The sci-fi universe was on the brink of a monumental event that could have united two of its most beloved franchises: Star Trek and Doctor Who. Fans of both series have long dreamed of a crossover, and it seems they were tantalizingly close to seeing it become a reality.
The fourth season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is set to premiere on Paramount+ on July 23, 2026, marking the beginning of the end for the series. As the final seasons of Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy approach, fans are left to ponder what could have been, including a potential crossover with Doctor Who.
The Near-Miss Crossover
Akiva Goldsman co-creator and writer of Strange New Worlds revealed in an interview with Radio Times that he and Russell T. Davies a prominent writer for Doctor Who had been exploring the idea of a crossover for years. Goldsman mentioned that they had some really cool conversations about the possibility, coming not unclose to making it happen.
The idea was to imply that Pelia the engineer on the USS Enterprise in Strange New Worlds had once been a companion of the Doctor. Given that Pelia is a Lanthanite a species with a lifespan measured in millennia, it’s plausible that she could have encountered the Doctor at some point in her long life.
The TARDIS Easter Egg
In the Strange New Worlds episode The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail a subtle Easter egg was hidden in a wide shot of the USS Enterprise. A tiny, almost imperceptible image of the TARDIS could be seen floating in space nearby. While this was a fun nod to Doctor Who fans, it was not an official declaration of a shared universe.
A History of Mutual Respect
The connection between Star Trek and Doctor Who runs deep. Both series have been cornerstones of sci-fi television since the 1960s, with Doctor Who debuting in 1963 and Star Trek following in 1966. Over the decades, both franchises have shown a mutual appreciation for each other’s contributions to the genre.
In the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode I, Borg a reference to the Argolis Cluster was made, a term taken from the 1980 Doctor Who episode The Leisure Hive. Additionally, in the Next Generation episode The Neutral Zone a background computer panel listed the names of the actors who had played the Doctor up to that point.
Comic Book Crossovers
The comic book company IDW even published a non-canonical crossover story called Assimilation² featuring the Eleventh Doctor teaming up with Captain Picard and the Fourth Doctor joining forces with Captain Kirk. These types of crossovers are a favorite among fans and comic writers alike.
The Future of the Crossover
While the live-action crossover between Star Trek and Doctor Who remains elusive, the possibility of a future collaboration cannot be ruled out. Both franchises continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of fans. As the sci-fi landscape evolves, the dream of a canonical crossover may yet become a reality.
For now, fans can enjoy the subtle nods and Easter eggs that hint at a shared universe, and continue to speculate about what could have been. The enduring connection between Star Trek and Doctor Who is a testament to the power of these iconic franchises and their ability to bring people together.
