The Orville -

Synopsis

“The Orville” is a comedic science fiction series created by and starring Seth MacFarlane. Set in the 25th century, the show follows the crew of the Orville, a mid-level exploratory spaceship, as they navigate the challenges of space travel, interpersonal relationships, and the larger universe. While its tone is often humorous, the show frequently touches on serious sociopolitical issues, embodying a balance of comedy and classic space opera drama.

Main Characters

Captain Ed Mercer: Played by Seth MacFarlane, Ed is the determined yet humorous captain of the Orville, whose personal life intertwines with his professional responsibilities, especially given the presence of his ex-wife as his first officer.
Commander Kelly Grayson: Portrayed by Adrianne Palicki, Kelly is Ed’s ex-wife and the ship’s first officer. Their shared history makes for complicated on-board dynamics.
Lieutenant Commander Bortus: Played by Peter Macon, Bortus belongs to the single-gender Moclan species and offers a unique cultural perspective on the ship.
Lieutenant Gordon Malloy: As Ed’s best friend and the ship’s helmsman, Scott Grimes’ character provides comic relief, though he’s also a skilled pilot.
Dr. Claire Finn: Portrayed by Penny Johnson Jerald, she is the Orville’s chief medical officer, providing both medical expertise and moral guidance.

Themes

“The Orville” touches upon several themes, from the challenges and nuances of interpersonal relationships to broader issues of cultural differences, identity, and morality. By drawing parallels between fictional alien societies and our own, the series comments on contemporary social and political topics.

Critical Consensus and Rating

“The Orville” has an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5. Critics initially had mixed feelings, some feeling that it struggled to balance its comedic elements with its more serious science fiction aspirations. However, as the series progressed, many praised its maturation into a genuine sci-fi drama while maintaining its unique sense of humor. The character development and exploration of contemporary issues in a futuristic setting were highlights.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating

“The Orville” has a TV-14 rating, given its mature content that occasionally includes violence, sexual situations, and complex themes.

Network and Years

“The Orville” originally aired on Fox from 2017 to 2019 before moving to Hulu for its third season.

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