Why Star Trek Discovery is Considered Canon

The question of whether Star Trek: Discovery is part of the official canon of Star Trek can be a matter of some debate. However, based on the official statements, development, continuity, and alignment with established lore, it is indeed considered canon by the franchise.

Official Production

Star Trek: Discovery was developed by CBS and is part of the officially licensed Star Trek universe. The creators, including the showrunners and writers, are recognized as part of the franchise’s lineage. This aligns with the official status of previous series and films within the Star Trek franchise, such as Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Star Trek: Discovery.

Continuity

Continuity is a critical aspect of maintaining the integrity of the Star Trek universe. Star Trek: Discovery is part of the larger ongoing saga, and to some extent, it creates a new layer of continuity. The show's events and characters contribute to the current story arc of the franchise.

Alignment with Established Lore

Star Trek: Discovery aligns with established lore by contributing to the overarching story of the galaxy. While it does introduce new elements and plotlines, it does so in a way that maintains the continuity of the larger Star Trek universe. This is achieved through its depiction of the future of the Federation, the interactions with the Klingons, and the exploration of the mysteries that lie beyond the known universe.

Official Statements

To further solidify its status as canon, CBS and Paramount have marketed Star Trek: Discovery as part of the officially licensed Star Trek universe. In interviews and behind-the-scenes content, the creators have emphasized the show's place within the franchise's timeline and story. This marketing strategy helps to establish Star Trek: Discovery as a canonical part of the Star Trek universe.

Expansion of the Universe

Star Trek: Discovery plays a significant role in expanding the Star Trek universe. The show introduces new characters, such as Michael Burnham and Philippa Georgiou, and delves into new plotlines that explore the galaxy's complexities. The series also delves into the mysteries of the time travel introduced in Star Trek: Into Tomorrow, contributing to the ongoing exploration and development of the Star Trek universe.

Sense Making

The confusion often arises from the concept of "prime" in the Star Trek universe. The term "prime" can be misleading because it does not always refer to the same universe contextually. In the 2009 film Star Trek, the universe where Montgomery Scott invented the long-range transporter technology is referred to as "prime," which is different from the universe where the Dominion invented the same technology. In this universe, where Star Trek: Discovery is set, the universe is not the same as the one where the events of the original series and other films occurred.

The term "prime" was used to distinguish between alternate timelines and the main timeline. The 2009 film's introduction of the Kelvin timeline created an alternate universe, but it did not mean that "prime" remained consistent across all timelines. The universe where Star Trek: Discovery takes place is explicitly different from the one where "prime" was defined in the original series and films.

By understanding the nuances of how "prime" is used and the different technologies invented in different universes, it becomes clearer that Star Trek: Discovery is introduced as a new canonical entry in the franchise, contributing to the ongoing story of the Star Trek universe.

Conclusion: Star Trek: Discovery is considered canon by the franchise. From its official production, continuity, alignment with established lore, and official statements, it is a part of the official Star Trek universe. The confusion about "prime" stems from the different uses of the term across different timelines, and understanding this helps to clarify the place of Discovery within the larger Star Trek narrative.