In the ever-evolving landscape of television, it's intriguing to delve into the untold stories of networks that could have been. Today, we explore Paramount's ambitious dream of launching a TV network centered around the iconic Star Trek franchise. From its early attempts to its eventual success, this story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the allure of a beloved sci-fi series.
The Paramount Network's Origins
The roots of Paramount's TV ambitions stretch back to the late 1940s, when the studio was one of the key players in the DuMont Television Network. In 1948, the Paramount Television Network made its debut, becoming an early pioneer in the television industry. However, its initial foray into the medium was short-lived, closing its doors in 1956.
A Persistent Vision
Paramount's desire to re-enter the television arena persisted for decades. Finally, in 1995, the studio launched the United Paramount Network (UPN), marking its return to the small screen. The network's debut was accompanied by the premiere of the hit sci-fi series "Star Trek: Voyager," which became a signature show for UPN. Despite its initial success, UPN struggled to maintain its momentum, with many of its shows lasting only a single season.
A Brief Resurgence
In 2006, Viacom's corporate restructuring led to the merger of UPN with The WB, forming The CW. While UPN's lifespan was relatively short, it represented a valiant effort by Paramount to establish its presence in the television market.
The Paramount Television Service: A Star Trek-Centric Network
Between the 1950s and 1990s, Paramount made another significant attempt to launch its own network. In 1977, the studio announced plans to use the then-in-development series "Star Trek: Phase II" as the flagship show for the Paramount Television Service (PTS), scheduled to launch in 1978.
The Vision for "Star Trek: Phase II"
"Star Trek: Phase II" was envisioned as a spin-off of the original "Star Trek" series, capitalizing on the show's growing popularity in reruns during the 1970s. Creator Gene Roddenberry saw an opportunity to bring the series back to life with a reunion of the original cast, excluding Leonard Nimoy due to legal disputes at the time. New characters, such as the Deltan Ilia (Persis Khambatta) and the Vulcan Xon (David Gautreaux), were introduced to freshen up the narrative.
A Shift in Plans
As production neared, Paramount began to have doubts about the viability of launching a new network. The cost of producing "Phase II" was a significant concern, with the two-part opening episode estimated to cost a staggering $2 million and each subsequent episode costing $500,000. The absence of Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy, also sparked outrage among Trekkies, who threatened to boycott the show. In November 1977, just days before production was set to begin, "Phase II" was canceled, and the PTS plans were shelved.
The Legacy of Unfulfilled Dreams
What might have been the fate of the PTS and Paramount's television ambitions? It's a question that sparks curiosity and speculation. Barry Diller, the president of Paramount at the time, took his network idea to 20th Century Fox, leading to the creation of the Fox Broadcasting Company. Paramount, however, eventually achieved its goal with the launch of UPN in 1995 and continued its Star Trek legacy with "Star Trek: Discovery" on CBS All Access in 2017.
Final Thoughts
The story of Paramount's journey to establish its TV network is a fascinating glimpse into the world of media and entertainment. It reminds us that even the most ambitious plans can evolve and adapt, and that sometimes, the road to success is paved with unfulfilled dreams. As we reflect on this narrative, we're left with a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the Star Trek franchise and the enduring power of its fandom.
