In this episode of Autistica, Matt and Angela explore the autistic coding in the sci-fi series The Orville and the role its showrunner, Seth MacFarlane, plays in shaping this representation.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• Seth MacFarlane’s autistic-coded traits – Intense special interests, justice sensitivity, and monotropic focus that shine through his creative work.
• Why The Orville may be the most autistic-coded show on TV – From characters like Isaac, Bortus, and Klyden to entire alien cultures reflecting neurodivergent experiences.
• Star Trek connections – How MacFarlane’s lifelong passion for Star Trek: The Next Generation informs The Orville’s tone, storytelling, and layered Easter eggs.
• Tackling big topics – How the show addresses gender identity, toxic masculinity, and social justice in ways that resonate deeply with autistic audiences.
• Season 3 expansions – From Isaac’s refusal to support genocide to deeper explorations of anti-fascism, cult behaviour, and autistic-coded narratives.
• Behind the scenes – MacFarlane’s early public condemnations of Hollywood abusers, his use of recurring cast members, and what Season 4 might hold.

Related Episodes:

Star Trek is Autistic

Transformers is Autistic

Dinosaur is Autistic

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