Are there any other shows out there of this sort of lighthearted nature, yet made with quality writing, out there?
It feels like a lot of recent things we’ve watched has been a bit grim and/or relies on spectacle rather than telling a good story and working a few jokes in along the way … the world is on fire, I’d like to stop it and get off, if only for a few minutes at a time.
Have you seen Star Trek TNG? If not, then check that out, since it’s the inspiration for The Orville. It’s not as comedic, but it’s hopeful and not dark, and there’s a decent amount of comedy in there. Skip season one if you’re not a Star Trek fan.
And if you want to err on the side of more comedic instead, go for Star Trek: Lower Decks.