The Orville

Editor Reviews

• Vale Thornton

  Rating: 7

  7

  September 3, 2025

  If you appreciate the optimistic vision of space exploration and the ethical dilemmas often presented in 'The Expanse,' but with a healthy dose of humor and heart, 'The Orville' is a delightful surprise. Created by Seth MacFarlane, this series is a loving homage to classic 'Star Trek,' blending episodic adventures with character-driven storytelling. \n\nDon't let the comedic tone fool you; 'The Orville' tackles serious sci-fi concepts and social commentary with surprising depth. \n\nMacFarlane, who also stars as Captain Ed Mercer, wanted to create a show that recaptured the sense of wonder and intelligent storytelling of his favorite sci-fi. The show's strength lies in its ability to explore complex moral questions and societal issues through the lens of its diverse alien crew, often leading to thought-provoking conclusions. It's a show that genuinely cares about its characters and the universe they inhabit, offering a refreshing take on the space opera genre. If you're looking for smart, engaging sci-fi that can make you laugh and think, 'The Orville' delivers.

• Morgan Chen

  Rating: 5

  5

  July 11, 2025

  If you're looking for something that feels like a direct spiritual successor to the golden age of Star Trek (specifically TNG), The Orville is your destination. Created by and starring Seth MacFarlane, this show brilliantly balances classic episodic sci-fi adventures with genuinely funny humor and surprisingly deep character development and social commentary. It started out feeling like a parody, but quickly evolved into a heartfelt homage that tackles complex ethical dilemmas and explores the wonders and dangers of space with a sincere appreciation for the genre. The production values are top-notch, and the cast truly embodies the feel of a found family exploring the final frontier. It's the closest thing you'll find to new classic Trek.