Paramount's Quest for TV Dominance: From the PTS to UPN and Beyond
In the world of television, few companies have a history as rich and complex as Paramount's. From its early days as a partner in the DuMont Television Network to the launch of the UPN, Paramount has always been a player in the game. But one of its most intriguing and ambitious endeavors was the proposed Paramount Television Service (PTS), a network centered around the iconic "Star Trek" franchise.
A Network Visioned
In 1977, Paramount was already a seasoned player in the television industry, having launched one of the earliest networks in the United States back in 1948. However, the PTS was a different beast entirely. It was envisioned as a network dedicated to the "Star Trek" universe, with "Star Trek: Phase II" as its flagship show. This ambitious project aimed to capitalize on the series' resurgence in popularity during the 1970s, when reruns of the original "Star Trek" series were drawing in audiences.
Gene Roddenberry, the creator of "Star Trek," was enthusiastic about the idea. He believed that a spinoff series would bring the beloved characters back to the airwaves, and he was eager to work with Paramount. The plan was to reunite the entire original cast, except for Leonard Nimoy, who was in a legal dispute with Roddenberry at the time. New characters, such as the Deltan Ilia (Persis Khambatta) and the Vulcan Xon (David Gautreaux), were also introduced to add freshness to the franchise.
A Costly Endeavor
However, the PTS was not without its challenges. The production costs for "Star Trek: Phase II" were astronomical, with the opening two-part episode costing a staggering $2 million, and subsequent episodes half a million each. This was a significant investment for a network that was still in its infancy. The absence of Spock, the franchise's most iconic character, also sparked outrage among fans, leading to letters of protest to Paramount.
A Rapid Mutation and Cancellation
The project faced another hurdle when it was discovered that launching a "fourth network" was not as viable as initially thought. Paramount started to have doubts about the feasibility of the entire endeavor. As a result, "Star Trek: Phase II" underwent a rapid mutation, and the PTS was ultimately canceled in November 1977, just a week before production was set to begin. This decision marked the end of the PTS and the beginning of a different path for Paramount.
The UPN and Beyond
Instead of the PTS, Paramount turned its attention to the UPN (United Paramount Network), which launched in 1995. The UPN premiered the hit sci-fi series "Star Trek: Voyager" on its first night, but it was a network that struggled to find its footing. In 2006, Viacom's corporate restructuring led to the merger of the UPN with The WB, forming The CW. Despite these challenges, Paramount's passion for "Star Trek" continued, and in 2017, they debuted "Star Trek: Discovery" on their streaming service, CBS All Access.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
Paramount's journey through the world of television has been a rollercoaster, with the PTS being a fascinating, if short-lived, chapter. While the network never came to fruition, it showcases Paramount's unwavering dedication to the "Star Trek" franchise and its desire to bring it to a wider audience. The company's evolution from the PTS to the UPN and now CBS All Access demonstrates its adaptability and commitment to staying relevant in the ever-changing landscape of television.
In my opinion, Paramount's history with "Star Trek" is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. Despite the challenges and setbacks, they have consistently found ways to bring the franchise to life, whether on the big screen or the small screen. As a fan of "Star Trek," I can only imagine what the PTS might have been like, and I'm grateful for the legacy that Paramount has built, one that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
