The Impact of The Orville’s Erratic Schedule
Adrianne Palicki, star of The Orville, has shared surprising details about the challenges the cast faced during the show’s production, particularly due to the unpredictable filming schedule. In a recent appearance on Michael Rosenbaum’s Inside of You podcast, the 40-year-old actress reflected on how the delays between seasons had serious financial consequences for the cast members, revealing that it made their income unstable.
Palicki, who portrayed Commander Kelly Grayson on the science fiction series, hinted that the show’s future is uncertain. “No, no longer doing that,” Palicki responded when asked if The Orville would return for a fourth season, noting that no new episodes have aired since August 2022. The series, created by Seth MacFarlane, follows the crew of the USS Orville as they embark on various space adventures.
Delays Lead to Financial Struggles for Cast
Palicki explained that the filming schedule was problematic, with the show producing only 33 episodes over six years. This long gap between seasons resulted in a lack of consistent work for the cast, leaving many struggling financially. “It became an actual, real issue because there would be so much time in between seasons because Seth wanted to write everything himself,” she said.
Palicki went on to share that at one point, the cast had to push the studio for holding fees due to the significant delays between seasons. She recalled how J. Lee, one of the show’s stars, had a particularly tough time. “J. Lee was eating saltines and Gatorade at one point because we just couldn’t afford anything. It was horrible,” Palicki revealed, giving fans a glimpse into the hardships the cast faced off-screen.
Seth MacFarlane’s Busy Schedule Contributes to Delays
Seth MacFarlane, the creator of The Orville, is known for his involvement in multiple projects, including Family Guy and the upcoming Ted series on Peacock. His demanding schedule has been one of the key factors contributing to the long production delays. In a 2022 interview with TVLine, MacFarlane acknowledged the challenge of balancing his commitments, noting the difficulty of finding time for The Orville while working on other major projects.
MacFarlane has previously mentioned the emotional toll that comes with creating new seasons for The Orville, fearing that the show might run out of fresh storylines. Despite this, he remained committed to the series, stating, “I will find a way to do it if there is a season 4.”
Future of The Orville Remains Uncertain
Although The Orville has garnered a loyal fan base, the future of the show is up in the air. Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, spoke positively about the series earlier this year, but stopped short of confirming a renewal. “It’s a great show and I know that the fans loved having it back in their lives,” Erwich said. “But we don’t have anything to share right now.”
Palicki’s Perspective on the Series
Despite the difficulties faced by the cast, Palicki has expressed no regrets about her time on The Orville. However, with the financial challenges and the show’s unpredictable schedule, Palicki hinted at a sense of relief in moving on. She also acknowledged that the long hiatuses and constant uncertainty had taken a toll on the cast, both personally and professionally.
As fans continue to hope for a return of The Orville, Palicki’s candid revelations provide a behind-the-scenes look at the struggles of being a part of a show with such a delayed production schedule. Whether or not the series will be renewed remains unclear, but the cast’s dedication and perseverance in the face of these challenges are undeniable.