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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User Reviews

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  1. masterdirk
    Sep 22, 2017
    7
    I am happy that the postive vibe of Star Trek has returned, although the writing and acting is not as strong as in the days of TNG. But what not is, can still come, although reaching Picard-level is not possible i am afraid.

    I really hope they will find a more refined way of humor in stead of the childish rudeness and swearing that constantly feels like something that doesnt fit.    I am happy that the postive vibe of Star Trek has returned, although the writing and acting is not as strong as in the days of TNG. But what not is, can still come, although reaching Picard-level is not possible i am afraid.

    I really hope they will find a more refined way of humor in stead of the childish rudeness and swearing that constantly feels like something that doesnt fit.

    This age of HD tv makes the furniture look cheap, although i assume, back in the days it was cheaper. I also hope they will find a way to improve the sound of the voices. It sounds like they are in a studio with nothing on the walls and not in a ship where you would expect they would have pleasant acoustics.    … Expand
  2. Baelzar
    Sep 22, 2017
    3
    Worst of both worlds; weak humor and weak drama. WHY didn't he go straight comedy on this?! Why try to make a lightweight Trek clone, rather than a farce like Angie Tribeca, Airplane, Spaceballs, A Touch of Cloth...even Family Guy? This is one season and done.
  3. shoulderoforion
    Sep 21, 2017
    9
    This show's great, the "professional critics" need to lube up being so dry they can't even recognize a fun well made Trek send up when they see one. I'd say Orville is at least twice as good as Enterprise ever was.
  4. lenalan
    Sep 21, 2017
    8
    When I first watched this I was expecting something like Galaxy Quest in a Spaceballs style, not Star Trek the college years. So a few days ago I watched the first 2 episodes again and found that I liked it.
    It is Star Trek at its core with a tongue in cheek approach. I wonder if many of the negative reviews come from that initial thought of what the show was advertised as and what it    When I first watched this I was expecting something like Galaxy Quest in a Spaceballs style, not Star Trek the college years. So a few days ago I watched the first 2 episodes again and found that I liked it.
    It is Star Trek at its core with a tongue in cheek approach. I wonder if many of the negative reviews come from that initial thought of what the show was advertised as and what it actually was.    … Expand
  5. Funestis
    Sep 21, 2017
    9
    I think everybody thought that this show will be just a parodic comedy full of bad jokes. Nobody expected a legit light sci Fi show (although if anybody bothered to check, Seth MacFarlane gave an interview in which he said that the show was not a spuf but a legit thing). I like it, it has some edginess in it, the characters are normal people in stressful working environment withI think everybody thought that this show will be just a parodic comedy full of bad jokes. Nobody expected a legit light sci Fi show (although if anybody bothered to check, Seth MacFarlane gave an interview in which he said that the show was not a spuf but a legit thing). I like it, it has some edginess in it, the characters are normal people in stressful working environment with horrifying/&/ly mundane problems plagued with set of prejudices about everybody else around them to full the set (not star-trecky demigod competent judges, don't get me wrong I love that to, a lot). i think this difference will make this show to stand out in this type of genre.… Expand
  6. nilsy
    Sep 20, 2017
    8
    Right now im feeling this is just ok not bad.
    But give it some time it has the potential to become a cult series if they improve it, we all knew this was going to get crappy professional reviews best ignore those they would not know a good tv show if they were PAID to review it.
  7. screenplayhouse
    Sep 20, 2017
    4
    ORVILLE accidentally asks a very curious legal question: can STAR TREK be considered a genre instead of brand?

    This show takes Trek and simply changes a few names and designs and VOILA has created what lots of people are calling 'funny Star Trek'. To me that's the lawsuit right there. We admit it's Star Trek but as a Seth McFarlane 'comedy'. Yes, I know, GALAXY QUEST borrowed    ORVILLE accidentally asks a very curious legal question: can STAR TREK be considered a genre instead of brand?

    This show takes Trek and simply changes a few names and designs and VOILA has created what lots of people are calling 'funny Star Trek'. To me that's the lawsuit right there. We admit it's Star Trek but as a Seth McFarlane 'comedy'.

    Yes, I know, GALAXY QUEST borrowed heavily from Trek as well. But since it was a parody of Trek and Trekkies it made more sense. How are you to satirize Trek and Trekkies with being similar too Trek?

    ORVILLE isn't a parody of Trek. It's Trek trying to be funny. And this is why watching this show makes me feel DIRTY. I'm watching someone steal a show I love and cashing in on lame jokes. If Trek wanted to do this, okay, but I don't think this should be allowed by entities outside of the trademark.

    I know. You don't believe me. So suppose I told you there was a new comedy on NETFLIX called BERGFELD. Bergfeld is a Brooklyn cartoonist with an extremely popular cartoon about a Jewish guy like himself living in Brooklyn. In the cartoon are his three real life best friends and building neighbors --

    1. Alanna -- his cute but sassy ex-wife.
    2. Louie Castanzoni -- his grade school Italian American friend who's as macho as he's insecure
    3. Creamer -- a bald odd ball wackjob friend who gave up porn to become a mad home inventor

    What makes Bergfeld different that Seinfeld is that it sometimes has very dramatic moments.

    You don't think that's a lawsuit? Think again. It's turning a brand into a genre and copying it too closely. So once you can get past all of this --

    -- you realize this sorry show is Seth's way of playing Captain and sitting in the Captain's chair. We get too much of this these days. Jimmy Fallon isn't an awesome talk show host. He's a guy playing out his childhood dream of being Johnny Carson.

    Sad.    … Expand
  8. SimoneRenee
    Sep 19, 2017
    8
    I have honestly never really felt compelled to write a review before, but I think this deserves one! Because I honestly think the critics are wrong! I've only seen the two episodes to air so far, and they're funny, cute, and have a lot of heart. Yeah you probably have to like Seth Macfarlane and cheesy syfy to enjoy the show, but I do, and so do a lot of people. The feel is a little likeI have honestly never really felt compelled to write a review before, but I think this deserves one! Because I honestly think the critics are wrong! I've only seen the two episodes to air so far, and they're funny, cute, and have a lot of heart. Yeah you probably have to like Seth Macfarlane and cheesy syfy to enjoy the show, but I do, and so do a lot of people. The feel is a little like star trek, but to me it also feels a lot like Firefly. It's not a spoof, but it also doesn't take itself too seriously. There's some comedy, and some action. It's a fun show with a fun cast, and I hope it sticks around.… Expand
  9. SonnyZ
    Sep 19, 2017
    10
    Never felt compelled to write a review. Great show , critics are wrong . Family guy meets Star Trek . Hope fox doesn't blow this like they did other shows only to bring them back. Show has great possibilities.
  10. brettsp
    Sep 19, 2017
    10
    I love this show, I don't remember a time I have disagreed with the critics more. It's fun and easy to watch and makes me feel all warm and tingly inside. Star Trek with testicle and infidelity jokes, I mean come on, what more can you ask for!
  11. twistsanny
    Sep 19, 2017
    10
    I thought the first episode was a lot of fun, I read some really negative reviews but it was pretty good. It wasn't all that funny (which is kind of important I guess) but it set up the show in a interesting way and some of the characters are really entertaining(my actual honest score: 7.5)
  12. Josh93945
    Sep 19, 2017
    9
    As someone who has seen almost every Star Trek episode (except TOS), I actually really enjoy this so far. I have no idea why it's being hammered by critics. The hour long format is perfect, and allows slightly more involved stories. I never took Star Trek seriously enough to go to a convention or measure the physical aspects of the ship, but appreciated the interesting sci-fi plotAs someone who has seen almost every Star Trek episode (except TOS), I actually really enjoy this so far. I have no idea why it's being hammered by critics. The hour long format is perfect, and allows slightly more involved stories. I never took Star Trek seriously enough to go to a convention or measure the physical aspects of the ship, but appreciated the interesting sci-fi plot situations, characters, and philosophical approach. The two episodes of this show so far beat out the reboot movies for me. I'm not the biggest McFarlane-show fan, but the jokes aren't machine gunned down our throats like his others and I actually did laugh more often than not. If you're expecting a McFarlane comedy, you'll be disappointed. If you're expecting "serious" Star Trek, you'll be disappointed. But if you want something that straddles that line and pays comedic homage while being intriguing and having the "curious wonder" aspect of Star Trek, you should really enjoy it.… Expand
  13. beachldy
    Sep 19, 2017
    9
    Wow, this is a great show, particularly for Trekkies. The humor is not ROFL (not supposed to be), but light-hearted and just enough to get the parody of the Star Trek series. I was surprised that the special effects and filming was up to par with other science fiction shows. The characters are likable and the series entertaining. If you like sci-fi and a touch of humor, this show isWow, this is a great show, particularly for Trekkies. The humor is not ROFL (not supposed to be), but light-hearted and just enough to get the parody of the Star Trek series. I was surprised that the special effects and filming was up to par with other science fiction shows. The characters are likable and the series entertaining. If you like sci-fi and a touch of humor, this show is not to be missed. I am surprised at how the "pro" reviews didn't even give it a chance...but if you check the consensus all over the internet, the user reviews and ratings are completely the opposite, showing that is it a very much loved series so far.… Expand
  14. Ragefist
    Sep 18, 2017
    10
    "Finally!" is the most accurate comment to give this show. There is finally a true successor to Star Trek. Not in the sense of the newer Star Trek; more like classic Star Trek but with intentional comedy. The critics giving this show hate are horrible. It is not simple slapstick, but is instead taking time to develop interesting characters while incorporating well timed jokes alongside a"Finally!" is the most accurate comment to give this show. There is finally a true successor to Star Trek. Not in the sense of the newer Star Trek; more like classic Star Trek but with intentional comedy. The critics giving this show hate are horrible. It is not simple slapstick, but is instead taking time to develop interesting characters while incorporating well timed jokes alongside a rich and intriguing story. The scenarios we as viewers will embark on in this show promise to be phenomenal.… Expand
  15. anandb
    Sep 18, 2017
    9
    Good show, some great nostalgia for me- the intro, the score, the ship itself, all very nice homages to trek. And even beyond the trekkiness, its a lighthearted show with decent production values and a good mix of comedy and drama. Based on the 2 episodes that have aired so far, this show get's a thumbs up from me.

    I dont get the critical consensus. Why must this show decide if its a    Good show, some great nostalgia for me- the intro, the score, the ship itself, all very nice homages to trek. And even beyond the trekkiness, its a lighthearted show with decent production values and a good mix of comedy and drama. Based on the 2 episodes that have aired so far, this show get's a thumbs up from me.

    I dont get the critical consensus. Why must this show decide if its a comedy or scifi? Is it a crime to be both? Nobody wants to be the critic that liked the pleb show that went against the prestige television grain. Pretty cowardly if you ask me.    … Expand
  16. BeLT789
    Sep 18, 2017
    8
    I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the first two episodes that aired so far, given that I consider myself a trekkie and do not consider myself a Seth MacFarlane fan. Star Trek is great, but it takes itself too seriously too often. The Orville so far is a refreshing change of a space sci-fi series that will never be accused of being heavy on drama, yet remains story-driven withI was surprised at how much I enjoyed the first two episodes that aired so far, given that I consider myself a trekkie and do not consider myself a Seth MacFarlane fan. Star Trek is great, but it takes itself too seriously too often. The Orville so far is a refreshing change of a space sci-fi series that will never be accused of being heavy on drama, yet remains story-driven with interesting and likable characters. And it made me laugh! So I'm an early fan.… Expand
  17. BillJustBill
    Sep 18, 2017
    0
    Television comedy shows are supposed to be quick and funny. Watch any of the good long-running shows currently on the air or in an infinite schedule of re-runs. So we can generalize that with TV comedy there are two things that need to be avoided: slow and unfunny. Unfortunately The Orville has both these qualities, in combination with a show name over which one can only scratch one's headTelevision comedy shows are supposed to be quick and funny. Watch any of the good long-running shows currently on the air or in an infinite schedule of re-runs. So we can generalize that with TV comedy there are two things that need to be avoided: slow and unfunny. Unfortunately The Orville has both these qualities, in combination with a show name over which one can only scratch one's head in puzzlement and awed disbelief (how did they possibly decide on it?). Seth is so likeable it's hard to be critical of anything he's involved in. But the show I watched yesterday, episode 1, does provide a way. It was his idea and (I guess) he wrote it, either alone or with collaboration. The first script just had to be funnier and quicker than what I saw on the air. Otherwise this dull, plodding thing would never have gotten this far. What could have happened? Who knows? One can only go by the final result. Hence the score above.… Expand
  18. night4
    Sep 18, 2017
    7
    It's good, but it's certainly NOT what the promos made it out to be. It is not a comedy. It is not a Seth McFarlane comedy, as the humor is rather tame. It's Star Trek: The Next Generation, remade. That might be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the viewer.

    I think it's a good thing, overall. I got some hardcore TNG nostalgia watching the first episode, from the music in    It's good, but it's certainly NOT what the promos made it out to be. It is not a comedy. It is not a Seth McFarlane comedy, as the humor is rather tame. It's Star Trek: The Next Generation, remade. That might be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the viewer.

    I think it's a good thing, overall. I got some hardcore TNG nostalgia watching the first episode, from the music in particular. It's about as close as it possibly could be without violating copyright.

    If you're not a TNG fan, you'll probably want to skip it.    … Expand
  19. Mooncalfian
    Sep 18, 2017
    9
    Don't listen to the critics. This show is an easy 8 after the first couple of episodes, and I believe it'll go up to a 9 out of 10, easily. The Orville is here to stay. It'll gain a cult following, because it's the right blend of seriousness and jokes and drama, with lovable characters and a great cast.

    The whole atmosphere of the show feels just right. Even the lighting and the music    Don't listen to the critics. This show is an easy 8 after the first couple of episodes, and I believe it'll go up to a 9 out of 10, easily. The Orville is here to stay. It'll gain a cult following, because it's the right blend of seriousness and jokes and drama, with lovable characters and a great cast.

    The whole atmosphere of the show feels just right. Even the lighting and the music tickles the nostalgia bone for Trek fans, while giving us imaginative spins on older ideas. The pacing is great, sucking you in and making you chuckle through the first half of the episode, and then giving you some action or drama at the end. Everything feels fresh and warm; it's like comfort food for sci fi nerds, and the amusing thing is it actually sticks MORE to Gene Roddenberry's original vision of a Trek future than the newer Trek attempts have.

    Unlike some comedies, I want to see what happens to the characters. I want to see them succeed. They play off each other in a way that shows really nice promise for character development and actor chemistry. If you go into this show looking for laughs every minute, you'll be disappointed. If you expect a straight up parody, you'll be disappointed. It's more akin to something like Scrubs or Bojack Horseman; strong themes, with gags and flippancy thrown in, but without ever really breaking away from the internal logical boundaries they've set for themselves. The absurdities only really come from the realities, sort of like The Office, but in space.

    Do not listen to the critics on this one. They are way off the mark here.    … Expand
  20. Prosmooth
    Sep 18, 2017
    9
    Wow. I almost always agree with the consensus of critics, but not this time. This is a really fun and funny show. I gave it a chance because I thought the trailer was funny. Glad I did, because the first two episodes have been really great. Not every show has to have the depth of The Leftovers or Twin Peaks to be considered a successful endeavor.
  21. Frydaddy15
    Sep 18, 2017
    9
    Looked at critic reviews, they must be some turds who watched the show. It's well-written, well produced, and above all fun. Now if you're expecting non stop laughs or deep intellectual sci fi, yeah don't bother. But it hits all the notes it needs to, it's something anyone can watch and get a kick out of. Jokes are hit or miss, but the actors and writers care about it, and that makes itLooked at critic reviews, they must be some turds who watched the show. It's well-written, well produced, and above all fun. Now if you're expecting non stop laughs or deep intellectual sci fi, yeah don't bother. But it hits all the notes it needs to, it's something anyone can watch and get a kick out of. Jokes are hit or miss, but the actors and writers care about it, and that makes it worth watching. Hope it lasts long enough to earn a few seasons.… Expand
  22. Folly197
    Sep 18, 2017
    10
    The Orville is a dry, sarcastic spoof of star trek and it does so brilliantly. It is witty and the whole feel of the show makes us believe we are watching star trek but find ourselves laughing. The graphics and set design is superb and the pace of the show is quick. The characters are likeable and each have their own quirk that makes them individual. Very keen to see the story ark they goThe Orville is a dry, sarcastic spoof of star trek and it does so brilliantly. It is witty and the whole feel of the show makes us believe we are watching star trek but find ourselves laughing. The graphics and set design is superb and the pace of the show is quick. The characters are likeable and each have their own quirk that makes them individual. Very keen to see the story ark they go with or whether it'll just be individual episodes. Do not listen to the critics on this one, clearly some of them have never seen a satiric sci-fi before. Haven't enjoyed this genre since I first saw Galaxy Quest.… Expand
  23. felixthecat
    Sep 17, 2017
    6
    I really wanted to like the show and I'm not quite ready to give up on it yet it just seems to be a show sure what it wants to be . I hate that sloppy pop culture references they make which just totally kicks me out of it being a science-fiction show . The writing needs serious work.
  24. mrquizzical
    Sep 16, 2017
    9
    The Orville is not Family Guy in space, which seems to be what many critics were expecting. Instead, it's something much better: Star Trek without the ultra-earnestness and righteousness that often made shows like Voyager and Enterprise such a drag (IMO). It does wonders when a Star Trek-like universe is coupled with a lighter tone and crew members are allowed to be less than perfect. IThe Orville is not Family Guy in space, which seems to be what many critics were expecting. Instead, it's something much better: Star Trek without the ultra-earnestness and righteousness that often made shows like Voyager and Enterprise such a drag (IMO). It does wonders when a Star Trek-like universe is coupled with a lighter tone and crew members are allowed to be less than perfect. I found the Orville really enjoyable. Give it a chance!… Expand
  25. Pdfortune
    Sep 15, 2017
    5
    It is ultra poor man's Star Trek; which also tries to be funny. It fails on both fronts. It is barely funny. I'll watch another episode to see if it gets better. I think it will get cancelled soon.
  26. Spydar71
    Sep 15, 2017
    8
    I am a huge ST fan and I loved this. These critics are nuts and I think they wrote their opinions expecting the public would hate it and now they look the fool. The graphics for the show may not have been top notch, but what season 1 of any sci fi series had high funding? It was good enough and should the show continue to get the responses from viewers I am seeing, will get better inI am a huge ST fan and I loved this. These critics are nuts and I think they wrote their opinions expecting the public would hate it and now they look the fool. The graphics for the show may not have been top notch, but what season 1 of any sci fi series had high funding? It was good enough and should the show continue to get the responses from viewers I am seeing, will get better in season 2. I gave it an 8 for this first ep, only because I felt that there needs to be a little work on timing of jokes and finding that perfect balance between comedy and drama that they are going for. I think that given time the show will find its footing and has the potential to be a great show with a 7 year run. Unless of course FOX gives it their usual sci-fi treatment. Just ask Joss Whedon. Anywho, I am looking forward to watching more of this season and I'm fully expecting to see improvements in writing and timing as the crew learns to work together.
    Also, I was excited to see the actress that played Cassidy Yates on DS9 as a main character (Med officer). I hope they get as few more ST alums on there to play parody roles. Would be great to see Patrick Steward play a funny character or a washed up captain to contrast his ST role. I'm sure he would do it.    … Expand
  27. Grim9999
    Sep 14, 2017
    9
    Very good overall. Funny and with enough serious treatment of the material to make it not seem like a full-blown parody. Seth acting is surprisingly effective I found, not quite as good as some of his co-stars but that's ok.
    Some of the humor is more of a subtle parody too I noticed - for example when Gordon is showing off his flying skills when attacking an enemy ship. Then it shows him    Very good overall. Funny and with enough serious treatment of the material to make it not seem like a full-blown parody. Seth acting is surprisingly effective I found, not quite as good as some of his co-stars but that's ok.
    Some of the humor is more of a subtle parody too I noticed - for example when Gordon is showing off his flying skills when attacking an enemy ship. Then it shows him celebrating with John and high fiving etc. - but the ship is still shown completing the complex maneuvers when he is not touching any of the controls. Seemingly an error but actually pretty funny.
    Critics are wrong on this one and need to give things more of a chance. It is more serious then they were expecting also which I think is making them give negative reviews.
    Will keep watching this for sure.    … Expand
  28. jubob2
    Sep 14, 2017
    10
    Until I saw my first episode of The Orville, not since Firefly have I wanted to watch an outer space show. What in the world can the critics be thinking? This show is brilliant. Diversity of characters, humor, special effects, acting, interior design ;o) I love it!!! Please jump on the bandwagon and save this show from critics with an obvious dearth of humor genes. I love The Orville.Until I saw my first episode of The Orville, not since Firefly have I wanted to watch an outer space show. What in the world can the critics be thinking? This show is brilliant. Diversity of characters, humor, special effects, acting, interior design ;o) I love it!!! Please jump on the bandwagon and save this show from critics with an obvious dearth of humor genes. I love The Orville. Perhaps I've understated this?… Expand
  29. dotfail
    Sep 14, 2017
    10
    I thought the show was funny, visually very interesting and engaged in well-executed storytelling. I enjoyed the pilot immensely and will tune in again..
  30. JadenFrost
    Sep 14, 2017
    10
    Loved it. I find some of seths stuff hit and miss, Don't like Ted but love family guy. This was an extremely fun show if you like spoofy stuff. If you liked galaxy quest you'll probably like this.
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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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