For many sci-fi fans, The Orville is considered a spiritual successor to Star Trek: The Next Generation. Even though it isn't officially part of the franchise, many feel it captures the essence of classic-era Star Trek moreso than even modern Star Trek shows such as Star Trek: Discovery or Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
It makes sense when you consider creator and star Seth MacFarlane has openly admitted in the past to making the show because he loved The Next Generation and wanted to recreate that style of storytelling. Although The Orville is noticably more comedic, it features the same type of storytelling as classic Trek series, such as standalone episodic adventures, moral and philosophical dillemans, and a focus on diplomacy and exploration rather than constant action.
Unfortunately, The Orville went on hiatus after just its third season ended in August 2022, when many considered it to be at its creative peak. Season 3, The Orville: New Horizons, which aired on Hulu was notable for having longer episodes, more cinematic visuals and effets, and larger story arcs. The tone of the series also matured into deeper science-fiction storytelling, similar to Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Despite the strong momentum it had going for it, production logistics got in the way. The biggest pain point was Seth MacFarlane's extremely busy schedule. As he writes, produces, and stars in the show, it became difficult for him to juggle multiple projects, which also included Family Guy, American Dad!, and the Ted series. There were also industry disruptions with COVID-19, the 2023 writers' and actors' strikes, and just general uncertainty around timing and scheduling.
But despite all that, The Orville has not officially been canceled. And according ot MacFarlane, Season 4 is actually written! There's just one problem, and it's the same issue that caused the series to go on hiatus to begin with.
“I will be honest with you: Season four is written,” MacFarlane told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s just a question of when we have the time to produce it.”
"The 10 scripts are done,” MacFarlane said. “I’m the problem. It’s [a matter of] when I can make that my year, with all the other stuff we have in the works. But we can hit the ground running when it happens.”
Sadly, we don't know when MacFarlane's schedule will let up. He's currently still juggling multiple TV and development projects, including Ted Season 2, which premieres this month. As one of the industry's top-tier sci-fi franchises, here's hoping MacFarlane can find time to focus on The Orville, especially now with no new Star Trek shows in production.