Is Star Trek: Prodigy woke?
TV Show · 2021
Star Trek: Prodigy has a wokeness score of 5/10, which we rate as Socially Conscious. Clear woke themes are present and intentional, but feel balanced and organic to the story. The message supports the plot and characters rather than dominating them.
Key points
- Genderless non-binary Medusan character Zero with they/them pronouns and explicit correction scene in episode one.
- Emphasis on diverse alien cast and themes of acceptance, individuality, and inclusivity promoted by creators.
- Strong female leads like Gwyn and Hologram Janeway in leadership roles within a multi-species crew.
Wokeness analysis
Star Trek: Prodigy features a diverse ensemble of young alien characters from various species, which aligns with the franchise's long-standing tradition of showcasing different lifeforms working together. The inclusion of Zero, a genderless Medusan energy being using they/them pronouns and featured with explicit pronoun correction in the premiere episode, introduces modern gender concepts to a children's audience in a way that draws attention rather than emerging organically from the plot. Producers and media coverage emphasized inclusivity, representation of different backgrounds, and themes of acceptance and looking beyond appearances as deliberate goals. Strong female characters like Gwyn and Hologram Janeway serve as capable leaders without diminishing male roles as a central message. These elements feel intentional and tied to contemporary social messaging on diversity and identity, though they integrate into an adventure story focused on teamwork, exploration, and Starfleet ideals without completely dominating the narrative. The show's target as a kids' entry point amplifies the visibility of these themes.
Plot
In 2383, a group of young alien outcasts imprisoned on a mining colony in the Delta Quadrant discover the abandoned Starfleet vessel USS Protostar. They activate its holographic training program modeled after Captain Kathryn Janeway, who mentors them as they learn to operate the ship and navigate the galaxy. Pursued by threats including the Diviner and his daughter Gwyn, the misfit crew must overcome their differences, evade dangers, and grapple with Starfleet principles while seeking a better future. The series blends action, mystery, and character growth across two seasons.
Analyzed by AI on September 15, 2026