• 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:
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User Reviews

  1. Sep 23, 2017
    10
    decent show. critics are idiots. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  2. 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..
  3. Oct 15, 2017
    10
    This show is amazing. I feel like this is the show that fans of Star Trek have been waiting for. Watching the show is like putting on an old pair of shoes. There's just something comforting and familiar about it. Do not go into this show expecting Family Guy. This is a serious sci fi show with comedic elements, not a comedy with sci fi elements. Think of this show as TNG if the showThis show is amazing. I feel like this is the show that fans of Star Trek have been waiting for. Watching the show is like putting on an old pair of shoes. There's just something comforting and familiar about it. Do not go into this show expecting Family Guy. This is a serious sci fi show with comedic elements, not a comedy with sci fi elements. Think of this show as TNG if the show followed a crew of run-of-the-mill folks on an average ship instead of an exceptional crew on a top-of-the-line ship. The show deals with complicated issues in the same way that TNG used to but it lightens things up by letting the audience see that people are still people, no matter how advanced the society gets. All that being said, I feel like the best thing this show has going for it is that isn't bogged down with Star Trek's baggage. It gets to do all the fun stuff from Trek and the stuff the fans love, but it doesn't have to worry about violating decades of canon. If you are a fan of Trek, you should REALLY give this show a watch. You won't regret it. Expand
  4. Dec 20, 2017
    10
    See for yourself. I love the cast of characters. When they all get together and messing around with one another is brings such a smile to my face. This is one of the best shows on television right now!!! I can’t get enough of this show! Can’t wait till next season keep up the great work, everyone at the orville!!
  5. Oct 16, 2017
    10
    The Orville does Star Trek better than Star Trek has done it recently. Good cast, interesting stories. Things don't end up happy. McFarlane put out a really good show.
  6. Jan 4, 2019
    10
    Of course the critics don't get it. And I couldn't be happier about that. This is the Star Trek parody that Star Trek fans get and love. It's an homage in its most sincerest form that reminds us that even the future can be funny.
  7. Sep 12, 2017
    10
    I came into watching this thinking it was going to be horrible based on the reviews I read, but was happily surprised by how engaging the first episode was. For some reason people were expecting this to be like Angie Tribeca in outer space or something, but it was actually a fun mix of drama and humor. My other half typically hates sci-fi and never watched an episode of Star Trek andI came into watching this thinking it was going to be horrible based on the reviews I read, but was happily surprised by how engaging the first episode was. For some reason people were expecting this to be like Angie Tribeca in outer space or something, but it was actually a fun mix of drama and humor. My other half typically hates sci-fi and never watched an episode of Star Trek and enjoyed this as well. I really hope that the negative hype doesn't translate to the ratings. Glad to know at least one new show has made my DVR season pass list. Expand
  8. Dec 30, 2017
    10
    This show is amazingly good.

    I expected a comedy, and was hoping it might be a bit like Galaxy Quest. It's not as outright comedic, the humor is more underhanded and the scripts are actually better than typical Trek or Star Wars. I am binge watching the series right now, and the topics are pretty heavy handed but handled lightly. It's hard to describe, but it's some of the best
    This show is amazingly good.

    I expected a comedy, and was hoping it might be a bit like Galaxy Quest. It's not as outright comedic, the humor is more underhanded and the scripts are actually better than typical Trek or Star Wars.

    I am binge watching the series right now, and the topics are pretty heavy handed but handled lightly. It's hard to describe, but it's some of the best writing I've seen on television, and it's in a science fiction show. Go figure.

    Other than that, really fine acting, the graphics are top notch, and the scoring is really good - it's used sparingly and therefore is more impactful.

    Highly recommended. It's so good that I expect Fox to cancel it any minute.
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  9. Sep 29, 2017
    10
    I didnt know what to expect. I read some peoples opinion that this is more Star Trek than Discovery will ever be, but I had my doubts, because I fell for mainstream critics, whose completely biased and even more false "reviews" you can see here. I was actually hooked from the first episode.

    As I said, I had my doubts, I thought it would be a full blown parody of Star Trek, which I
    I didnt know what to expect. I read some peoples opinion that this is more Star Trek than Discovery will ever be, but I had my doubts, because I fell for mainstream critics, whose completely biased and even more false "reviews" you can see here. I was actually hooked from the first episode.

    As I said, I had my doubts, I thought it would be a full blown parody of Star Trek, which I wouldnt have cared for much, but its far far FAR from that.
    What would best describe it? Star Trek. But massively expanded on its humor. But no parody at all. Maybe here and there a few puns, but nothing that would make the show look ridiculous. It actually has very serious topics in its episodes, which bring tears to my eyes due to laughter (seriously, some of the best jokes and situational comedy I have ever seen) and due to being such a contrast to the propaganda that is Discovery and blowing it out of Star Trek waters, which is ultimately why it gets a 10 and not a 9 from me.

    You love every single character instantly. Yes, every single one of them. They are original, they are diverse, they are good actors, they all fit together well, the dialogs are witty, intelligent, funny and even as deep as Star Trek on its best day. The chemistry is simply amazing.

    With Discovery, Star Trek has been raped by the neoliberal ideology to unrecognizability, but this is a more than worthy successor! And thats also why I am not surprised at all, that those very neoliberal "critics" are trashing it that much. They know exactly its 1000 times better than Discovery, but doesnt offer any propaganda value for their side, in fact exposes it.

    I can only recommend to watch it yourself instead of trusting these paid demagogues. You will laugh, and you will recognize Star Trek in it.
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  10. Oct 17, 2017
    10
    It was easy for me to get over the comedy being a little cringeworthy and just enjoy this show for what it is. It's a huge homage to Star Trek in a positive way (not a parody), and it's much more of a Star Trek show than Star Trek Discovery or JJ Trek. The episodes are engaging, thoughtful, and puristic. I really hope they keep this show alive -- the critics slamming this show isIt was easy for me to get over the comedy being a little cringeworthy and just enjoy this show for what it is. It's a huge homage to Star Trek in a positive way (not a parody), and it's much more of a Star Trek show than Star Trek Discovery or JJ Trek. The episodes are engaging, thoughtful, and puristic. I really hope they keep this show alive -- the critics slamming this show is absolutely appalling to me. Expand
  11. Mar 1, 2019
    10
    Really surprised by The Orville, it has the essence of Star Trek, and engaging characters. I have no idea why the critics gave it such crappy scores. It is entertainment not rocket science!
  12. Mar 18, 2019
    10
    Don’t listen to the critics, is all I can say. This is the type of lighthearted sci-fi we all loved, back, when Star Trek still was a thing.
  13. 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!
  14. Sep 11, 2017
    10
    Whilst like all shows in this genre, the first episode is a bit rocky. However, despite the newness and the oddities shown, clearly inspired by MacFarlane's previous creations and work, the pilot shows the possible beginnings of a story surrounding the captaincy, as well as establishing new races and characters in their roles. Personally, I am looking forward to more of this universe.
  15. Jan 3, 2019
    10
    A fantastic show that brings back the real spirit of Star Trek. This show is fun and exciting and I can’t wait to watch every episode.
  16. Oct 2, 2017
    10
    The critics are totally off on this one. This show carries the spirit of Gene Rodenberry forward than any other show out now. The characters are both interesting and believable, plot lines are engaging and thought provoking, and the feel of the show is inspirational. Seriously, this show needs to be on the must see list for any Trekkie.
  17. Oct 9, 2017
    10
    Its TNG meets A Million Ways to Die in the West. Some jokes fall flat or feel forced, but some are absolutely hilarious and unforgettable. Jokes aside, there has also been storytelling that is spot on Star Trek that was really well done. I've only seen 5 episodes, and so far I am absolutely pumped. It's everything you like about Star Trek with comedy thrown in.

    Also: It keeps
    Its TNG meets A Million Ways to Die in the West. Some jokes fall flat or feel forced, but some are absolutely hilarious and unforgettable. Jokes aside, there has also been storytelling that is spot on Star Trek that was really well done. I've only seen 5 episodes, and so far I am absolutely pumped. It's everything you like about Star Trek with comedy thrown in.

    Also: It keeps getting better and better.
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  18. gtb
    Jan 8, 2019
    10
    Seth Macfarlane's love of TNG comes through in every aspect of The Orville.
  19. Oct 1, 2017
    10
    As a 30-year-old growing up in Canada on cold snowy nights curling up and watching Trek with my family was a highlight growing up. Orville hits this ooey-gooey feeling right on the nose, it just feels; Trek.

    Also: interesting disparity between the critic reviews and the user reviews; gee wizz, could the critics be *GASP* wrong?
  20. 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
  21. Feb 8, 2018
    10
    This show, while being surprisingly comedic, has exactly what uninteresting Series like Star Trek Discovery lack: character development, relative freedom from real-life problems of our time, the aim to entertain instead of trying to teach the viewer what they should think.

    This series does not take itself too serious, which is a refreshing concept for this kind of sci-fi. The lack of
    This show, while being surprisingly comedic, has exactly what uninteresting Series like Star Trek Discovery lack: character development, relative freedom from real-life problems of our time, the aim to entertain instead of trying to teach the viewer what they should think.

    This series does not take itself too serious, which is a refreshing concept for this kind of sci-fi. The lack of positive reviews from the mass media shows, that they do not at all understand this.
    The average viewer, who just wants to be entertained, does.
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  22. 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.
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  23. Nov 12, 2017
    10
    A great mix of seriousness and comedy. Of course the professional critics have failed to dislodge the sticks from their rears to realize this. Watch the show. Its great.
  24. Sep 27, 2017
    10
    this is what Star Trek: Discovery was supposed to be. This is Star Trek in all its forms, it also has hilarious moments, granted, some fall a bit short, but it is a great TV show!
  25. Dec 19, 2017
    10
    Yet again, proof that critics and fans are different pages. This show is everything I have been wanting and didn't know. Reminiscent of Star Trek (even more than Star Trek Discovery). It is funny at all the right moments and serious at all the right moments. Every episode was better than the previous. I hope this show has many more seasons to come.
  26. 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
  27. Sep 24, 2017
    10
    The Orville is a fantastic fresh take on a the bleak and dark Star Trek franchise. It is essentially Star Trek, but better. By giving us a dramedy set in the style of Next Generation, this show has the bright future to break out at least more seasons than Star Trek the orignal series.

    No doubt the mainstream critics were paid off to bash it due to Discovery debuting. Discovery will be a
    The Orville is a fantastic fresh take on a the bleak and dark Star Trek franchise. It is essentially Star Trek, but better. By giving us a dramedy set in the style of Next Generation, this show has the bright future to break out at least more seasons than Star Trek the orignal series.

    No doubt the mainstream critics were paid off to bash it due to Discovery debuting. Discovery will be a bland, dark, bleak, piece of SJW crap from a show that has lost it's way. Do yourself a favor, if you want to go back to the way Star Trek is supposed to be then watch this show.

    Also.... FOX do not screw us over.
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  28. 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
  29. 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!
  30. Jan 5, 2019
    10
    I'll keep this short and sweet - First episode of of season 2 was funny as; i found myself rolling on the floor laughing, time and again. This is the best Star Trek series going bar none. Do yourself a huge favour and watch The Orville. Feel good TV at its very best.
Metascore
36

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 21
  2. Negative: 10 out of 21
  1. 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.
  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. 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.