How Hulu’s 36-Episode Sci-Fi Series Changed Genres to Become a Masterpiece

A comedy that struggled

When The Orville premiered in 2017, it was promoted as a goofy comedy in the style of MacFarlane’s animated shows. The reviews were harsh, and its Rotten Tomatoes score was poor.

The article argues that the show’s live-action setting did not suit its original style of boundary-pushing jokes. Its science-fiction story and characters proved stronger when comedy was no longer forced into the foreground.

A turn toward serious science fiction

In season 2, The Orville began drawing more from shows such as Star Trek and The Expanse. Its critical fortunes improved soon after the shift. Comedy remained, but increasingly came from the main characters’ interactions. By the end of the season, the series had built a stronger sense of adventure, stakes and camaraderie.

A love letter to Star Trek

MacFarlane’s affection for Star Trek shaped the series as it evolved. What began as a bawdy parody became a more direct tribute to Gene Roddenberry’s work. The show also used political satire and social commentary, recalling more thoughtful space dramas such as Babylon 5 and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Though not part of the Star Trek franchise, The Orville came to resemble the kind of series it had once spoofed.

A premise change that worked

The story compares The Orville’s transformation with American Dad, another MacFarlane series that moved away from its initial political satire toward broader comedy. In both cases, a major change in tone proved beneficial.

The Orville’s later seasons did not abandon humor altogether. Instead, they placed it alongside more earnest science fiction, allowing the show to better reflect the genre it eventually embraced.