In an exclusive interview with The List, The Orville's Adrianne Palicki (Commander Kelly Grayson) and Penny Johnson Jerald (Dr Claire Finn) have revealed that courtesy of COVID and co-star Jessica Szohr's (Lieutenant Talla Keyali) pregnancy, one episode of the upcoming season took three years to shoot.

They also speak about the show's moral compass.

Adrianne: Seth [MacFarlane], as somebody who can be very outspoken in his beliefs and thoughts, [has] done a great thing with the show from day one, which is sending a message without beating you over the head with it. That is even pushed a little further this season, and we're dealing with some really big topics that are affecting a lot of people. So yes, it's well done.

We've always felt that this aspect of the show has been handled brilliantly and it completely outclasses other modern sci-fi.

Are there any topics or episodes in particular that you're excited to come out and to have people see and respond to?

Penny: All of the above. Oh my gosh. Sometimes, when I was reading this season, there are topics where I may have had a different thought, and because of the writing and because of the execution, I [had] to think, get in my quiet space, and go, "You know what, I never thought of it that way." To learn something, to change someone — good or bad — is a powerful tool. And we will do that this season. Definitely.

Adrianne: I agree.

Sounds like another thought-provoking season awaits us.

The Orville: New Horizons will premiere on SBS on Demand on June 3 with new episodes releasing weekly.

Seasons one and two of The Orville are available now on SBS on Demand and also Disney+.

[ Main Image: The Orville - Adrianne Palicki and Penny Johnson Jerald. Credit: Hulu via IMDb.com. ]

References

Lafond, Hannah (May 27, 2022). Adrianne Palicki And Penny Johnson Jerald Talk The Orville Season 3 - Exclusive Interview. The List.