Despite a critical mauling, Seth MacFarlane's The Orville became a ratings smash after premiering last year.
The FOX sci-fi parody recently finished its first season run, but speaking at the Television Critics Association winter press tour (via TVGuide.com), MacFarlane appeared to suggest that the show's next season will not be ready for Fall 2018 as there is "too much to do".
However, taking to Twitter later, the writer insisted that all systems are go for The Orville season two landing THIS year after all.
MacFarlane wrote: "To correct a bit of misreporting: No, there won't be an Orville/Family Guy crossover, and yes, The Orville season 2 will arrive later this year."
Elsewhere at the winter press tour, he added of the second run: "I think it's going to be at least 14 [episodes]. I'd rather do fewer episodes and have them be better content-wise than do 22 and have them be filler."
The first season of the show was cut short by one episode from 13 due to scheduling issues, and the 'lost' episode is now due to air with the second season – so in some respects, both seasons would comprise 13 episodes.
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During the press tour panel, the creators also seemed to tease that The Orville could cross over with MacFarlane's other big show, Family Guy.
"I sent the script on a slow boat [to approve]," executive producer Rich Appel had said. "But we end up live on the bridge of The Orville. We'll see."
But, as per MacFarlane's tweet, it ain't gonna happen any time soon. Sorry.
The Orville airs on FOX in the US, while FOX and NOW TV will air the show in the UK.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
