Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is steadily crafting the future crew of the iconic USS Enterprise, helmed by Captain James T. Kirk (portrayed by William Shatner). This series serves as both a sequel to the original pilot episode “The Cage”and a prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series. The narrative presents an intriguing mix of characters who either transition away from the Enterprise or remain as Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) hands the reins over to Kirk.
Set in the year 2259, Strange New Worlds picks up shortly after the events of Star Trek: Discovery Season 2. By the conclusion of its second season, roughly 2260 rolls around. Furthermore, teasers for Season 3 indicate a time leap to 2261, where subtle changes, such as Ensign Nyota Uhura’s (Celia Rose Gooding) evolving hairstyle and references to the centennial of the United Federation of Planets, hint at the passage of time within the series.
Since Star Trek: The Original Series commences in 2265, the timeline of Strange New Worlds indicates that Season 3 occurs approximately four to five years prior to Kirk’s ascension as Captain of the Enterprise. Notably, time is not rigidly structured by yearly intervals, allowing for a flexible depiction of events based on the show’s narrative needs. As Season 3 introduces several of Captain Kirk’s future crew members into Captain Pike’s Enterprise, let’s examine their ages in relation to Star Trek: The Original Series.
6 Lieutenant James T. Kirk
Born In 2233 In Iowa
At 28 years old in Season 3 of Strange New Worlds, Lieutenant James T. Kirk (played by Paul Wesley) was born in 2230 in Iowa. He embarked on his journey in Starfleet Academy in 2252. By Season 2, Kirk had been promoted to First Officer of the USS Farragut, distinguishing himself as the youngest Number One in Starfleet, surpassing the record held by his father, Lt. George Kirk. Additionally, Kirk’s relationship with Carol Marcus complicates as they expect a son, David.
Kirk’s rise continues as he assumes command of the Enterprise at age 32 in 2265, marking him as one of Starfleet’s youngest starship captains. During his time on Pike’s Enterprise, Jim seeks guidance from Lt. Commander Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn) and reconnects with his older brother, Lt. Sam Kirk (Dan Jeannotte). Moreover, hints of a romantic connection with Lt. La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) and introductions to Lt. Spock (Ethan Peck) by Ensign Uhura occur, with significant moments unfolding in Season 2.
5 Lieutenant Spock
Born In 2230 On Vulcan
As of Season 3’s time jump to 2261, Lieutenant Spock is 31. This mixed heritage character is the son of Ambassador Sarek (portrayed by Mark Lenard and James Frain) and Amanda Grayson (played by Jane Wyatt and Mia Kirshner). Ensign Spock began his service aboard the USS Enterprise as a Science Officer in 2254 and, in the latest season, he has approximately seven years of experience as the Chief Science Officer.
When Kirk eventually takes the Enterprise’s helm, Spock, portrayed initially by Leonard Nimoy at roughly 35, serves as both First Officer and Science Officer. Their friendship, still in its infancy in Strange New Worlds, will evolve as the series progresses, leading to their legendary collaboration throughout a 30-year partnership, culminating in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country in 2293.
4 Ensign Nyota Uhura
Born In 2237 In Kenya
In the wake of Strange New Worlds‘ leap to 2261, Ensign Nyota Uhura is now 24 years old. She initially joined the USS Enterprise as a distinguished cadet from Starfleet Academy in Season 1 and showcased her versatility by rotating through various departments. Mentored by the deceased Lt. Hemmer (Bruce Horak), her strength lies in her role on the bridge, where she is promoted to Communications Officer in Season 2.
As the youngest crew member aboard Kirk’s future Enterprise until the arrival of Ensign Pavel Chekov (Walter Koenig) in Season 2 of Star Trek: The Original Series, Uhura is promoted to Lieutenant by the series’ beginning, at around 28 years old. Notably, she remains a vital part of the Enterprise crew for the next 30 years, ending with Kirk in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.
3 Nurse Christine Chapel
Birthdate Unknown
A character introduced in 1966, Nurse Christine Chapel’s birthdate and origin remain ambiguous. In Season 1 of Strange New Worlds, Chapel (Jess Bush) is depicted as a veteran of the Klingon War who pioneered technologies to modify humans surgically. She works in the USS Enterprise’s Sickbay, alongside Dr. Joseph M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun), while balancing her feelings for Lt. Spock against her professional goals in the field of archeological medicine.
Jess Bush, aged 33, likely mirrors Nurse Chapel’s age in the series. Following the events of Star Trek: The Original Series, Chapel continues on as a vital team member under Captain Kirk and eventually becomes a doctor in the 2270s, though she is replaced as Chief Medical Officer by Dr. McCoy at Kirk’s bidding. It remains to be seen if Season 3 of Strange New Worlds will clarify the character’s age and origins.
2 Lieutenant Montgomery Scott
Born In 2222 In Scotland
At 39 years old during Season 3’s time setting in 2261, Lieutenant Montgomery “Scotty”Scott (Martin Quinn) portrays a character younger than his age suggests, as Quinn is only 31 in real life. Introduced in the season 2 finale of Strange New Worlds, Scotty served as an engineer aboard the USS Stardiver before joining the USS Enterprise crew following his previous ship’s destruction by the Gorn.
Scotty’s unwavering affection for the Enterprise becomes evident, as he faces difficulty stepping away from the vessel even for shore leave. Initially, he is in his early 40s when he ultimately becomes Chief Engineer under Captain James T. Kirk. Season 3 promises to showcase the debut collaboration between Lieutenants Kirk and Scotty, establishing their strong partnership.
1 Dr. Joseph M’Benga
Born In 2233 In Kenya
Dr. Joseph M’Benga is 38 years old during the events of Season 3 set in 2261. A Klingon War veteran with a shadowy history as a Starfleet assassin, M’Benga serves as Chief Medical Officer aboard the Starship Enterprise. His character is also a devoted family man, with a wife named Debra and a daughter, Rukiya (portrayed by Sage Arrindell and Makambe Simamba), who faced a dire illness before merging with a noncorporeal entity in the Jonsian Nebula.
While Dr. M’Benga steps down from the Enterprise by the time Kirk takes command, he makes a notable return in Star Trek: The Original Series, appearing in his mid-40s as an expert in Vulcan physiology. Yet, for now, he remains Captain Pike’s trusted Chief Medical Officer in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3.