The Oscar-winning actress plays Chancellor Nahla Ake, who also serves as captain of the USS Athena in the series, which premiered its first two episodes on January 15, 2026.
In early scenes, Ake adjusts comfort settings on the chair before lounging in unconventional ways—curling up, draping herself, or resting with feet up—rather than sitting formally. Hunter has described embracing these choices for the character, including going barefoot on the bridge and ship.
The 10-episode season streams weekly on Paramount+ on Thursdays, with the finale scheduled for March 12, 2026. The series is set in the 32nd century, following the "Burn" cataclysm depicted in earlier "Star Trek: Discovery" seasons, as Starfleet Academy reopens to train a new generation of cadets.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Premiere and Context
"Star Trek: Starfleet Academy" introduces young cadets at the relaunched academy aboard the USS Athena. Ake leads both the educational institution and the vessel's operations.
The show targets a younger audience while featuring established actors alongside newcomers. It has received positive early reviews for its fresh take on Star Trek themes of exploration, unity, and mentorship in a post-Burn galaxy.
Holly Hunter as Chancellor and Captain Nahla Ake
Hunter portrays Nahla Ake, a 420-year-old half-Lanthanite with centuries of experience. Ake is both chancellor of Starfleet Academy and captain of the Athena, drawing on her long life to mentor cadets with a quirky, irreverent style.
The character represents Federation ideals of inclusion, reason, science, and bringing people together. Creators note her unique perspective stems from living through the Federation's peak eras and personal losses, including the death of a child.
The Iconic Non-Traditional Chair Sitting Scene
Early in the premiere episode, Ake repeatedly adjusts the captain's chair comfort settings but ultimately lounges in fluid, feline positions—sprawling, curling up with feet up, or draping across furniture—rather than sitting upright in standard protocol.
Hunter explained the physicality: “Initially, it did come from the image of water, that I wanted her to be a kind of fluid character. I wanted to have a kind of feline thing in the physical world because I’m 420 years old, and what does that mean? ... It’s more selfish. It’s more interior, but the interior has been made totally not precious.”
Co-showrunner Alex Kurtzman added that Ake can walk barefoot on the bridge but commands authority when needed: “the minute the chips are down, and something really goes wrong, she takes that chair with real authority.”
Hunter's Appreciation for Going Barefoot
Hunter highlighted enjoying the barefoot aspect of the role. She said she found it “really fantastic” when seeing the script included Ake kicking off shoes on duty.
"It's the antithesis of what you should do – people are wearing protective footwear – boots, maybe with steel toes," Hunter told People. She described Ake as "completely unprotected and trotting around, loping around, lazing around," tying it to the character's playful, sensory approach to life after centuries.
The barefoot choice originated from co-showrunner Alex Kurtzman and expanded on set as Hunter explored the furniture and environment.
Fan Reactions and Executive Producer Praise
Fans have reacted strongly to Ake's chair-sitting habits, creating compilations and memes on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms. Some embrace the eccentricity; others debate it.
Executive producer and co-showrunner Noga Landau praised the response: “We had no idea what was going to blow up online. ... some of my favorites are these compilations of people doing Nahla sitting in the chair. ... It's so fun.” She noted it as engaging younger fans.
Supporting the Young Cast
Hunter has assisted newer cast members on set. Actor Karim Diané, who plays Cadet Jay-Den Kraag, a Klingon healer character, credited her with helping him build confidence.
Diané said Hunter "centered me and grounded me" and pulled him aside to say, "Hey, you know what? You’re doing an amazing job," which reassured him as a newcomer alongside veterans like Hunter and Paul Giamatti.
Character Significance and Series Impact
Ake's quirks—fluid movement, barefoot presence, and informal command style—make her a non-traditional Star Trek captain. Creators designed her as quirky and emotionally grounded to challenge cadets and embody lived-in realism on the ship.
The portrayal underscores themes of mentorship, acceptance of diverse backgrounds, and Federation unity against division. Early audience and critic feedback highlights Hunter's performance as a highlight.
What's Next for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
New episodes continue releasing weekly on Paramount+ through March 12, 2026. The season explores cadet training, Ake's leadership, and conflicts with adversaries like the space pirate Nus Braka (played by Paul Giamatti), who shares a complex history with Ake.
The series positions itself as an accessible entry for new viewers while rewarding longtime fans with 32nd-century lore.
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