Bryan Fuller left the production before it even began due to issues with scheduling and creative differences with the network. The show will also be darker and more modern than its predecessor “Star Trek” shows. Just take Commander Burnham being revealed as Spock’s adoptive sister, for example.
However, just because an embargo is imposed upon critics and audiences doesn’t mean the show is bound to flop. The network boasts of an expensive production and the cast is impressive in itself. Hopefully, the show is just keeping things under wraps for more fantastic reveals once the show goes on air.
“Star Trek: Discovery” premieres Sunday, September 24 on CBS.