The Orvilleseason 4 hasn’t yet been officially confirmed, but if Seth MacFarlane’s space opera does return, the show will need to decide whether to stick with a big change made in the previous run. Comments from the show’s creator suggestThe Orvilleseason 4 isn’t a sure thing, but that it could still happen. Hanging in limbo could arguably be a blessing in disguise for the sci-fi show, as it allows more time to consider the project’s identity if and when the story continues.
Theending ofThe Orvilleseason 3came in August 2022. So, it’s safe to say that at least 3 years will likely have passed by the time of a potential comeback for the show. Season 3 underwent an interesting transformation compared with the previous two installments. AlthoughThe Orvillebegan as a lovingStar Trekparody, the show has gradually become a compelling sci-fi drama in its own right, and one notable change to the third season solidified its journey. That being said, it may not make sense to keep that change in place forThe Orvilleseason 4.
11 Actors Who Appeared In American Dad Before The Orville
Seth MacFarlane’s space exploration series The Orville and animated sitcom American Dad have a lot of actors in common, including some big names.
The Orville Season 4 Will Need To Decide Whether To Keep The “New Horizons” Subtitle
Seth MacFarlane’s subtitle explanation revolves around the gap between The Orville seasons 2 & 3
The Orvilleseason 3 softly relaunched the show, airing asThe Orville: New Horizons. While at first glance it may seem as if the show is pulling itself closer to itsStar Trekroots by adding a subtitle, MacFarlane has explained why this change was made. Speaking withComic Book,The Orville’s creator admitted that adding “New Horizons” to the title wasn’t his idea, but that he was in favor of it because it had, “Been a few years” sinceThe Orvilleseason 2 had concluded. So,The Orvilleseason 4 could arguably beThe Orville: New Horizonsseason 2.
The show wasn’t quite different enough to warrant the title being updated, and it gives the impression ofNew Horizonsbeing a spinoff rather than a direct continuation.
Of course, MacFarlane is correct.There was only one year betweenThe Orvilleseasons 1 and 2. However, the third run of episodes didn’t begin until three years later. That being said, the show wasn’t quite different enough to warrant the title being updated, and it gives the impression ofNew Horizonsbeing a spinoff rather than a direct continuation ofThe Orvilleseason 2. So, the show needs to consider whether to keep the confusing subtitle or revert to the original name.
Keeping “New Horizons” In The Title Would Be Weird Due To The Same Gap Happening Again Between The Orville Seasons 3 & 4
The Orville season 4 may need to drop the subtitle to avoid another unnecessary change
WhenThe Orvilleseason 4 begins - if it happens at all - the amount of time that will have passed since season 3 will be at least equal to the years between seasons 2 and 3. The repetition of such a length of time between installments would undercut the initial use of the “New Horizons” subtitle.MacFarlane’s explanation made sense after the first delay, but by his logic, the next season should also be renamed. Hopefully, that isn’t the case, as it would complicate matters further and imply massive changes toThe Orville’s formula that aren’t necessary and probably won’t arrive.
The Orville
Cast
Created by Seth McFarlane and set in the 25th century, The Orville follows the crew of the titular ship and its captain, Ed Mercer (McFarlane) as they explore the galaxy. Inspired by Star Trek, it also spoofs the sci-fi classic, taking a comedic approach to its serialized story and science-fiction premise. Adrianne Palicki, Penny Johnson Jerald, and Scott Grimes star alongside McFarlane as part of an ensemble cast.
