Fox UK boards MacFarlane’s Orville

The Orville was created by and stars Seth MacFarlane (left)

Fox UK has acquired the rights to Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane’s new sci-fi spoof, The Orville, from 20th Century Television Distribution.

The Galaxy Quest-style send-up is set in the 25th century and focuses on space pilot Ed Mercer, portrayed by MacFarlane, commander of the U.S.S Orville, whose mission is to prevent aliens from stealing a device that can accelerate time.

However, the situation becomes complicated when he discovers his ex-wife, played by Adrianne Palicki (Friday Night Lights), is also on board. The first episode of the show, which launched on US network Fox earlier this week, was helmed by Iron Man director Jon Favreau.