Yesterday was a dark day for international fans of Star Trek: Discovery, and from our point of view quite rightly so.
With less than 2 days noticed, ViacomCBS and Netflix parted ways resulting in not only Discovery season 4 not airing this Friday but all previous seasons being removed from the streaming giant as well, leaving fans with no Discovery to watch at all.
Timing
This news comes after what was a joyous weekend at Destination Star Trek London for both fans and the actors who had attended the event, where the actors who were in attendance actively promoted the shows return to Netflix.
Since the news broke, it has been made clear that the actors who attended the event had no previous knowledge of what was to come, and it took them by surprise as well, leaving them hurt, upset, and disappointed.
To make sure the fans know that it was never their intention to mislead fans, the actors of the show took to social media to vent not only frustration but to reassure fans that they have been heard.
The Actors Reach Out To Fans
Many Discovery actors posted on their reactions, most notably Anthony Rapp (Aka Paul Stamets) posted a Twitter thread about the subject with a message of solidarity.
I hereby reach out to our many international #StarTrekDiscovery fans, who are understandably upset at the last-minute news that you won’t get to experience Season 4 until 2022. We cast members just found out about this as well, & we share your disappointment & frustration.
— Anthony Rapp SAG-AFTRA National & NY Board Member (@albinokid) November 17, 2021
Mentioned by Rapp in his Twitter thread, which he went on to talk about the support for the show he has seen coming from international fans at not only DST but also when he recently attended FenCon in Germany, he wanted to make sure that the international fanbase knew that both he and the remaining cast were grateful for their support.
Having just been to Germany for FedCon, having traveled twice to DST in Birmingham, & having interacted with countless international fans on social media over the past 4 years, I am keenly aware of how much love & support our show receives from many folks from all over the world.
— Anthony Rapp SAG-AFTRA National & NY Board Member (@albinokid) November 17, 2021
Rapp was not the only one to share their dismay and support, with, Blu del Barrio (Adira), Emily Coutts (Keyla Detmer) sharing messages of support.
to all of our international fans, we love you ❤️
— Emily Coutts (@couttsemily) November 17, 2021
I couldn’t have said it better myself. I’m with you all and I’m so sorry this is happening. We love you all and are hoping the season will be released internationally as soon as possible. ❤️ https://t.co/hl42ya5N0J
— Blu del Barrio (@bludelb) November 17, 2021
Two of Discovery’ actors Wilson Cruz (Dr Culber) and Patrick Kwok-Choon (Gen Ryhs) decided to be a little more direct with their response to the news and after spending a weekend with the fans it comes as no surprise.
— Patrick Kwok-Choon (@KWOK_ROCK) November 17, 2021
— Wilson Cruz (@wcruz73) November 16, 2021
Fan Reaction
With tempers running high and almost two-thirds of Discovery fans no longer being able to watch the show, the reactions have been mixed and a lot of fans have suggested that they will not wait for 2022 and will find other avenues to watch the show.
International Star Trek fans to the corporate big wigs at Paramount+. pic.twitter.com/9W2fcGfrxM
— Adam🖖🏻 (@apm0788) November 16, 2021
One non international fan has even cancelled his Paramount+ subscription in solidarity…
Dear @paramountplus @StarTrekOnPPlus @StarTrek @cbs
— Johnny The Thankful 🦃 (@DisnerdTrekkie) November 16, 2021
Due to the treatment of my friends in international countries, I, unfortunately, won’t be enjoying any new Trek. This is a poor decision that will lead to pirating. But, since that is your choice, mine is to not watch as well. pic.twitter.com/Gh7LCfr6g4
Mainstream Media Take Note
Even the mainstream media have taken note of the fans reaction with artcles appearing in, The BBC, The Mirror, stevivor.com, spiegel.de, espinof.com and The Indipendant to name a few.
All these publications have show examples of the fans reaction and how many fans are likely to miss out on season 4.
Silver Linings
With the news that discovery has now left Netflix a lot of fans have been worried that both Lower Decks and Picard would be leaving Amazon Prime where they have been living since their release.
We managed to get some clarification from a rep at ViacomCBS as to where these shows stand and would they be following Discovery in being taken away.
According to the person Treksphere spoke to both shows will be staying put…
Star Trek: Picard will remain on Amazon outside the US and Canada.
Star Trek: Lower Decks will remain on Amazon outside of the US, Canada and Latin America, In Canada, Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Discovery will remain airing on Bell Media’s CTV Sci-Fi Channel and streams on Crave.
Paramount+ Launch
With Discovery leaving Netflix and heading to Paramount+, the platfrom will launch with Sky in the UK and the EU in 2022, but it will not cover Asia or Africa with those terratories likely to miss out for a while longer.
It is worth noting that Paramount+ will also be available direct-to-consumer app in the UK, Ireland, Italy and GSA through the Paramount+app and NOT tied to a Sky subscription
The App will come for iOS and Android and across supported connected TV devices and OTT platforms.Pricing and local content offering will be announced at a later date… There is no date for the launch of Paramount+ all we know is it will launch sometime in early 2022.
