Since its release in September 2019, the space comedy series The Orville has been leaving audiences dying of laughter as well as captivated by a well-developed storyline. The show comes from the mind of the multi-talented Seth MacFarlane. It is one entertaining futuristic space odyssey that is continuing its exploration on June 2 on Hulu.
Over two seasons, The Orville has built the profiles of multiple main characters. From the ship's captain Ed Mercer to the gelatinous creature Yaphit, The Orville has a variety of comical, well-developed characters. Of the cast of characters, certain ones rank above the others in terms of being the overall best.
Dann
Dann is from an unspecified alien species but he has a heart of gold and an outgoing personality. He is always trying to connect with others and make each moment a positive one.
Dann is played by the talented Mike Henry who is most known for his role as the hilarious Cleveland Brown on Family Guy. This alien, who is out-of-this-world funny, surprisingly did not make its first on-screen appearance until the ninth episode, "Cupid's Dagger." However, even with a later appearance than others on the list, his comical quirky personality and kind spirit place him among the best.
Isaac
Isaac is the chief scientist aboard the USS Orville. Unlike the other officers in command, Isaac is not part of the Planetary Union. He is serving as an ambassador for Kaylon to learn more about humans and to keep the peace between the two sides.
While Isaac is warm and highly intelligent, he does have some negative aspects. In season 2, Isaac turns on his crew and allows the Kaylon to board the Orville. This results in the loss of many Union and Kaylon lives. In the end, Isaac turns back to the Union side and risks his life to save Ty, Dr. Finn's youngest son. Isaac still has to make up for his betrayal, but his curiosity and fun robotic personality make him one of the best characters on The Orville.
Lieutenant Alara Kitan
Alara Kitan is one of the funniest and strongest officers on the USS Orville. She does not mess around and has incredible strength as seen in episode 1, "Old Wounds" when she opens the "jar of pickles." As Chief Security Officer, Alara is a great character.
This young Xelayan officer is played by Halston Sage who also starred as one of Prodigal Son's smartest characters, Ainsley Whitly. Unfortunately, Alara leaves the USS Orville in season 2, episode 3, "Home." A few episodes later, the new security officer, Talla Keyali takes over her position. While Alara's time is short in The Orville, her fun personality and witty humor make her one of the best characters.
Dr. Claire Finn
The lovable Dr. Claire Finn, who serves as the USS Orville's Chief Medical Officer, is played by Penny Johnson who also starred as Captain Gates in Castle. Clair is very intelligent, mentally tough, and has a clever sense of humor. When Ed meets Claire, Ed gets the impression that she doesn't feel like he has the balls to command the ship. She then tells him that as his doctor she'll know if his balls aren't up to par.
What makes Claire even more beloved is that she is a single mother of two boys. The fact that she can balance raising them on her own while being in charge of the medical area is extremely impressive. All fans strive to be as strong as Claire.
Yaphit
In the middle of the pack is the gelatinous creature and engineer, Yaphit. Yaphit was voiced by the late great Norm MacDonald. MacDonald starred in iconic movies like The People Vs Larry Flynt and Billy Madison. Much like MacDonald himself, Yaphit is an extremely funny and honest being.
Yaphit is constantly trying to win the affection of Claire throughout season 1 and does everything from playing the guitar to bringing her flowers. Unfortunately, Claire doesn't feel the same way back. While Claire may not love Yaphit, fans can't resist loving him. He has an infinite level of bravery that is admirable and a playful personality that makes him fun to be around.
Lieutenant Commander Gordon Malloy
Of all the officers aboard the USS Orville, Lieutenant Commander Gordon Malloy is the funniest. Malloy is played by actor Scott Grimes who stars as Steve Smith in American Dad!, another series created by Seth McFarlane. With Malloy, his humor is often childish.
In the fifth episode of The Orville, "Pria," Malloy pranks Isaac by making him look like a Mr. Potato Head. However, when Isaac tries to prank Malloy, he goes too far and steals Malloy's left leg while he's sleeping. Like this prank, his humor usually backfires. Aside from his funny antics, Malloy is an entertaining man and a great friend to Ed, John, and everyone else on deck.
Lieutenant Commander John LaMarr
One of Malloy's closest friends is Lieutenant Commander John LaMarr. LaMarr begins The Orville as the Chief Navigator before transitioning to Chief Engineer in season 1 episode, "New Dimensions." In that episode, Kelly convinces LaMarr to use the intelligence that he hides to be the Chief Engineer. He later accepts the fact that he's smart and saves the crew from being killed by the Krill and crushed in a 2-D wormhole.
John LaMarr is played by J. Lee who also appeared on American Dad! and Family Guy. His character LaMarr is not only intelligent but a smooth-talking kind person with a comical side. In terms of being the best, it makes sense that Malloy and LaMarr are together but LaMarr edges Malloy out due to his intelligence and being slightly more mature.
Lieutenant Commander Bortus
Bortus is a Moclan officer that serves as the ship's Lieutenant Commander and third in charge. Peter Macon from Shameless plays the part of everyone's favorite Moclan. Much like Isaac, Bortus doesn't know and understand many human habits and behaviors. In the season 1 episode, "Krill," Bortus eats a ball of wasabi, a napkin, a cactus plant, and a glass. He is trying to assimilate with the crew and Union society.
Countless times Bortus has no idea of the terminology used like "pizza party" in the first episode. His curiosity and fascinating Moclan culture make him one of The Orville's best characters. What puts him even higher is that while he may seem robotic or heartless, Bortus has the biggest heart of any officer. He will risk his life for his crew and family.
Commander Kelly Grayson
At the beginning of The Orville, the audience learns that Kelly used to be married to Ed but cheated on him. As the series progresses it becomes evident that despite cheating on him she still loves Ed and was not entirely at fault due to Ed's absence at home. Regardless, Kelly may have started as one of the worst characters on the show but has developed into one of the best.
Adrianne Palicki, who starred as Bobbi Morse on the hit ABC series Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. plays the part of Commander Kelly Grayson. The character's transformation has been enjoyable to watch unfold. She is partially responsible for Ed getting command, risks her life constantly, and has become one of the smartest people on the bridge. In the most intense moments, like in episode 1, Kelly will find a solution.
Captain Ed Mercer
Commander Ed Mercer reigns as the best character on the USS Orville. Played by creator Seth McFarlane, known for his genius comedies like Family Guy and American Dad, Ed is a little of everyone on the bridge. He has Kelly's leadership, Bortus's heart, Malloy's humor, and LaMarr's intelligence.
Ed begins his command in disarray with his ex-wife unexpectedly arriving, a new ship, and a new crew. Through commitment and a little trial and error, Ed gains his ground. Nobody on the ship can command as well as Ed. He does it with a balance of work, play, and knowing his officers well. He can trust them in dire circumstances. Without Ed, the USS Orville would have been destroyed in season 1.