The Orville: New Horizons transformed a comedy-drama into a bold, high-budget science fiction epic
In short: After moving from Fox to Hulu, The Orville returned for a third season that pushed its narrative boundaries. With a higher budget and a darker tone, the series explored complex philosophical themes, from the ethics of gender reassignment to the trauma of war, while maintaining its identity as a sci-fi successor.
The third season, subtitled New Horizons, debuted on June 2, 2022, following a protracted production cycle. Originally slated for a 2020 premiere, filming began in October 2019 but faced multiple interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including halts in March 2020 and January 2021. Production finally concluded in August 2021. This season marked a significant shift for the series, moving from its original home on Fox to streaming exclusively on Hulu, a change solidified after Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox in March 2019.
The narrative scope of the season expanded significantly, focusing on the Union's precarious geopolitical landscape. Storylines tackled the expulsion of Moclus from the Union, the alliance between the Krill and the Moclans, and the existential threat posed by the Kaylon. Critics noted a darker, more mature tone, with episodes addressing heavy subjects like suicide, grief, and the ethical implications of tampering with time. The production design also received an overhaul, featuring updated uniforms, sets, and a more robotic aesthetic for the Kaylon characters.
Despite the challenges of production, the season was well-received, holding a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers praised the show's ability to balance humor with intellectual depth, often comparing its spirit to Star Trek: The Next Generation. The season also served as a poignant final act for actor Norm Macdonald, who completed his voiceover work as Lt. Yaphit before his death in September 2021. Additionally, one unproduced episode, 'Sympathy for the Devil,' was released as a novella written by Seth MacFarlane to bridge narrative gaps.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Orville season 3
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