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Is “The Orville” on Disney+? Your Guide to Streaming the Sci-Fi Comedy

So, you’re looking to boldly go where no man (or woman) has gone before and want to know if you can do it with Disney+? Let’s cut to the chase: No, “The Orville” is not currently available on Disney+. But that’s not the end of the story. Where can you find Seth MacFarlane’s surprisingly poignant and hilarious sci-fi series? Read on!

Where Can You Watch “The Orville”?

The most reliable place to stream “The Orville” is on Hulu. All three seasons, including the most recent season titled “The Orville: New Horizons,” are available on the platform. This makes sense considering “The Orville” originally aired on Fox and, after its second season, moved to Hulu for its third. Hulu is, of course, majority-owned by Disney, which leads many to reasonably assume it would also be on Disney+, but alas, content licensing can be a complicated beast.

While it’s primarily on Hulu, you may also find options to rent or buy episodes or entire seasons through services like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region, so it’s always wise to double-check your local listings.

Why Isn’t “The Orville” on Disney+?

This is a valid question, especially given Disney’s majority ownership of Hulu. The reasoning likely boils down to several factors:

Content Strategy: Disney might strategically prefer to keep certain content exclusive to Hulu to boost its subscriber base and distinguish it from Disney+, which generally caters to a more family-friendly audience. “The Orville,” while humorous, explores themes and features content that might not perfectly align with Disney+’s brand image.
Licensing Agreements: Existing licensing agreements could prevent Disney from simultaneously streaming “The Orville” on both platforms. These agreements can be complex and involve various stakeholders.
Perceived Audience: While “The Orville” has a dedicated fanbase, Disney might believe that its core demographic is more readily found on Hulu, further justifying the platform-specific release.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Streaming “The Orville”

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to help you navigate the streaming landscape of “The Orville”:

1. Will “The Orville” Ever Be on Disney+?

It’s impossible to say definitively. Content licensing agreements and streaming strategies are constantly evolving. While it’s not currently on Disney+, there’s always a possibility that it could be added in the future. Keep an eye on official announcements from Disney and Hulu. If Disney decides to more fully integrate Hulu content into Disney+ (something that’s been heavily speculated upon and even acted on in some regions), the odds would certainly increase.

2. Is “The Orville: New Horizons” Also on Hulu?

Yes! All episodes of “The Orville: New Horizons” (Season 3) are available on Hulu. This is the most recent season and continues the adventures of the USS Orville crew.

3. Is “The Orville” Available on Netflix?

No, “The Orville” is not available on Netflix. Your best bet for streaming it is through Hulu. You can also explore options for renting or buying episodes on other digital platforms.

4. Can I Watch “The Orville” for Free?

There’s no legal way to watch “The Orville” completely for free unless you take advantage of a free trial offered by Hulu (if available). These trials are typically short-lived but can give you a taste of the series. Otherwise, you’ll need a subscription or will have to pay for rentals or purchases.

5. Is “The Orville” Available on Amazon Prime Video?

While not part of Amazon Prime’s included catalog, you can rent or buy individual episodes or full seasons of “The Orville” on Amazon Prime Video. Pricing will vary depending on the resolution (SD, HD) and the season you’re interested in.

6. Can I Buy “The Orville” on Blu-ray or DVD?

Yes! All seasons of “The Orville” are available on Blu-ray and DVD. This is a great option for those who prefer physical media or want to own the series outright without relying on streaming services. You can find them at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.

7. Is “The Orville” Region-Locked on Hulu?

Hulu’s content availability is generally region-locked. This means that “The Orville” is likely only available on Hulu in the United States. If you’re outside the US, you may need to explore alternative streaming options in your region.

8. Does Hulu Offer a Free Trial?

Hulu’s free trial availability changes frequently. Check Hulu’s website to see if they are currently offering a free trial period for new subscribers.

9. What Is “The Orville” About?

“The Orville” is a science fiction comedy-drama created by Seth MacFarlane. It follows the crew of the USS Orville, a mid-level exploratory spaceship in the Planetary Union fleet, 400 years in the future. The show blends humor and adventure with thoughtful explorations of social and philosophical issues. It has been frequently compared to Star Trek, with many seeing it as an homage to the beloved franchise.

10. Who Are the Main Actors in “The Orville”?

The main cast of “The Orville” includes:

Seth MacFarlane as Captain Ed Mercer
Adrianne Palicki as Commander Kelly Grayson
Penny Johnson Jerald as Dr. Claire Finn
Scott Grimes as Lieutenant Gordon Malloy
Peter Macon as Lieutenant Commander Bortus
Halston Sage as Lieutenant Alara Kitan (Seasons 1-2), Lieutenant Talya Keyali (Season 3)
J. Lee as Lieutenant Commander John LaMarr
Mark Jackson as Isaac
Anne Winters as Charly Burke (Season 3)

11. Will There Be a Season 4 of “The Orville”?

As of October 2024, the future of “The Orville” is uncertain. There has been no official announcement regarding a fourth season. Seth MacFarlane and the cast have expressed interest in continuing the series, but scheduling conflicts and other factors have made it difficult to move forward. Fans are still hoping for a renewal, but for now, the show remains in limbo.

12. What Makes “The Orville” Different from Other Sci-Fi Shows?

“The Orville” distinguishes itself through its unique blend of humor, adventure, and social commentary. While it draws inspiration from classic sci-fi, it also incorporates MacFarlane’s signature comedic style. Unlike some more serious sci-fi dramas, “The Orville” doesn’t shy away from lighthearted moments and character-driven humor. However, it also tackles complex and thought-provoking themes, making it a unique and engaging viewing experience. It manages to be both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, which is a rare feat.