AceShowbiz - The beloved "Star Trek: The Next Generation"-inspired series "The Orville" is set to make a comeback, with filming expected to commence in January or February 2025, according to actor Scott Grimes. Grimes, who plays Lieutenant Commander Gordon Malloy, announced the news at this weekend's Star Trek Las Vegas convention.

While Hulu, the show's previous home, and Disney have yet to make an official announcement, the "Planetary Union Network" fan podcast confirmed the information based on sources within the production team.

Despite the lack of official updates and unspectacular ratings, creator Seth MacFarlane has expressed his passion for the project, describing it as "a passion project." Fans had grown uneasy about the series' fate due to its high production costs and the long hiatus between seasons.

MacFarlane has been a driving force behind the show's renewal, and despite his numerous other projects, including the remake of "The Naked Gun", the "Ted" prequel series, and the ongoing "Family Guy" and "American Dad" animated shows, he remains committed to "The Orville".

The cast and crew have also faced challenges during the show's hiatus, with actor Adrianne Palicki expressing concerns about the lack of pay and holding fees. However, Grimes has indicated that conversations about a fourth season began before the 2023 writers' and actors' strikes.

In April, MacFarlane stated that "there will be more" of the series, but an official Season 4 announcement has yet to be made. Nonetheless, Grimes' update has reignited hope among fans, who have been eagerly awaiting news of the show's return.