'The Orville': Inside the High-Tech Space Ship

25,000 square feet covering two soundstages, with tons of high-tech touches—the spaceship on Fox’s out-of-this world hit The Orville is a stunner.

Those monitors behind chief of security Alara Kitan (Halston Sage) are “the newest technology,” says production designer Stephen Lineweaver. “Multiple screens are edged together and programmed to look continuous.” And, instead of keyboards, the control panels are built into the desktop.

The set’s blueprint details the many sections of the massive double-decker hub.

But one area has been upgraded since the initial design: the fabrics, cushions and arm length of MacFarlane’s captain’s chair. “They’re more substantial, better-looking pieces now,” Lineweaver says.

“Non-sci-fi guy” Lineweaver credits star and exec producer Seth MacFarlane for the flight deck details: “It’s all about crew position and how the ship functions.” Captain Mercer (MacFarlane) and First Officer Grayson (Adrianne Palicki) are seated higher so they can see over helmsman Gordon Malloy (Scott Grimes, left) and navigator John LaMarr (J Lee).

“How this ship differs from anything that has come before it is the windows,” Lineweaver explains. “We decided if you’re out in space, you really should be looking at outer space. The main window is actually the largest LED screen ever used on a set. It projects star views and planets.”