San Francisco

Lore & Background

San Francisco represents the grounded reality from which the crew of the Orville departs. It is a city that has evolved alongside humanity's expansion into the galaxy, maintaining its historic charm while integrating advanced technology seamlessly into daily life. The city serves as a backdrop for personal stories, particularly regarding Ed Mercer's family life and his relationship with Kelly Grayson before they both took on their respective duties in space.

In Their Own Story

The morning sun glints off the Golden Gate Bridge, now reinforced with shimmering energy shields that hum softly against the coastal fog. Down on the street level, pedestrians walk alongside hovering transport pods, their conversations a mix of local news and updates from distant colonies. In a quiet café near the bay, a former captain sips coffee while watching his children play in a park where gravity is subtly adjusted for safety. It feels like any other day on Earth, yet everyone knows that just beyond the atmosphere, the adventures that define their generation are already underway.

Reader's Guide

San Francisco acts as the emotional anchor for several key characters, providing a sense of normalcy amidst the extraordinary circumstances of interstellar travel. It is where Ed Mercer raises his children and where Kelly Grayson lives before her career takes off. The city plays a crucial role in establishing the stakes of the series; when danger threatens Earth or its citizens, San Francisco often becomes a focal point for rescue efforts or strategic planning. Its status as a Federation capital region highlights the unity between Earth's diverse cultures and their galactic neighbors. For fans, the setting matters because it humanizes the sci-fi elements. It reminds viewers that despite advanced warp drives and alien diplomacy, life on Earth continues with its own rhythms, challenges, and joys.

Did You Know?

• In 1967, the city of San Francisco adopted Article 10 of the Planning Code, giving it authority to designate and protect landmarks.
• As of June 2024, the city had designated 318 structures or other properties as San Francisco Designated Landmarks.
• Since 1972, the City of San Francisco has designated thirteen local landmark districts.
• Many San Francisco Designated Landmarks have also received federal recognition on the National Register of Historic Places or as National Historic Landmarks.
• Landmark districts are regulated by Article 10 of the Planning Code.

Early Life and Roots

Of Italian and Irish descent, his childhood was marked by happiness and creativity, though he initially aimed for a career in football rather than entertainment. During his school years, he attended Acalanes High School in Lafayette, where he excelled as a varsity athlete and class president while earning the title of "Best Personality." Although he idolized comedians like Steve Martin and Saturday Night Live from a young age, he did not pursue comedy professionally until later. After graduating high school, he enrolled at UCLA to study history, briefly attempting to follow his father's path as a financial broker. However, finding that career miserable, he discovered a profound passion for writing scripts during college. This realization prompted a significant life shift, leading him away from finance and toward the improvisational comedy scene in Los Angeles.

Breakthrough on Saturday Night Live

Despite initially declining an audition due to job security at That '70s Show, he eventually joined the cast of Saturday Night Live after Will Ferrell departed. Early in his run, he faced challenges impersonating President George W. Bush and nearly lost his spot on the show after his third season. However, he survived two extensions to prove his worth.

Creative Ventures and Critical Acclaim

Beyond his sketch work, Forte established himself as a versatile creator and actor through the critically acclaimed sitcom The Last Man on Earth. Additionally, Forte has built an extensive portfolio as a voice actor, lending his talents to major animated franchises including The Lego Movie series and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. He also voiced Shaggy Rogers in Scoob! and brought historical figures like Abraham Lincoln to life in Clone High, proving his ability to inhabit diverse characters across various media formats.

Career Evolution and Artistic Identity

Forte's path to stardom was non-linear, characterized by a shift from aspiring athlete to financial broker before finally embracing comedy. His early struggles included being let go from The Late Show with David Letterman after only nine months due to a lack of experience, an event he later reflected on as a necessary learning curve. He spent years honing his craft at The Groundlings and writing for failed sitcoms like Action before finding stability with 3rd Rock from the Sun. A defining moment in his artistic identity was realizing that his natural tendency to overthink actually enhanced his performance once he relearned how to act after years of focusing solely on writing. This evolution allowed him to overcome early insecurities and deliver memorable characters, proving that his journey through various roles—from writer to actor to producer—was essential in shaping the unique comedic perspective he is known for today.