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. SGAShepp
    Oct 5, 2017
    10
    This show surprised the crap out of me. I was going in expecting "Ted in space" but by was I wrong, and boy an I glad I was.
    This show actually has a pretty delicate balance between seriousness and humour. I'll sink into the drama the suddenly a character will need to use the bathroom. Then It'll all come back to me that it's comedy too!
    All I have to say is that ANYONE who likes    This show surprised the crap out of me. I was going in expecting "Ted in space" but by was I wrong, and boy an I glad I was.
    This show actually has a pretty delicate balance between seriousness and humour. I'll sink into the drama the suddenly a character will need to use the bathroom. Then It'll all come back to me that it's comedy too!
    All I have to say is that ANYONE who likes anything of the star trek series, likes anything Seth MacFarlane has done and wants a fresh spin on the star trek feel. Then please give this a try!    … Expand
  2. Mark1791
    Oct 5, 2017
    9
    The Orville is totally a Star Trek clone with comedy that manages to tap into what made Star Trek good. The humor is light and plays like a Star Trek episode if normal people were the crew rather than folks who always do the right thing because it's the 24th century. Some of the story lines aren't trivial either (Episode 3 About a Girl was a surprise) and really, really feels like oldThe Orville is totally a Star Trek clone with comedy that manages to tap into what made Star Trek good. The humor is light and plays like a Star Trek episode if normal people were the crew rather than folks who always do the right thing because it's the 24th century. Some of the story lines aren't trivial either (Episode 3 About a Girl was a surprise) and really, really feels like old school Star Trek. A surprising and refreshing breath of fresh air in an era where this type of show is seen as not being popular. I have no idea why the critics have bashed this when the audience ratings are so far off.… Expand
  3. Nebadon_Adams
    Oct 6, 2017
    9
    Once again, the elitist critics are smoking crack and pissing on us commoners trying to tell us it's raining. The ORVILLE is THE NEW STAR TREK. I've only seen the first two episodes (the second directed by Voyager alum Robert Duncan McNeill) and I was THOROUGHLY entertained. Oh, and I HATE Family Guy and American Dad and all that pop-culture crap. But this show is SO GOOD! It's obviousOnce again, the elitist critics are smoking crack and pissing on us commoners trying to tell us it's raining. The ORVILLE is THE NEW STAR TREK. I've only seen the first two episodes (the second directed by Voyager alum Robert Duncan McNeill) and I was THOROUGHLY entertained. Oh, and I HATE Family Guy and American Dad and all that pop-culture crap. But this show is SO GOOD! It's obvious that McFarlane ACTUALLY likes Star Trek and not just the politics behind it.

    TL;DR: I have found my NEW STAR TREK, and it is ORVILLE.    … Expand
  4. gadenp
    Oct 6, 2017
    9
    This show is more Star Trek then the current Star Trek movies and Discovery. And it just seems to grow better and better every episode.

    All the things that make Star Trek what is it, you can find in Orville. The biggest one being the light of hope of a better tomorrow, of working for a better future or making one self and others better. The recent Star Trek shows keep on harping on    This show is more Star Trek then the current Star Trek movies and Discovery. And it just seems to grow better and better every episode.

    All the things that make Star Trek what is it, you can find in Orville. The biggest one being the light of hope of a better tomorrow, of working for a better future or making one self and others better.

    The recent Star Trek shows keep on harping on the darkness within, but that is not Star Trek and is a horrible disservice. On the other hand Orville is a great successor and ode to all that makes Star Trek great.    … Expand
  5. Senatic
    Oct 7, 2017
    9
    It's Star Trek The Next Generation/DS9, with a bit more humor in it. Except it's not Star Trek. That's all you need to know, if you liked Next Generation or DS9 I'm pretty sure you will like this.

    That's literally all you need to know, oh and don't listen to any of the professional reviewers. They have no clue what they are talking about. (Duh what else is new). If you want more details    It's Star Trek The Next Generation/DS9, with a bit more humor in it. Except it's not Star Trek. That's all you need to know, if you liked Next Generation or DS9 I'm pretty sure you will like this.

    That's literally all you need to know, oh and don't listen to any of the professional reviewers. They have no clue what they are talking about. (Duh what else is new). If you want more details see below but what is said above is literally all you really need to know.

    Pros:

    -It's "real" Star Trek, unlike the modern Star Trek movies and the new Star Trek Discovery, The Orville actually understands its source material and i was amazed at how much depth there was in episode three, the complexity and issues tackled are deeper and more nuanced than anything portrayed by the nonstop action crap filled with lens flares and horizontal shoots we've seen during the last 10 years.

    -Great CGI

    -Great Costumes (for the most part)

    -The show examines political and cultural aspects of our modern day by shining a light on them in this alien soap opera just like Star Trek The Next Generation did.

    -Good main cast with believable acting.

    -Action is sparse and gives way to the intellectual examination of society and societal issues.

    -The show is very self aware of the silliness and ridiculousness that sometimes goes on which makes for great additional commentary on the tropes and plot devices shows like this sometimes rely on.

    Cons:

    -The Robot crew members costume is stupid and doesn't fit the show at all.

    - Some bad acting from a few of the secondary characters.

    - The jokes in the first three episodes (What I've watched so far) are a bit hit and miss, some were pretty funny and some were totally off for me.

    Summary: I literally can't think of any more cons, though I'm sure there are some. I'm just so happy to finally have an intellectual star trek type show to watch again. Yes some of the jokes are not that funny, but it's a minor nuisance and is completely overshadowed by the feeling of pure joy as the show handles moral, societal and cultural questions with a intellectual approach. I don't want to spoil anything but episode three completely blew me away. It was so refreshing to actually have to think while watching, I had to stop and consider the points and the implications of the characters decisions and statements to examine where I stood on it all.

    Just a fantastic show so far, surely there is room for improvement and I'm sure they will find their feet as time goes on but they clearly have a perfect grasp of what made Star Trek great to begin with and that is all that matters to me.    … Expand
  6. slayermcgee
    Oct 9, 2017
    10
    I came to this show expecting a campy riff on Star Trek, and what I have found is a lovingly crafted homage to Star Trek of old, but with new modern issues injected into the well-written story lines. I love this show, and I'm hoping to see it continue to grow!
  7. Davaretta
    Oct 17, 2017
    10
    The Orville is easily the best 'Spaceship' show to come out in years. While a lot of recent shows have adopted a 'grimdark' approach, with the failing Star Trek Discovery as the last sad installment, the Orville opts for the cheerful yet serious atmosphere that calls back to The Next Generation. Indeed, a lot of the Orville's colourful and diverse castmembers seem to be a homage to classicThe Orville is easily the best 'Spaceship' show to come out in years. While a lot of recent shows have adopted a 'grimdark' approach, with the failing Star Trek Discovery as the last sad installment, the Orville opts for the cheerful yet serious atmosphere that calls back to The Next Generation. Indeed, a lot of the Orville's colourful and diverse castmembers seem to be a homage to classic TNG characters. The show also tackles contemporary issues, without having a huge bias, which is remarkable and refreshing. I fell in love with the characters and after 6 episodes, I'm dying to find out where The Orville is headed next. Fingers crossed for a second season.

    Oh, and all the professional critics don't know what they are talking about. All true sci-fi fans will love The Orville.    … Expand
  8. Fox_Stevens
    Oct 18, 2017
    10
    Critics don't know good from bad anymore.
    The Orville is a great show with interesting charterers and plots in every episode thus far.

    If you are a Sci-fi fan i highly recommend it!
  9. dramaticwords
    Oct 24, 2017
    10
    This is what SF should be: a vehicle to explore issues with optimism for the future of humanity. (I am so tired of seeing bleak futures populated by immoral people.)
  10. scifibuff
    Oct 24, 2017
    10
    The Orville is definitely a breath of fresh air, certainly the best thing Seth has done to date IMO. It's entertaining, fun and very enjoyable to watch. An hour long weekly drama lightly seasoned with comedy in a Star Trek setting is just perfect for this show. I have watched every episode and enjoyed every minute so far. I am looking forward to many more seasons after season one. TheThe Orville is definitely a breath of fresh air, certainly the best thing Seth has done to date IMO. It's entertaining, fun and very enjoyable to watch. An hour long weekly drama lightly seasoned with comedy in a Star Trek setting is just perfect for this show. I have watched every episode and enjoyed every minute so far. I am looking forward to many more seasons after season one. The critics were all asleep at the wheel on this one. The Orville is the very show that has been wanted for a very long time. ST Discovery runs a close second to The Orville, my favorite two shows.… Expand
  11. XanaxMonster
    Nov 16, 2017
    9
    Funny and entertaining more star trek than discovery. Light hearted entertainment and explores moral issues of today in a fun way. Nice alternative to gritty dark and violent shows. Professional critics are morons.
  12. Desert_Kitten
    Nov 27, 2017
    10
    As a Star Trek devotee, from way back with the original series (born in early 60's) and having watched all the series and movies, I really love this show. It's funny and can be serious as well. Seth McFarland makes a great captain,
  13. Sitcom
    Dec 8, 2017
    10
    It is no Discovery that this show is more Star Trek than Discovery. Gene 'The Orville" Roddenberry would be proud to see his vision being continued despite it being a Star Trek clone.
  14. Surg3on
    Oct 25, 2017
    9
    If you go by the first episode (which it appears the critics did) then yes the show doesn't seem that great but it grows into a great Star Trek show of its own within just 5 episodes (which is far faster than most of the real star trek series!).

    Firefly's first episode also wasn't that great. Don't believe the critics. A great episodic star trek show.
  15. Saltatempo
    Mar 25, 2018
    10
    Don't know why the critic put a low score on this serie! It's awesome an american way to do a Doctor Who. Is ironic and visually stunning. Each episode better than the previous. Great work seth!
  16. wingednotes
    Oct 19, 2017
    10
    Blends real comedy with serious topics with ingenuity. Smart Sci-fi at its best. Entertaining and a great homage to Star Trek while laying the foundation of its own series. Love The Orville!
  17. satihartigan
    Dec 11, 2017
    10
    I love this show! Parody interwoven with true comedy. The critics are idiots if they can't see the genius of this show. Seth Macfarlane knows whats up.
  18. GarvielLoken
    Sep 11, 2017
    10
    It's great, i love it! It's like a funny Star Trek, i enjoyed every second of the first episode, cant wait to see more. The character progression is spot on, effects are OK and the general art of the ships and stations feels very sci-fi'y to look at. I will keep watching the next episodes and recommend it to my friends, im seeing a bright and funny future in Orville.
  19. sbeecher
    Sep 11, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. For anyone who doesn't get Seth's humor, I beg you to watch it closer... he's making fun of you. The Orville is everything I expected from Seth MacFarlane and more. The supporting cast is flawlessly flawed and heartwarmingly normal. I fell in love with ALL of them, except Victor Garber, I already love him from DC. If they do a crossover with Jeff the Grey and Don the White... my head would explode. Clean colors! Clean style. No overdone effects. And as always punchlines galore.… Expand
  20. StevenS757
    Sep 11, 2017
    9
    As someone who has been a fan of all the Trek Series from TOS to ENT, I can state with some conviction that the "professional" critics have no idea what they're talking about. This show captures the feel of Trek and adds in good interpersonal relationships and enjoyable humor. The first episode is a little rough around the edges, but that's to be expected from a pilot episode. I had a tonAs someone who has been a fan of all the Trek Series from TOS to ENT, I can state with some conviction that the "professional" critics have no idea what they're talking about. This show captures the feel of Trek and adds in good interpersonal relationships and enjoyable humor. The first episode is a little rough around the edges, but that's to be expected from a pilot episode. I had a ton of fun watching it and can't wait for more. I think any Trek fan out there would enjoy it, but don't take my word for it. Go and watch it yourself.… Expand
  21. AgentOtter
    Sep 13, 2017
    10
    My girlfriend and I really enjoyed the first episode. She is not a Trekkie but I am, I loved the graphical style and nods to Star Trek. She thought it was funny and we both laughed quite hard at several of the jokes throughout the episode. We are both looking forward to next week's episode. Hopefully this wont be another of Fox's one season wonders. Dont listen to the critics, this is oneMy girlfriend and I really enjoyed the first episode. She is not a Trekkie but I am, I loved the graphical style and nods to Star Trek. She thought it was funny and we both laughed quite hard at several of the jokes throughout the episode. We are both looking forward to next week's episode. Hopefully this wont be another of Fox's one season wonders. Dont listen to the critics, this is one to watch.… Expand
  22. Psychotikus
    Sep 12, 2017
    10
    The critics wouldn't know a good show if it bit them on the ass.
    If you're one of those people who needs a laugh track to tell them when to giggle, bugger off.
    Oh but every show needs to be dark, gritty and have emotions ranging from teen angst to dude I have cancer. Again, bugger off. This show is bright, funny, and a welcome change. I'm hoping for 6 seasons and a movie based on the    The critics wouldn't know a good show if it bit them on the ass.
    If you're one of those people who needs a laugh track to tell them when to giggle, bugger off.
    Oh but every show needs to be dark, gritty and have emotions ranging from teen angst to dude I have cancer.
    Again, bugger off.
    This show is bright, funny, and a welcome change. I'm hoping for 6 seasons and a movie based on the pilot alone.    … Expand
  23. FoxReinhold
    Sep 13, 2017
    10
    It's the optimism of Star Trek The Next Generation mixed with Seth McFarlane humor. I'm not sure where the critics went wrong on this - I guess they thought it was going to be Family Guy in space - but it's not. The story isn't about some drunk captain going on crazy adventures with a zany crew, which is what it was seemingly marketed as; everyone is surprisingly competent at their jobIt's the optimism of Star Trek The Next Generation mixed with Seth McFarlane humor. I'm not sure where the critics went wrong on this - I guess they thought it was going to be Family Guy in space - but it's not. The story isn't about some drunk captain going on crazy adventures with a zany crew, which is what it was seemingly marketed as; everyone is surprisingly competent at their job on the ship and does it, although they all have character flaws, just like TNG characters did. The Orville is a love letter to Star Trek TNG, and Star Trek in general, with some occasional fun poked at it and some quips thrown in. This might actually be more Star Trek than the recent Star Trek movies and I hope it keeps that way. I want characters and storylines to develop, not something blowing up every 5 minutes because it can.… Expand
  24. PeteyFlip
    Sep 24, 2017
    10
    I love this show! I seriously hope it makes it for the long haul. It's a great Star Trek homage, along with basically the typical Seth MacFalane humor. I'm really enjoying it. The storyline is really good. I've seen homages to Star Trek and the Twilight Zone both so far along with hitting on real life issues here and there. Really a wonderful show.
  25. VikingBastich
    Sep 12, 2017
    10
    Ever since star trek went off the air, the world has been missing sci fi hope, optimism and a sliver of the roddenberry vision. The Orville reminds us what the future could look like when are the best versions of ourselves. TNG + Galaxy Quest + MASH + Farscape. This is everything I could have hoped for and more.
  26. spuger
    Sep 12, 2017
    10
    Star Trek: Orville hits all the right buttons. If you liked TNG, you'll love The Orville.

    The writers and actors have made this thing an absolute labor of love.
  27. danac
    Sep 12, 2017
    10
    I haven't laughed in a while, can't believe 45 minutes passed so quick. From the "can we have soda on bridge" to the guy welding outside this was a fun ride. Can't wait for the rest.
  28. Augen76
    Sep 25, 2017
    10
    Embodies much of what makes Star Trek great, with a lighter feel. Some of the jokes fall flat, but the characters are likable and the stories engaging. This is not a parody akin to Spaceballs, its a love letter to Star Trek with some modern humor. The sets, models, effects, and make up are all spot on giving the series a welcoming feel and surprisingly high production value. The alienEmbodies much of what makes Star Trek great, with a lighter feel. Some of the jokes fall flat, but the characters are likable and the stories engaging. This is not a parody akin to Spaceballs, its a love letter to Star Trek with some modern humor. The sets, models, effects, and make up are all spot on giving the series a welcoming feel and surprisingly high production value. The alien designs and concepts thus far have been diverse and fascinating. Using this as a back drop we get character and philosophical episodes that don't play out the way I expected which is refreshing. Score - 10/10 I haven't been this excited about a new television series in years because it really comes across as a passion project than a soulless money making product. It may take time to find its stride, but early on I am sold on The Orville.… Expand
  29. toenisk
    Sep 28, 2017
    10
    Love the new series. It's nice to have a show that is fun and not campy and at the same time fills the void until The Expanse returns. The future is not all doom and gloom.
  30. Dudleyk2
    Sep 29, 2017
    10
    I am amazed at how badly this was reviewed by the professional critics on this site. So many of the new Sci Fi shows as in Star Trek Discovery displays our future as one homogenized politically correct society. The characters in Orville are evolved and also show the same insecurity’s and weaknesses inherent in being human.
    Oh yeah and it is really entertaining
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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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