The animated hit Star Trek: Lower Decks is gearing up for an epic farewell with its fifth and final season, and it’s bringing some beloved legacy characters along for the ride. Known for its comedic take on life aboard a starship, Lower Decks promises to deliver not only laughs but also nostalgia with appearances from fan-favorite Trek alumni.In a recent interview withEntertainment Weekly and PEOPLE, series creator Mike McMahan revealed that wrapping up the show meant going all out. “When I learned this was going to be our final season, I made sure to ask some of my favorites to be in the show,” McMahan said. Although he kept some surprises under wraps, one exciting cameo has already been teased: Garrett Wang, reprising his iconic role as Harry Kim from Star Trek: Voyager.
Harry Kim Returns — With a Twist
Wang, who played Ensign Harry Kim on Voyager, now steps back into the role with a twist: this time, he voices an animated version of the character promoted to lieutenant, and fans will get more than just one Harry Kim. “He has so much personality and energy that we couldn’t have just one,” said Tawny Newsome, who voices Mariner on Lower Decks.Season 5 will feature multiple versions of Harry Kim, each offering their own unique quirks. “We’ve been waiting so long to see Harry again,” Newsome said, noting that the payoff of Wang’s return will be well worth the wait. Co-star Eugene Cordero (Rutherford) added, “His appearance is more than just a cameo — it’s unbelievable.”Wang first played Harry Kim in Star Trek: Voyager (1995), where the character became known for his endearing personality and perpetual ensign status. Lower Decks continues to play on these fan-favorite tropes, but with a humorous spin, giving Kim his long-awaited promotion and multiplying him for good measure.
Cameos and Explosions Galore
As a series famous for its callbacks to Star Trek history, Lower Decks has featured appearances from several Trek icons, including Jonathan Frakes as William Riker, Marina Sirtis as Deanna Troi, Nana Visitor as Kira Nerys, and John de Lancie as Q. Newsome hinted that there are still more legacy characters to be revealed in season five, teasing, “There might be other cameos. Who knows?”Of course, it wouldn’t be Lower Decks without a dose of chaos. “It’s not Lower Decks if something’s not blowing up,” Newsome quipped, adding that fans can expect the usual shenanigans. Cordero joked that season five could easily be titled Lower Decks Season 5: Explosions.
A Season to Remember
While Lower Decks thrives on humor, it has also built a loyal following thanks to its deep appreciation for the Star Trek universe. With its fifth season premiering today on Paramount+, the show promises to blend comedy, adventure, and heartfelt nostalgia. The series will release new episodes every Thursday, leading up to the highly anticipated series finale on December 19.As the Lower Decks crew navigates this final adventure — with multiple Harry Kims in tow — fans can expect the series to deliver a satisfying send-off. Whether it’s surprise appearances from Trek legends, hilarious moments, or galaxy-wide mishaps, Lower Decks is ready to go out with a bang.