Everything you need to know about the new Star Trek TV series

Set expressions to stunned - we're getting a new series of Star Trek.

CBS has announced the launch of a "totally new" season of the sci-fi epic, dripping a few tantalising details in the process.

Here's everything you need to know about the return to the final frontier.

(Images: AllStar)

When's it coming?

January 2017

However, details have only been given for US audiences so far: they'll be tuning in via the CBS All Access digital streaming service. 

We'll let you know as soon as a UK provider swoops in on the deal like a cloaked Klingon Warbird.

What's it going to be about

CBS is keeping its cards close to its uniformed chest as far as storyline details are concerned, offering the following:

The brand-new Star Trek will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966.

So - 'new characters, new worlds and new civilizations' would rule out a rehash of any previous series (which is a good thing) and makes a station-based series like Deep Space Nine very unlikely. 

As for 'dramatic contemporary themes' - looking for a new home for humanity? Exploring distant worlds just for kicks? We can't wait.

Any cast news?

Steady on there. 

There's no word on casting yet, but expect the rumour mill to go into full swing as soon as insiders start paying attention to CBS casting calls. 

Previous series have stuck to little-known and obscure actors, so it'll be interesting to see if CBS keeps to traditions and avoids the lure of A-listers who'll be tricky to pin down for multiple seasons. That said - TV is the new film, isn't it?

Who's involved in the new series?

Seasoned producer Alex Kurtzman (he's worked on TV shows like Xena: Warrior Princess and Sleepy Hollow as well as major films including Cowboys & Aliens and both J J Abrams Star Trek films) is confirmed as executive producer.

CBS Television Studios will produce the show with Kurtzman's Secret Hideout team, with Heather Kadin also on board as an executive producer.

Will it relate to the new universe of the J J Abrams films?

No. 

At least, CBS has stated that the "new television series is not related to the upcoming feature film Star Trek Beyond which is scheduled to be distributed by Paramount Pictures in summer 2016".

If it's not related to Star Trek Beyond, then it won't be linked to the weird parallel universe/time-travel loop Abrams kicked off in 2009's reboot.

Which is going to keep a lot of Star Trek faithful very happy.