The Orville

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX , HULU
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 10, 2017
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 1016 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 877 out of 1016
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 1016
  3. Negative: 93 out of 1016
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  1. LXQUICKJUSTICE
    Dec 15, 2018
    10
    By now, you know this show is awesome. You've only come here to confirm it, because you also know the critics are bought and paid for to hype STD and attack The Orville. I only started watching Star Trek in earnest earlier this year, and after completing TNG I can tell you The Orville is not only a perfect parody of that series but also the greatest love letter imaginable. It's funny, itBy now, you know this show is awesome. You've only come here to confirm it, because you also know the critics are bought and paid for to hype STD and attack The Orville. I only started watching Star Trek in earnest earlier this year, and after completing TNG I can tell you The Orville is not only a perfect parody of that series but also the greatest love letter imaginable. It's funny, it has characters you care about, and the special effects are top notch. The difference is, I would gladly pay to watch The Orville, but you'd have to pay me to watch STD, where some SJW chick named Michael stomps about the ship telling everyone how right she is. Do yourself a favor and watch The Orville if you want that optimistic Star Trek experience. It's obvious Discovery is going down in flames and CBS will need to put everything they have into the new Picard series if they hope to have ANY chance of unscrewing this mess.… Expand
  2. lololee13
    Mar 21, 2019
    10
    This was another great episode from one of the most underrated shows on TV. I found this episode to be a fun insight into the private lives of the characters on the show and it was a nice break from all of the action. The show works because the writers know when to inject humor and when to pull back from the action and that balance is the reason why the show is slowly becoming popular.
  3. Alexlee
    Jan 6, 2019
    10
    compared to Discovery, for some reason i feel The Orville catches more of the "Star Trek" feel and essence... with additional laughs as well as daily and mundane stuffs that might happen on a star ship...
  4. GamerJosh0137
    Dec 21, 2018
    7
    In my own opinion the low metacritic score goes to show just how out of touch big media sites are with fans. Not saying they are well within their rights to not like something. I think this is a WWWAAAAYYYYY better Star Trek show than discovery. It certainly kept me engaged a lot more. The Orville has its corks, and sometimes it is clear that some of the cast are a bit green but IIn my own opinion the low metacritic score goes to show just how out of touch big media sites are with fans. Not saying they are well within their rights to not like something. I think this is a WWWAAAAYYYYY better Star Trek show than discovery. It certainly kept me engaged a lot more. The Orville has its corks, and sometimes it is clear that some of the cast are a bit green but I think they really have something here. Really glad its getting another season to work with. If you go into this with an open mind and try not to think of it as an absolute parody to star trek but an intriguing adventure with a great comical tone. You might be surprised. I wrote it off at first also but saw it was signed on for season 2 and thought it might be worth a look.… Expand
  5. planetwriter
    Jan 9, 2019
    10
    Side note: I was initially baffled by how "The Orville" could have a worse Metacritic score than "Star Trek: Discovery"... then I realized that was only for reviews by critics. I guess the modern desire to make everything as dark and twisty as possible wins the day with them. And yes, I *am* going to be treating "The Orville" as another Star Trek show in this review, and I feel pretty sureSide note: I was initially baffled by how "The Orville" could have a worse Metacritic score than "Star Trek: Discovery"... then I realized that was only for reviews by critics. I guess the modern desire to make everything as dark and twisty as possible wins the day with them. And yes, I *am* going to be treating "The Orville" as another Star Trek show in this review, and I feel pretty sure most of those involved in creating "Star Trek" shows over the years would agree (not to mention the fact that several of them are writers and producers on "The Orville" anyway!)
    Okay, on to my actual review: I'll start by saying you shouldn't judge this show on the pilot, which simply hasn't figured out how to meld sci-fi action/drama with humor and is filled with supremely awkward, sophomoric gags. However, as the first season progresses, we get something that is actually *better* in some respects than the various Star Trek series: a show in which the humor is just one aspect of showing that these characters (aliens included) have very 'human' weaknesses. They get jealous; they doubt themselves; they have bodily functions(!)
    If you've seen an episode or two and are thinking of quitting, PLEASE give it until episode 3 "About a Girl," which in my opinion stands right up there with some of the best all-time Star Trek episodes in terms of its painful exploration of a subject that parallels issues on modern day Earth. [The first comparable Star Trek episode that came to mind was Voyager's "Tuvix."] In a similar vein, episode 7, "Majority Rule," is something every parent should show to their social media obsessed teenagers.
    If you're more interested in seeing your heroes put through the emotional wringer, check out episode 10 "Firestorm." And if you're looking for more of an exploration of hard sci-fi, look no further than episode 11, which involves the discovery of a two-dimensional civilization and a reference to the classic novella "Flatland."
    I read a review somewhere that wrote "This is the Star Trek series you didn't know you wanted." And I really think that's true. All I can say is: thank you, Seth McFarlane.    … Expand
  6. Nightscape
    Jan 6, 2019
    9
    Finally! A true successor to TNG and Voyager. I can understand why the mainstream critics gave it such a low score - it does a better job at being Star Trek than CBS's Mary Sue, messed up cannon show. Science, exploration, and diplomacy. Fun characters, great social commentary, and good mix of comedy and drama. Sorry, mainstream media, we are not going to suck up to CBS, their show sucks,Finally! A true successor to TNG and Voyager. I can understand why the mainstream critics gave it such a low score - it does a better job at being Star Trek than CBS's Mary Sue, messed up cannon show. Science, exploration, and diplomacy. Fun characters, great social commentary, and good mix of comedy and drama. Sorry, mainstream media, we are not going to suck up to CBS, their show sucks, The Orville is where it's at!… Expand
  7. hajin
    Jan 4, 2019
    10
    I had my doubts about the Orville, and honestly the whole idea of sci-fi comedy sounded campy as hell to me. But it really is a fantastic sci-fi show that has much better stories than I thought it would. Solid concepts, solid character development, etc. And, honestly, Star Trek was never the dark brand of sci-fi anyway so once you get used to the random humor thrown in, I think it fits inI had my doubts about the Orville, and honestly the whole idea of sci-fi comedy sounded campy as hell to me. But it really is a fantastic sci-fi show that has much better stories than I thought it would. Solid concepts, solid character development, etc. And, honestly, Star Trek was never the dark brand of sci-fi anyway so once you get used to the random humor thrown in, I think it fits in the universe and makes the show that much better. Really, give it a shot.… Expand
  8. Sv4roG
    Mar 22, 2019
    10
    Best Trekkie Sci-Fi show on TV in a very long time. I don't know what critics are smoking(or who's paying them) but this show is pretty amazing.
  9. Jexter
    Mar 26, 2019
    9
    I am writing this review after watching most of the second season, as well. This show has the heart and writing quality of earlier Star Trek works (pre-2009). It feels more like Star Trek than the actual Star Trek show we are getting at the moment from CBS (ST:D). The only negative aspect for me in the first season was that the humor was not to my taste, but this was improved in season 2,I am writing this review after watching most of the second season, as well. This show has the heart and writing quality of earlier Star Trek works (pre-2009). It feels more like Star Trek than the actual Star Trek show we are getting at the moment from CBS (ST:D). The only negative aspect for me in the first season was that the humor was not to my taste, but this was improved in season 2, which has much better balance. The writing strong in the series and it shows with the great and likable ensemble cast.… Expand
  10. timpfel
    Jan 5, 2019
    8
    Very good. Like a semi-comedic Star Trek TNG. As close as we can get to a Star Trek show today.
  11. some_noncritics
    Oct 30, 2018
    8
    It's a fun TV series, with a bit of everything, and the space travel scenery is just fun.
    The critics are just a bit too hard harsh.
  12. Topster88
    Jan 9, 2019
    9
    This show is proof-positive that critic reviews are useless. The same critics who will tell you that Star Trek Discovery is amazing will tell you that this show is deserving of a 36. What a joke.
  13. MaxiM_PL
    Dec 22, 2018
    9
    All I can say is, I think we all can see who paid for the "professional" reviews. How did that work out for ya, CBS?

    Seriously though, awesome show for any fan of Star Trek TOS, TNG and anything other than JJ crap and Discovery. While not Star Trek (sadly) it's as close as you can get, even if it's a parody. Even Trekkies who hate Seth like this series.
  14. PilotwaveSpace
    Dec 27, 2018
    9
    Despite the premise that the Orville was advertised as a comedy show or a parody on old sci-fi, to me it felt like the better and more intelligent modern star trek series. Some episodes show not just good but brilliant story writing. Something I missed so much on the otherwise well crafted DIS. Good stories and world-building is key to a good Science-fiction and Seth MacFarlane understands that.
  15. littlebluehat
    Jan 3, 2019
    10
    This is Star Trek the Next-Next Generation

    Who knew!? Family Guy's creator would be 1) Good at SciFi 2) Good at Live Action (both as a writer and an actor) & 3) Fiiiiine!

    Captain, my captain #CaptainMercer
  16. BryanModerate
    Jan 4, 2019
    8
    Got to admit I'm not a big fan Todd. Family Guy is ok but I'm more of a South Park fan. That being said I actually enjoyed this show. I've only seen eps 1 and 2 of season 2 but I liked what I saw. Curious to watch season 1 now and that's what a good show should do
  17. HakaiRah
    Jan 4, 2019
    10
    Our whole family loves the crew of the Orville, and the unique take on how real people would interact on a starship. Love it!
  18. Asder123321
    Jan 5, 2019
    9
    Having watched half of season one, my short description could be "lighthearted, true spirited, and optimistic star trek fan-fiction"
    With likable characters, complete with flaws.
    Dialogue, which while slightly pat at times, is enjoyable and fun in a dad joke way. And story-lines much like that of Star Trek the original series, including moral grey areas. All together a breath of fresh    Having watched half of season one, my short description could be "lighthearted, true spirited, and optimistic star trek fan-fiction"
    With likable characters, complete with flaws.
    Dialogue, which while slightly pat at times, is enjoyable and fun in a dad joke way.
    And story-lines much like that of Star Trek the original series, including moral grey areas.
    All together a breath of fresh air from a sub-genre lost in taking itself too seriously.    … Expand
  19. DonTronDK
    Jan 6, 2019
    10
    Amazing Show! Was so disappointed by STD which is violent, cruel dishonest - and SO HAPPY when the REAL StarTrek came along in the form of THE ORVILLE. This follows the same trail from TNG+Voyager+DS9 that we all remember where each episode have a moral story, a teaching story, a story that makes us think, and where it pushes the understanding of humanity a bit further.
  20. TheTokenSquare
    Jan 7, 2019
    9
    Perhaps I set my expectations too low, thinking this would only be a parody of Star Trek in a "Family Guy" style. Perhaps I set my expectations too high for Star Trek Discovery, the "official" franchise series. However, after the first season, this show is the real successor to the Star Trek series of the Gene Roddenberry style. Bright, positive, and humorous while taking on importantPerhaps I set my expectations too low, thinking this would only be a parody of Star Trek in a "Family Guy" style. Perhaps I set my expectations too high for Star Trek Discovery, the "official" franchise series. However, after the first season, this show is the real successor to the Star Trek series of the Gene Roddenberry style. Bright, positive, and humorous while taking on important social topics of the day without forcing the "right" answer on the audience. For those interested in special effects, explosions and those ever trendy sun-flairs--there's always STD. For great writing, deep and interesting characters, and plots that make me think and laugh, I'll watch The Orville.… Expand
  21. nodarn
    Jan 12, 2019
    10
    Don't trust the critics!

    I grew up watching Star Trek NG, DS9, then later re-watched all of the series except the first. I can say that I can't wait for the next episode of the Orville. It mixes comedy, sci-fi, action, drama, what else do you need. Seems like the critics get it wrong more often than they should. I love how they bring cast members from previous star trek series. I loved    Don't trust the critics!

    I grew up watching Star Trek NG, DS9, then later re-watched all of the series except the first. I can say that I can't wait for the next episode of the Orville. It mixes comedy, sci-fi, action, drama, what else do you need. Seems like the critics get it wrong more often than they should. I love how they bring cast members from previous star trek series. I loved how S1:E5 was directed by Jonathan Frakes. I can't wait to see where the story develops next!

    Great job Seth and everyone involved in making this show!    … Expand
  22. ecoo
    Mar 5, 2019
    9
    tbh in the beginning i thought this was a meh show because the graphics are kinda 2000's but after watching it for a few episodes it's really grown on me and the story telling is actually really good in a light-hearted way. It's not serious like Game of thrones that i'm usually into but it's a good comedy show to help relax on a night where you're trying to chill rather then going out totbh in the beginning i thought this was a meh show because the graphics are kinda 2000's but after watching it for a few episodes it's really grown on me and the story telling is actually really good in a light-hearted way. It's not serious like Game of thrones that i'm usually into but it's a good comedy show to help relax on a night where you're trying to chill rather then going out to get smashed at the bar.… Expand
  23. systemBuilder
    Mar 7, 2019
    10
    In many ways this is the closest show to ST:TOS there ever was. Weekly self-contained episodes. Despite being on a star ship the leadership is drawn into solving a moral problem, usually from another species and just like Gene Roddenberry's original creation (Roddenberry wrote police episodes before Star Trek). The humor is sometimes flat, often amazing (Cupid's dagger). They areIn many ways this is the closest show to ST:TOS there ever was. Weekly self-contained episodes. Despite being on a star ship the leadership is drawn into solving a moral problem, usually from another species and just like Gene Roddenberry's original creation (Roddenberry wrote police episodes before Star Trek). The humor is sometimes flat, often amazing (Cupid's dagger). They are working on developing a dramatic side in S2. It's the second or third best Star Trek cast of all time (far better actors than ST:TNG). You must see this show and don't judge until you've seen S1E3.… Expand
  24. Zmijozel
    Mar 12, 2019
    10
    I dig this show. It was about time to get some positive look into the future, to balance all the grim that scifi presents as of late.

    Positives of the show: + Characters are likable and act like normal people would. They feel like real people should. + Great visuals of the aliens, even with some "non-humanoind species" shown. + Awesome music. Some nitpicks: - From time to time    I dig this show. It was about time to get some positive look into the future, to balance all the grim that scifi presents as of late.

    Positives of the show:
    + Characters are likable and act like normal people would. They feel like real people should.
    + Great visuals of the aliens, even with some "non-humanoind species" shown.
    + Awesome music.

    Some nitpicks:
    - From time to time humor doesnt land (around 1 bad in 10 good jokes ratio), which isnt all that bad over all, but sometimes it can feel bit forced. Which gets better in the late season 1.
    - Some of the alien space ships feel bit too clean, but its not all that hard to get used to.)

    Overall its great TV and solid successor to the good old Star Trek TNG.    … Expand
  25. kristenneymarc
    Mar 18, 2019
    10
    Adore this show. Brilliant. Wait every week for new episode, please renew this show!
  26. Goreminister
    Jul 29, 2019
    10
    Forget all the official TV-critics. If you like Star Trek (and I mean the REAL stuff like The Next Generation) you will embrace it. The Orville is funny, dramatic, well written, has really good, likable characters and shows diversity not like other TV-Shows, who always try to shove it up your throat. The Orville is the better Star Trek nowadays and I´m sure Gene Roddenberry would be proud. Go on!
  27. Talbis
    Apr 28, 2019
    9
    I don't like Seth MacFarlane, I find his sense of humour crude, childish and unfunny. I know he can deliver good performance but as an "idea guy" I tend to avoid him. So to no surprise, I ignored "The Orville" when it was originally airing, after all, Seth MacFarlane has his hands all over that show and despite me loving the genre I couldn't force myself to watch this. Instead, I decidedI don't like Seth MacFarlane, I find his sense of humour crude, childish and unfunny. I know he can deliver good performance but as an "idea guy" I tend to avoid him. So to no surprise, I ignored "The Orville" when it was originally airing, after all, Seth MacFarlane has his hands all over that show and despite me loving the genre I couldn't force myself to watch this. Instead, I decided to go with "Star Trek: Discovery" (check my review, I run away after 2,5 episodes). I was a fool.
    "The Orville" is a show that, yes, has the MacFarlane sense of humour here and there, even has some jokes so cringy I had to take pause, but it also has the drama and heart of "Star Trek". Somehow Seth MacFarlane captured the spirit of the trek and locked it in place for this show. The topics, themes, characters all are rich and respectful without pandering to anyone. Something that often goes out the window in comedy shows is lore, yet "Orville" keep its lore intact, they never break it and you can see that a great deal of planning went into creating this universe and its people. I remember the first season of "Deep Space 9" and "The Next Generation" as shows looking for their footing, this isn't the case with "Orville", this show knew from the start what it wanted to do and just did it.
    If you like "Star Trek", the real "Star Trek" or even sci-fi, in general, you owe it to yourself to watch this show.    … Expand
  28. JPK
    Jun 16, 2019
    9
    Hilarious Spoof Of Star Trek
    The Orville is hilarious, clever, and all out fun.
  29. goggomobile
    Sep 25, 2020
    7
    This show, The Orville, is more Star Trek than the STD rubbish could or pretends to ever be. If it means anything or could be seen as an endorsement, Robert Picardo from Star Trek Voyager has already filmed an episode and Marina Sirtis is to guest star in an episode directed by Star Trek: TNG’s Jonathan Frakes soon. This show is the closest you'll get to Gene Roddenberry's vision of theThis show, The Orville, is more Star Trek than the STD rubbish could or pretends to ever be. If it means anything or could be seen as an endorsement, Robert Picardo from Star Trek Voyager has already filmed an episode and Marina Sirtis is to guest star in an episode directed by Star Trek: TNG’s Jonathan Frakes soon. This show is the closest you'll get to Gene Roddenberry's vision of the future. Anything today with the label Star Trek on it is just an abomination to the hope and vision we had in past series.… Expand
  30. sitebender
    Apr 20, 2019
    10
    Shocking to see how low the critics marked it. I can only blame it on the uneven tone of the first season with it's terrible comedy. The comedy is better in the second season, but overall the comedy in general is only 5% of a show that's fun, dramatic and Star Trek without being Star Trek. The comedy almost gets in the way, but these characters feel more like real people than stodgyShocking to see how low the critics marked it. I can only blame it on the uneven tone of the first season with it's terrible comedy. The comedy is better in the second season, but overall the comedy in general is only 5% of a show that's fun, dramatic and Star Trek without being Star Trek. The comedy almost gets in the way, but these characters feel more like real people than stodgy military workers like those on Star Trek: Voyager. Anyway... the Orville is the only show I look forward to week after week.… Expand
  31. pizzapicante27
    Apr 20, 2019
    9
    Yes! this is Star Trek, not a parody, but a well written, thoughtfull show, it has lots of problems, but given that it is a first season, and given that I have watched the 2nd season, I can tell you the show goes from strength to strength, a good watch for any sci-fi fan.
  32. Odinscharge
    Apr 8, 2019
    9
    Like the show. It struggles to figure out if its a sci-fi with comedy or a comedy that's sci-fi themed. But with the fun and moral tail it spins its like some of the best of the older Star Trek shows. The kind of show Star trek can't do anymore.
  33. baszermaszer
    Apr 27, 2019
    10
    Best sci-fi comedy of all time!! Masterful story writing, excellent characters, super-funny alien designs. I love the actors. Seth MacFarlane and the cast took this show to the Next Level of Entertainment!!!
  34. Lemings9151
    Jun 6, 2022
    10
    This scratches ever single Star Trek itch i've ever had, hope this has a good number of seasons
  35. AWESOM-0
    Jan 1, 2020
    8
    I don’t get the critics scores. I mean the first 3 episodes, I was like “this is better than I thought it was going to be”, then that 4th episode, I was “wow, that was good”. That episode was a cross between Heinleins (orphan of the stars) and Asimovs (nightfall), but it was well done. Overall this is a good show for what it is meant to be.
  36. TudorPopescu
    Nov 1, 2020
    10
    The Orville is a comedy version of Star Trek. It's very funny, but it doesn't only have jokes. It also deals with serious, real-world topics in a mature way.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
47
#47 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
36

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 21
  3. Negative: 10 out of 21
  1. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Michael Starr
    Sep 21, 2017
    50
    It’s got top-notch special effects and terrific makeup (for its space-alien characters). But it just doesn’t quite gel. At least not yet, anyway.
    Read full review
  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Sep 14, 2017
    50
    The show's smirky tone, embodied in MacFarlane's smug frat-boy demeanor as the captain, never quite gels with the universal humanism the episode is aiming for. [18 Sep - 1 Oct 2017, p.27]
  3. Yahoo TV
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Sep 11, 2017
    30
    Except for Norm Macdonald as the voice of an alien made of what looked like quivering gelatin, I didn’t find much that was amusing about The Orville’s space odyssey. ... From its opening scene with Victor Garber assigning Ed his ship to the final, unsuspenseful shootout with alien enemies, The Orville moved from one lull to another.
    Read full review
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