Praise Avis, this is glorious news! The Orville fans can breathe a sigh of relief today. Fox officially renewed the Seth MacFarlane comedy for Season 3. There were some last-minute concerns, since yesterday saw a slew of cancellations and renewals with no word from Fox on The Orville. The network waited until Saturday to break the good news, and the team was ready to dance for joy.
The Orville producer/editor Tom Costantino's shared the Season 3 renewal news with a perfect callback to Bortus and Klyden's dance club scene. Turn it UP:
Avis has been generous today! Fans were thrilled at the news and celebrated across social media:
The Orville team had already given some heavy hints to a Season 3 renewal coming. Plus, as Deadline noted, the show was recently approval for $15.8 million in TV tax credits for a third season, up from the $14.5 million incentive in Season 2. The site also noted The Orville's healthy DVR delayed viewing numbers. It's never clear how much a network takes into account DVR numbers vs. same-day viewing, but in this changing landscape, DVR numbers should certainly help.
The Orville Season 2 didn't have quite the strong ratings of Season 1, but it still averaged 5.4 million viewers (including DVR) and a 1.4 rating in the 18-49 demo.
The Orville star Chad Coleman, who plays Klyden, tweeted his excitement at the renewal, writing, "Keepin it going for ROUND 3!!" He recently talked about where he'd like to see Klyden's story go in Season 3. It would be great to see more dancing, but he's also hoping to see more of the dynamic between Klyden and his mate Bortus.
Chad Coleman also praised The Orville team leader Seth MacFarlane to Popcorn Talk. MacFarlane created the show, in addition to playing Captain Ed Mercer.
The guy is so smart, he's so quick-witted. But he's also low-key, mild-mannered, and very much a collaborator, very interested in what you have to say and what you have to bring to it. But also very sure of what he wants.
CinemaBlend was pushing for a Season 3 renewal after that wonderfully bonkers Season 2 finale. Now we just have to see who will return for Season 3. Halston Sage made a welcome surprise return in the Season 2 finale as Alara Kitan. Will she return for Season 3, or will her new show make that impossible?
As we wait for more news on The Orville Season 3, check out the gag reel from Season 2. And return to the dance yourself by reliving that classic scene.
Keep up with all of the shows that have been cancelled and renewed in our handy guide. Some shows are still finishing up their current seasons, so look to our season finale guide for those dates.
