Fox’s ‘The Orville’ mixes comedy, drama and more

When it comes to television, science fiction fans can be a fickle bunch. As loyal as they are to the series they adore, they can also be highly critical of those that don’t live up to their expectations. However, a scifi series turned the genre on its head last season and won over skeptics.

Seth Macfarlane (“Family Guy”) returns as Capt. Ed Mercer, commanding officer of a mid-level exploratory spaceship, in the special two-hour season premiere of “The Orville,” airing Sunday, Dec. 30, on Fox. This season comes with a slew of new challenges for him and his crew as they embark on another mission to explore the universe. Combining classic science fiction with comedy, drama and even romance, “The Orville” is a departure for Macfarlane, who’s not only the series star but also its creator. He’s best known for his work in animation as the creator and star of Fox’s “Family Guy,” as well as co-creator of “American Dad!” and “The Cleveland

Show.” A true renaissance man, Macfarlane is also a singer, writer and filmmaker.

“The Orville” marks his first leading-man role in a live-action prime-time comedy, and he’s been mostly well received by viewers as Mercer. The show got off to a rough start with TV critics when it premiered on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, but it soon won over audiences with its unique mix of comedy and drama. Despite criticism that the series was a blatant spoof of the iconic sci-fi series “Star Trek,” millions of fans tuned in each week to witness the antics of Macfarlane and his cast, leading to an early renewal for another season of the show. Season 2 was announced in November 2017, before the first season had even finished airing.

Fox executive Michael Thorn had high praise for Macfarlane and his cohorts when the network announced the show had been renewed for a second season.

“Once again, Seth has struck a powerful chord with viewers,” Thorn said in an official release.