Stephen Colbert has joined the cast of the upcoming television series “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” on Paramount+ as a voice character, marking a new project for the late-night host as his long-running talk show prepares to end its run in May.
Stephen Colbert provides the voice of the Digital Dean of Students in “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.”
The announcement was made during a video message created for New York Comic Con in October 2025. In the message, Colbert revealed that his role in the series would be performed entirely through voice acting rather than appearing physically on screen.
“I am honored to announce that my beautiful voice will be joining ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ as the Digital Dean of Students,” Colbert said in the video message. The series is part of the broader Star Trek franchise and is scheduled to stream on Paramount+.
Colbert explained that his character is responsible for making announcements within the fictional academic institution featured in the series. The Digital Dean of Students is heard delivering various school-related communications to cadets throughout the storyline.
During the New York Comic Con message, Colbert provided an example of dialogue used in the show. “Where I’ll get to announce things like, ‘Attention, Ensign Krebs, your Talaxian Furfly has exited the replicator and is now mating with itself. Please report to Science Lab One immediately. Children are watching.’ That’s an actual line,” he said.
He also commented on the practical advantage of the voice-only role compared with traditional on-camera appearances. “I’m thrilled to join this universe that I’ve loved for so long, and unlike my on-camera castmates, I’m thrilled to join it without having to spend four hours in hair and makeup every day.”
The role places Colbert within a long-running science fiction franchise that has expanded significantly in recent years. “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” is set within the universe first introduced by Gene Roddenberry in 1966 and centers on the fictional institution where future Starfleet officers receive training.
The series is distributed by Paramount through its streaming platform Paramount+. Additional information about the streaming service and its programming lineup is available on the Paramount+ official website.
Colbert’s participation reflects his long-documented interest in science fiction and fantasy media. Over the years he has spoken publicly about his enthusiasm for the genre, including literature and film.
The television host is also widely known for his interest in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Colbert has frequently discussed Tolkien’s writing during episodes of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and has answered audience questions related to “The Lord of the Rings” during studio recordings.
Colbert also appeared in a cameo role in the 2013 film “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” which is part of the cinematic adaptation of Tolkien’s Middle-earth stories. The appearance further demonstrated his connection to fantasy-themed media projects.
His interest in science fiction literature has also been publicly documented. In a 2018 interview conducted with actor Paul Giamatti, Colbert discussed his appreciation for authors including Henry Kuttner and Larry Niven.
Paul Giamatti also appears in “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.” In the series he portrays the part-Klingon villain Nus Braka.
The two performers discussed their work on the series during an episode of Colbert’s talk show earlier this year. During the conversation, Colbert asked Giamatti about their collaboration by saying, “How am I as a coworker?”
Giamatti responded humorously to the question. “You need a little work, but you’re an up-and-comer. You’ve got a future,” he said during the exchange.
The upcoming series represents another addition to the expanding Star Trek television catalog. Over the past several years the franchise has produced multiple streaming series, each focusing on different aspects of the fictional universe and its characters.
“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” specifically centers on cadets studying at the Starfleet training facility. The institution has appeared in earlier Star Trek series and films as the academy responsible for preparing officers for service in the interstellar exploration and defense organization known as Starfleet.
Colbert’s involvement in the project coincides with a transition period in his television career. His late-night program, “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” is scheduled to conclude its run in May.
The talk show first premiered in 2015 and has been a central part of Colbert’s career in broadcast television. With the program ending, the host has additional opportunities to participate in other creative projects, including voice roles and appearances in scripted productions.
In “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” Colbert’s Digital Dean of Students functions as a recurring voice heard throughout the campus environment of the show. The character’s announcements contribute to the academic setting and provide context for activities occurring within the fictional institution.
As the first season progresses, Colbert’s voice continues to appear periodically in announcements directed at the academy’s cadets. His presence adds a recognizable voice to the Star Trek universe while remaining entirely off-camera.
The casting reflects a broader pattern within the franchise of incorporating well-known performers in guest or supporting roles across its television productions. Colbert’s participation as a voice character extends his connection to science fiction media that he has publicly supported for many years.
