The Orville

This season has worn its heart on its sleeve more than the previous ones, but it was all the better for it. Confidence has clearly grown with the show's creators. It is now its own sci-fi show, as well as its own comedy one.

The Orville tackles the same social issues as Trek, Who and the rest and with the rapidity that seems de rigeur for such shows these days. Difference is, it does it in an unpreachy way that makes it impossible to take umbrage at. How's it manage that? Well, it not only has that good heart to the fore but also an immense warmth about it. It has well rounded, totally accessible, friendly central characters, always true to themselves and all of which you wish you knew in your life. And that makes all the difference in the world to the humour... But, most of all, totally absent is any hint of smug conviction in its writing. The show knows what it thinks but is prepared to consider alternatives where required and it is never satisfied it has all the answers or that the ones it proffers are without fault. In that it is truly admirable and an example to us all.

We need to see plenty more of this show and more shows prepared to paint things the way it does.

This silly little parody has become the best sci-fi series on TV. Give McFarland a blank check and let them go on till they've all had enough.