(CNN) Set your phasers to stunned: Sir Patrick Stewart is returning to his celebrated role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard for a new "Star Trek" series.
The news, announced by Stewart himself and executive producer Alex Kurtzman at a "Star Trek" convention Saturday in Las Vegas, sent excitement among fans skyrocketing at warp speed. Many leapt to their feet and cheered as Stewart emerged on stage.
The show will air on CBS All Access, the network's video-on-demand service, and "tells the story of the next chapter in Picard's life," according to a tweet from "Star Trek: Discovery," another CBS All Access series.
In his own announcement, Stewart said playing the character again is "an unexpected but delightful surprise," because he felt his time with "Star Trek" and Picard "had run its natural course."
"During these past years, it has been humbling to hear stories about how 'The Next Generation' brought people comfort, saw them through difficult periods in their lives or how the example of Jean-Luc inspired so many to follow in his footsteps, pursuing science, exploration and leadership," said Stewart in a statement.
'Star Trek': Where are they now?
William Shatner had a star-making role as Captain Kirk in the cult sci-fi series "Star Trek." Look through the gallery for updates on Shatner and his "Star Trek" co-stars.
Shatner has since starred in "T.J. Hooker," "Rescue 911" and "Boston Legal," as well as a slew of "Star Trek" movies. And, of course, those Priceline commercials. The actor, who recently turned 85, is now in the news for a paternity lawsuit.
Walter Koenig was brought in for the show's second season to play Chekov, the navigator of the starship Enterprise. He bore some resemblance to members of the Beatles.
Koenig stayed in the world of "Star Trek" for six follow-up movies and had a recurring role on space drama "Babylon 5."
George Takei portrayed Lieutenant Sulu on the "Star Trek" series and in the subsequent movies.
With his distinctive voice, Takei is now best known for his social media presence and activism for gay rights. He also had a stint announcing on Howard Stern's show, and on the series "Heroes" and "The Neighbors."
Nichelle Nichols broke barriers as one of the first black women on TV who was not playing a servant. Her character, Uhura, shared a kiss with Captain Kirk -- believed to be the first interracial kiss on television.
After working on "Star Trek" films and the TV series "Heroes," Nichols is very involved in the space and science world. She makes frequent appearances at sci-fi conventions.
As the often-exasperated Dr. "Bones" McCoy, DeForest Kelley was a fan favorite. He died in 1999.
Fans love imitating the brogue of James Doohan's Scotty, who continued the role in many "Star Trek" films. He also stayed in science fiction with the Saturday morning show "Jason of Star Command." Doohan died in 2005.
The world mourned when Leonard Nimoy died in February 2015. His portrayal of Commander Spock, the Enterprise's logical, part-Vulcan science officer, won him many fans. After "Star Trek," Nimoy appeared in many TV shows and movies, wrote two autobiographies and directed the 1987 film comedy "Three Men and a Baby."
"I feel I'm ready to return to him for the same reason -- to research and experience what comforting and reforming light he might shine on these often very dark times."
Stewart first brought Picard to life in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," which aired from 1987 to 1994. He also helmed the starship Enterprise in several movies, including "Star Trek: Generations," "Star Trek: First Contact," "Star Trek: Insurrection," and "Star Trek: Nemesis."
Since then the British actor, 78, has appeared in the "X-Men" movies and a handful of stage productions.