Star Trek: Enterprise has historically occupied an unusual position within the franchise's television legacy. Despite its quality storytelling, the series never achieved the seven-season longevity of its predecessors and concluded with a finale that frustrated devoted fans.
Now, over twenty years later, Scott Bakula might finally receive the opportunity to provide Captain Jonathan Archer with a worthy conclusion... by portraying him as President of Earth.
In a recent TrekMovie interview, veteran Enterprise writer and producer Michael Sussman disclosed that he and Bakula have been developing concepts for a new series focusing on Archer's later career—specifically a political drama within the Star Trek universe.
The inspiration emerged following Star Trek: Picard's success. According to Sussman, what began as a humorous email to Bakula regarding a hypothetical Star Trek: Archer series evolved into something both creators recognized as genuinely promising.
The concept's foundation traces back to the Enterprise episode "In a Mirror, Darkly, Part II." During this installment, an evil Mirror Universe Archer accesses his Prime counterpart's personnel records.
Attentive fans noticed this file detailed Archer's remarkable post-Enterprise career progression—Admiral, Starfleet Command Chief of Staff, honorary Andorian Imperial Guard member, Federation councilman, and ultimately President of Earth in 2184. Sussman explained:
"I realized someone from our writing team, not the art department, needed to create this biographical summary. Someone had to conceptualize this material. This graphic would chronicle Archer's entire life and career following the series conclusion.
"[This occurred after understanding] the franchise was entering dormancy. [Archer's future] might become completely visible in the finished episode."
Sussman's working title for this project is Star Trek: United, envisioning it as a hybrid of The West Wing and The Diplomat, set during the Federation's formative period.
"It's a political thriller and family drama occurring during those turbulent, foundational Federation years. [...] We produced 98 Enterprise episodes and I believe [Bakula] thoroughly explored that character, but this represents a dramatically different direction for Archer. I think he found that prospect genuinely fascinating."
Sussman even drew parallels to how Andor elevated the Star Wars franchise, hoping Star Trek: United could similarly enhance Trek's prestige. He has already presented the concept to franchise supervisor Alex Kurtzman, with the initial meeting proceeding positively enough that Sussman remains prepared for extended discussions should interest continue.
Realization remains uncertain. Paramount's recent Skydance merger has created Star Trek future uncertainty, though new leadership reportedly includes passionate franchise enthusiasts.
Currently, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds remains the sole active series, with Starfleet Academy scheduled for early 2026 debut. Whether Star Trek: United could coexist alongside these productions remains speculative, though Sussman and Bakula remain optimistic.