Chris Parnell, former Apple TV+ creative executive and co-president of Sony Pictures TV Studios, has joined Paramount+ as EVP of Originals. He will work under Paramount+ Head of Originals Jane Wiseman, with the division overseen by Cindy Holland, Paramount’s Chair of Direct-to-Consumer.
The move underscores Paramount+'s commitment to grow its original programming. According to Deadline, Parnell will be responsible for developing and producing the streamer's slate of original content.
While Parnell has extensive experience in drama, but has also overseen numerous comedy projects as well. He previously worked with former Star Trek veteran Ron Moore on Apple TV+'s science fiction drama TV series For All Mankind.
It's obviously far too early for specific projects to be named, although Parnell is said to be shepherding projects across both genres for Paramount+. This will almost certainly include new original Star Trek series as Paramount, fresh off its merger with Skydance, has fully committed to making the franchise an "absolute priority."
Deadline specifically reports:
A well-liked executive, Parnell is known for his passion for everything comic book/genre/geek stuff-related, which he would apply to signature Paramount IP including Paramount+’s Star Trek franchise, which the streamer’s new leadership is looking to further expand.
As it currently stands, there are only two original Star Trek shows right now: Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, which will debut in 2026, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, which is currently in its third season and slated to end with Season 5.
Star Trek writer/producer Mark Altman celebrated Parnell's hiring with a post on social media. The Inglorious Treksperts podcaster made note that Parnell "loves" Star Trek.
Modern Star Trek has been somewhat of a mixed bag for Paramount+. Star Trek: Discovery, which debuted in 2017, ran for five seasons, ending in 2025. The series was praised for its high production value and serialized storytelling, but received criticism for its focus on action. Other series recent series include Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Star Trek: Prodigy. Prodigy was aimed at younger audiences, often written off as a "kids" show, despite its surprisingly deep and strong storytelling. Lower Decks was considered an affectionate parody of the franchise, not everyone was a fan of the animation, resulting in low viewership which ultimately led to its cancellation.
With just two Star Trek series on tap, Parnell will have to work quickly to establish the next big series for the franchise.