Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rude language, mild violence in curious sci-fi dramedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Orville
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Parents say this show is a unique blend of comedy and science fiction, reminiscent of classic space series while introducing a more contemporary and often mature humor. While it features strong character development and social commentary, several parents caution that the show's content is not suitable for younger audiences due to frequent adult themes and language.
- adult themes
- character development
- humorous elements
- not kid-friendly
- contemporary issues
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 7 kid reviews
What's the Story?
THE ORVILLE stars Seth MacFarlane (who also wrote and created the show) as Captain Ed Mercer, a square-jawed hero who leads the loyal crew of the U.S.S. Orville on an exploratory mission through space 400 years from now. At his side, second-in-command Kelly Grayson (Adrianne Palicki), who also happens to be Mercer's ex-wife. Zing! Along for the ride are jittery security officer Alara (Halston Sage), stern Lieutenant Commander Bortus (Peter Macon), and steadfast physician Dr. Claire Finn (Penny Johnson Jerald), sworn to protect other life-forms and live up to the ideals of the planetary Union that unites their world -- even when evil aliens attack.
Is It Any Good?
Neither the flat-out Galaxy Quest-esque satire of space shows, nor the MacFarlane rapid-fire joke-a-tron that viewers might expect, this series strikes a genuinely puzzling tone. There are jokes, and given MacFarlane's talent, they're often good ones, rooted in the kind of space-drama mythology that genre fans (which MacFarlane happily admits to being) love. In the first episode of The Orville, Bortus explains that the members of his race, the Moclans, only pee once a year. "Really?" says Mercer. "I'm up two, three times a night." "That is unfortunate," says Bortus gravely.
But long, long stretches pass with no jokes, not even attempts. And slowly it dawns on the viewer: The "message" storylines about tolerance and kindness and bravery are being taken seriously. This isn't a parody of Star Trek: The Next Generation, despite the similarity of Bortus' head wrinkles to Worf's (and to Dr. Lazarus' in Galaxy Quest) -- it's an homage. MacFarlane is fanboying all over space shows, and Fox is letting him do it. And thus we can expect sub-vintage sitcom-level plot lines, unsubtle "smile on your brother" preachiness, and the occasional really good d--k joke. If that sounds like your thing, have at it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about which TV shows and movies The Orville is spoofing. Is it funny even if you haven't seen the original shows it's based on? Why or why not?
This series, like the shows it's inspired by, has a lot of diversity in its cast. Why does having diverse media role models matter?
Have you watched any other Seth MacFarlane shows? Is this show alike or different from these shows? Were you surprised by this?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 10, 2017
- Cast : Seth MacFarlane , Adrianne Palicki , Halston Sage , Scott Grimes
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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