It has become clear that in order to survive in the current entertainment industry, diversification is a necessity, not a luxury.

Look at Disney and its many exploits across a number of platforms. Transmedia is becoming an increasingly popular means of creating new revenue streams for major entertainment companies.

And so it is that the "Star Trek" franchise will return to the television with a new series set for 2017.

CBS Studios made the announcement Tuesday noted that the series premiere will be in January 2017 with episodes eventually set to make their way onto CBS All-Access. The series is set to introduce new characters, worlds and civilizations, a trademark of the franchise since it first fascinated audiences in 1966.

The series will be produced by Alex Kurtzman, who was the co-writer and producer for the recent "Star Trek" reboot and "Star Trek Into Darkness." The former film was greeted with glowing reviews while the latter was greeted with more mixed reception.

"There is no better time to give 'Star Trek' fans a new series than on the heels of the original show's 50th anniversary celebration," said David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios according to StarTrek.com. "Everyone here has great respect for this storied franchise, and we're excited to launch its next television chapter in the creative mind and skilled hands of Alex Kurtzman, someone who knows this world and its audience intimately."

A new film is due out in 2016 entitled "Star Trek Beyond." That film will star Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine, Idris Elba, Simon Pegg and Karl Urban among others. Justin Lin is the director while Michael Giacchino is composing the score.

The film is slated for a July 22, 2016 release date, just in time to celebrate the franchise' 50th anniversary.

The first "Star Trek" series premiered in 1966.