Discrimination at Orville

Bullying and discrimination are often a central theme in “The Orville”.

Because each of us has certainly had direct or indirect experience of discrimination and/or bullying. Just like Orville maker Seth MacFarlane, who has openly admitted that he was bullied at school. And so it’s no wonder that with “The Orville” he shows us that a successful sci-fi series can offer much more than just light entertainment.

Behind the entertaining façade of the series, the viewer is often held up to a socially critical mirror. Current issues such as discrimination, gender stereotyping and the use of social media are not only openly addressed but also deliberately exaggerated. “The Orville” not only aims to entertain, but also to encourage viewers to reflect on their own prejudices and behaviour. Using selected episodes, we explain how The Orville presents controversial topics and discuss whether the makers also succeed in offering an approach to solving the problems.