In the ever-evolving world of television, the idea of a dedicated Star Trek network has been a tantalizing prospect for fans and industry insiders alike. The concept, though ambitious, has a rich history that spans decades, with Paramount at the forefront of this potential revolution.
The Paramount Television Network Legacy
The story of Paramount's TV network ambitions begins in 1948, with the launch of the DuMont Television Network, one of the pioneers of American television. Paramount Pictures was a key partner in this venture, marking their initial foray into the world of television broadcasting. However, their first attempt at a network, the Paramount Television Network, launched in 1948, was short-lived, closing its doors in 1956.
Despite this early setback, Paramount's desire to establish a network of their own persisted. Fast forward to 1995, and Paramount made a triumphant return to television with the launch of the United Paramount Network (UPN). The network's debut was marked by the premiere of the hit sci-fi series, "Star Trek: Voyager," which, despite the network's eventual struggles, became a notable success.
The Star Trek Network Dream
Between these two network ventures, Paramount made a significant push to launch its own television network in the late 1970s. The plan was to use the then-in-development series, "Star Trek: Phase II," as the flagship show for the Paramount Television Service (PTS).
"Star Trek: Phase II" was an ambitious project, aiming to capitalize on the popularity of the original "Star Trek" series, which had gained a massive following during its rerun runs in the 1970s. The series was set to bring back the USS Enterprise and the entire original cast, with a few new additions, including a Deltan named Ilia and a Vulcan named Xon.
However, the project faced significant challenges. The cost of production was a major concern, with the two-part opening episode estimated to cost a staggering $2 million, and each subsequent episode an additional $500,000. Furthermore, the absence of Leonard Nimoy, who played the iconic Spock, sparked outrage among Trekkies, who felt the series would lack integrity without the franchise's best-known character.
Despite these challenges, Barry Diller, the president of Paramount at the time, was optimistic. He believed that the rise in broadcasting advertising revenue would support more than three networks, and expressed his ambition to compete in this burgeoning market.
A Network That Never Was
Ultimately, "Star Trek: Phase II" was never produced, and the PTS never came to fruition. The project was canceled just days before production was set to begin, with Paramount having second thoughts about the viability of launching a fourth network. Instead, the series was reworked into "Star Trek: The Motion Picture," which was released in 1979.
The question remains: what could have been if the PTS had launched? Would Paramount have become a major player in television? It's a fascinating thought experiment, one that highlights the intricate dance between ambition and practicality in the entertainment industry.
The Legacy Continues
Paramount's network aspirations didn't end there. In 2017, they debuted "Star Trek: Discovery" on their streaming service, CBS All Access, continuing the legacy of using Star Trek as a flagship for their ventures.
This story serves as a reminder of the intricate history behind the networks and series we know and love today. It's a testament to the power of ambition and the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.
So, while we may never know what could have been with the PTS, the legacy of Star Trek and Paramount's network ambitions continues to evolve, leaving us with a rich tapestry of stories and possibilities.
