Confession: I wasn't enthusiastic when I heard Seth MacFarlane was doing a Star Trek-style sci-fi show called The Orville. I assumed it would be a live-action Family Guy – not that there's anything wrong with that. I love Family Guy, but we don't need another Family Guy (we already have American Dad). But, to my surprise, after a rocky start, The Orville wound up being a charming sci-fi/comedy that took the whole space opera aspect relatively seriously. Sure, there were many silly jokes, but there were also some fantastic episodes, such as an early one, "About a Girl," which digs into some thorny, contemporary issues in a way that's not overly preachy.
While the show was only ever mildly successful on Fox, a third season was ordered with a very welcome caveat – it would be airing on Hulu. Being a streaming show, fans figured they'd be able to get away with a little more, but sadly, production on the season had been very start-and-stop due to that familiar reason, COVID 19. The season started filming way back in October 2019 but had to be abandoned in March of 2020 when the first wave started. It went back into production in December but paused again in January during the third wave but has since resumed.
Now, after no word for a few months, Deadline reveals through an interview with Hulu's head of scripted originals that the third season is pretty close to being ready. He told the outlet that's he's seen rough cuts coming in and, "I can't share a launch date, but we're really excited about what we've seen thus far."
Hellman also seemed keen on a fourth season and that the show would find a new life on Hulu. "I believe the fans of the show that are coming to us from Fox will be deeply excited and satiated. I also think for new fans that maybe didn't experience it; it will feel new to them."
So there you have it! If you haven't watched The Orville yet, give it a shot. It's a pleasant space show that's a lot better than some of the legit Star Trek shows we've gotten in recent years.