Star Trek: Starfleet Academy – Fan Reaction To Captain Ake’s Chair Sitting

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Noga Landau, an executive producer and co-showrunner for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, is thrilled with fans’ positive response to Holly Hunter’s portrayal of Captain Nahla Ake. The show, which has received a ‘Certified Fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, appears to be resonating with its young adult audience, as evidenced by the buzz it’s generating on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

Nahla Ake, a 420-year-old who is half-Lanthanite, is breaking the mold as a Star Trek Captain. While also serving as Chancellor of Starfleet Academy, she commands the USS Athena with a decidedly quirky style. Captain Ake’s habit of relaxing in her chair with her feet up and a book has become a talking point among Star Trek fans, with reactions ranging from adoration to disapproval of Holly Hunter’s unconventional approach.

In an interview with ScreenRant‘s John Orquiola about Star Trek: Starfleet Academy episode 4, which included Jay-Den Kraag actor Karim Diané, Noga Landau said the cast and crew had “no idea” that Holly Hunter’s unusual way of sitting in the Captain’s chair would catch fire. Landau called the fan-generated content on social media about Captain Ake’s chair sitting “incredible” and “so fun.” See Noga’s quote below:

When you’re creating a show, it’s impossible to predict what will become popular with viewers. Honestly, John, some of the best content has come from unexpected places. There’s already a lot of great ‘Starfleet Academy’ material on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, and I’ve especially enjoyed seeing compilations of people recreating the scene with Nahla sitting in the chair. We had absolutely no idea that particular moment would resonate so strongly online.

The best content is just seeing someone enjoy it on their own, like sitting in the captain’s chair in a funny way. It’s really great to see younger fans getting into what we’re doing and becoming a dedicated group who consistently engage with the Starfleet Academy experience. It’s a lot of fun to watch!

Whether people love or dislike Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, everyone has a strong opinion about Holly Hunter’s unique take on the role of Captain. Fans of Ake’s character appreciate the playful attitude Hunter brings to the 420-year-old Lanthanite, making Nahla a memorable Captain in the Star Trek universe.

Some viewers have criticized Captain Ake’s posture in the Captain’s chair, claiming it’s disrespectful, though other characters in Star Trek have been shown relaxing in the chair similarly. Her other choices, like wearing glasses or going barefoot, have also upset some fans, particularly those who dislike Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.

Captain Ake’s unusual behavior is just part of who she is. Having lived for over four hundred years as a Lanthanite, Nahla remembers a time when Starfleet and the Federation were supposedly at their peak. She’s always been a bit of a rebel – she was known for pranks at the Academy – and she encourages her cadets to have fun and occasionally bend the rules.

Although it’s not officially named yet, Nahla’s habit of sitting in the Captain’s chair is quickly becoming known as the “Ake Maneuver.” The positive response on social media to Holly Hunter’s posture in the Captain’s chair suggests that Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is resonating with younger viewers and potentially creating a new generation of Star Trek fans.

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2026-01-30 02:38