After watching the first episode, I can't say I'm hooked.
The show reminds me a bit of Star Trek IV, and not in a good way (yet). Rather than creating a comedy that takes place in the Star Trek universe for fans, it seems to make a comedy out of Star Trek for everyone else. Yeah, there are Easter eggs thrown around. Names are dropped. I guess my idea of a Star Trek comedy is something as "cerebral" as the original series.
Since it's not a huge commitment of time, I'll stay tuned in the hopes that the writing picks up. It's rare any show burns from the first frame. Maybe it'll get hotter by the end of the first 10-episode season.
Bottom line: If you like The Orville, you'll probably enjoy Lower Decks.
Here's what Variety thought:
https://variety.com/...ju732KnMTcHAMlE