Forbes writer calls The Orville better than all current Star Trek projects

The Orville: New Horizons had its best season ever in season three, and it’s being noticed.

We’re still waiting to hear whether or not The Orville: New Horizons will be renewed for season four, but after the stellar season three, we’d be quite surprised if it didn’t receive a renewal. Many critics have been lauding the season as the best yet, and a Forbes writer’s recent article about the success of the series only adds to the accolades. Senior contributor, Paul Tassi, wrote that, given the current state of Trek,” somehow, improbably, it’s [The Orville] actually a lot better than all the other current Star Trek projects, be they Discovery or Picard.”

One thing is clear with The Orville, and that is Seth MacFarlane isn’t trying to make another Star Trek. He didn’t want to make a space sitcom or soap opera. He wanted to make good science fiction. He has done that with this series. Whether or not it’s better than current Star Trek projects is a matter of opinion. But every opinion matters as those come from viewers which Disney+ is relying upon to make its renewal decision.

The Orville: New Horizons changed from its previous seasons.

MacFarlane tore apart alliances in this season and made enemies allies. He tackled tough topics, controversial topics, in a way that made the audience ask questions. The series united a human doctor with an android, saw the death of a character new to that season, and introduced a child for Captain Ed Mercer in one of the most heartbreaking ways possible.

The series didn’t hesitate to break down barriers, ask questions, and make viewers think all the while entertaining us. And it did it brilliantly. Does that make it better than Star Trek? Not in my mind, no. I think they’re two separate entities, with good and bad parts equal. But I don’t think there should be a question as to whether or not the series gets renewed. Just like there isn’t with a Star Trek project now. Good science fiction should be continued, and that’s exactly what The Orville is.