Fox Re-Ups With Seth MacFarlane For New Sci-Fi Series Next Season

Twenty-First Century Fox Inc (NASDAQ: FOXA) isn't even through this pilot season yet, but as per custom executives are beginning to look towards 2017. On Wednesday, the network revealed it signed a straight-to-series order that would bring "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane even more into the network fold.

In addition to his multiple animated series on air, the talented producer will be stepping in front of the camera for a new sci-fi comedic drama that will air next fall. Set 300 years in the future, the untitled series follows the adventures of the Orville, a spaceship with an eclectic crew.

The network won the rights to the concept based on its longstanding relationship with MacFarlane and will begin filming the pilot later this year. Investors are very aware of Fox's unique and often times quirky pick-ups of which this program falls into the same category.

Fox will announce this year's slate of new pickups and its fall schedule in mid-May.