What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Orville
Seth MacFarlane · Series · 2017
If you loved The Orville, start with Galaxy Quest (Dean Parisot, 1999) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Orville across media.
You loved The Orville because it balances high-stakes interstellar diplomacy with the genuine, often humorous, camaraderie of a tight-knit crew.
Books on the same thread
Redshirts
John Scalzi · Book · 2012
Shares 3 threads with The Orville: Existentialism, Science Fiction Comedy, Space Opera.
If The Orville hooked you with its workplace humor in a space setting, you will appreciate how this novel explores the bureaucratic absurdity of life aboard a starship.
Invincible Compendium Two
Robert Kirkman · Book
Shares a thread with The Orville: space opera.
The Orville mirrors the moral complexity found here, as this collection balances grand intergalactic conflict with the personal development and growth of its central, relatable characters.
The Forever War
Joe W. Haldeman, Marvano · Book · 1990
Shares 2 threads with The Orville: Existentialism, Space Opera.
Like The Orville, this story uses the backdrop of space exploration to examine the heavy consequences of war and the moral dilemmas faced by those in command.
The Star Trek Encyclopedia
Michael Okuda, Denise Okuda, Debbie Mirek · Book · 1994
Explores: Space Exploration, Technological Advancement, Utopian Societies.
Since The Orville draws heavily from classic space exploration tropes, this encyclopedia provides the essential historical context and technological foundation for the genre that inspired the show.
Films on the same thread
Galaxy Quest
Dean Parisot · Film · 1999
Shares a thread with The Orville: Science Fiction Comedy.
You will recognize the same affectionate satire of space-faring tropes in this movie that makes The Orville such a witty and engaging love letter to science fiction.
Interstellar
Christopher Nolan · Film · 2014
Shares a thread with The Orville: Existentialism.
While more serious in tone, this film shares the sense of wonder and focus on humanity's survival that drives the exploratory spirit of The Orville crew.
2001: A Space Odyssey
Stanley Kubrick · Film · 1968
Shares 2 threads with The Orville: Existentialism, Space Opera.
The Orville inherits its philosophical curiosity from this masterpiece, which similarly explores the evolution of humanity and the mystery of our place in the vast universe.
Star Trek
Film · 2009
Shares a thread with The Orville: Space Opera.
Fans of The Orville will appreciate how this film focuses on the interpersonal dynamics and leadership challenges of a diverse crew navigating the dangers of deep space.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Orphans
The Light and Tragic Company · Podcast · 2025
This audio drama captures the same focus on emotional connection and survival in a hostile universe that defines the most heartfelt character moments within The Orville.
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf · Podcast · 2026
Explores: parasocial relationships, professional intimacy, self-deprecating humor.
Much like the chemistry between the crew in The Orville, this podcast thrives on the authentic, self-deprecating humor and professional intimacy that develops between people working together.
Common questions
Is The Orville set in the present day?
No, The Orville is not set in the present day. The series takes place 400 years in the future, following the crew of an exploratory ship within the Earth's interstellar fleet as they navigate space.
What is the premise of The Orville?
The Orville follows the crew of a not-so-functional exploratory ship. Set 400 years in the future, the show depicts the daily experiences and challenges faced by this specific crew as they serve in Earth's interstellar fleet.
Does The Orville feature a professional crew?
The Orville features a crew that is described as not-so-functional. While they operate an exploratory ship in the Earth's interstellar fleet 400 years in the future, the show focuses on their unique and imperfect dynamics.
When does The Orville take place?
The Orville takes place 400 years in the future. The narrative centers on the crew of an exploratory ship serving in the Earth's interstellar fleet during this future time period.