Years ago, comedy writer Mike McMahan got an exciting opportunity to join the writing staff of a new Star Trek series after making a splash with a parody Twitter account called “TNG Season 8.” Despite turning down the offer initially to focus on his work on the animated series Rick and Morty, McMahan eventually pitched an animated sitcom set in the Star Trek universe to Secret Hideout, Alex Kurtzman’s production company. This risky move paid off, leading to the creation of Star Trek: Lower Decks, a fan-favorite series that has left a lasting impact on American pop culture.
Interview with Mike McMahan
Polygon recently caught up with McMahan as the series neared its conclusion after five successful seasons. Here are some excerpts from the interview:
On Writing for Star Trek
Reflecting on his journey, McMahan shared, “When I was becoming a writer in TV, I was watching Star Trek with my wife and wishing Star Trek was still around. Eventually, people saw me doing that, and it became a natural convergence.” His passion for the franchise, coupled with his unique comedic style, shaped the storytelling in Lower Decks.
Defining the Lower Decks Writers Room
McMahan explained how the writers’ room evolved over the five seasons of the show, highlighting the importance of maintaining continuity with the Star Trek universe while exploring fresh storylines. He emphasized the dual nature of each episode, blending big sci-fi narratives with personal, relatable stories for the Lower Deckers.
Accessibility of the Show
In response to concerns about the show’s accessibility to non-Trek fans, McMahan shared, “Lower Decks is designed to be enjoyed by all viewers, whether they are long-time Star Trek fans or newcomers.” The show’s approach to legacy species and storylines aimed to strike a balance between honoring the franchise’s history and inviting new audiences to explore the Star Trek universe.
Finding Their Stride
The cast and crew of Lower Decks gradually found their stride, with McMahan crediting the patience and talent of the actors for bringing the characters to life. Collaborative efforts between writers, actors, and animators helped shape the unique personalities of the Lower Deckers over the course of the series.
Future Projects
Looking ahead, McMahan hinted at potential future projects within the Star Trek universe, including the possibility of revisiting iconic locations like Starbase 80. While no concrete plans are in place at the moment, McMahan expressed his enthusiasm for exploring new storytelling opportunities within the ever-expanding Star Trek galaxy.