Few modern sci-fi shows manage to feel just as fresh years later as they did on release, but this four-part series is one of those rare exceptions. Sci-fi TV shows age well for various reasons, including the relevance of their narrative themes, gorgeous cinematography and design, and compelling character development. If a show hits all these marks, it can stand the test of time, even if it doesn't dominate pop culture throughout its original run.
Resident Alien isn't filled with space battles or complicated sci-fi concepts, and that’s why it's such a charming series. Sure, aliens invading Earth isn’t a new concept, but the series is uniquely cozy and intimate. At its core, Resident Alien is a deeply personal story that has humor, zany antics, lovable characters, and small-town charm. These are story elements that will always resonate with audiences, especially in today’s sci-fi landscape, which can, at times, feel too epic and unrelatable.
Some sci-fi TV shows have aged poorly, not because of their storylines, but because of their visual style. Of course, they were products of their time and the available technology, but in sci-fi, especially, a show's visuals are something audiences can take issue with. Creatively, Resident Alien made smart choices that contribute to its longevity. Instead of relying heavily on CGI that may become outdated, the series leans more toward being realistic. Harry’s alien form is distinctive but not overly designed. The series looks good because it never tried to do too much in the first place.
Alan Tudyk’s performance as Harry Vanderspeigle is, of course, another reason the series will remain timeless. The actor’s portrayal of the alien pretending to be a human is deeply physical and expressive, resulting in a series reminiscent of classic comedy. Tudyk really is at his best as Harry, and it shows in every episode of Resident Alien.
Resident Alien Deserved To Continue After Season 4
MovieStillsDBLike many sci-fi shows in today’s streaming era, Resident Alien had the misfortune of being canceled before its time. Since its debut in 2021, Resident Alien has been consistently good, with critics and audiences agreeing that it was one of the best science fiction adaptations on TV. Despite the critical acclaim and audience adoration, the series’ ratings weren’t cutting it. Every season experienced a viewership decline, and the networks had no choice but to axe the show.
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Resident Alien Season |
Rotten Tomatoes Critics' Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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1 |
91% |
92% |
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2 |
100% |
77% |
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3 |
NA |
90% |
|
4 |
100% |
90% |
Resident Alien season 4 ended on a happy and satisfying note, but that’s only because the show’s creator, Chris Sheridan, expected the cancellation before starting work on the fourth and final season. The show had the potential to last forever, especially because each new season got better and better. It was one of the smartest sci-fi dramedies on television. While there’s no way to know whether Resident Alien's future installments would have maintained the show's quality, it's a shame that audiences will never find out.
Although sci-fi shows are becoming smarter and more entertaining, there’s no denying that Resident Alien was one of the most unique, funny, and intriguing series on TV. The conclusion of Resident Alien might have tied up all loose ends, but it left enough crumbs for more, since Harry left a way for humanity to find him if Earth were ever threatened again, and the arrival of Alien Ethan could have spawned a spinoff. The concept left room for a return, and it deserves one.
There is some light at the end of the tunnel. One of Resident Alien's cast members teased that the show could return as a film (via CBR). Fans can also read the original comic series by Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse. Although Resident Alien will not be given more seasons, it has a growing fanbase and is likely to become a cult classic like Tudyk’s other ill-fated series, Firefly.
Release Date 2021 - 2025-00-00
Showrunner Chris Sheridan
Writers Nastaran Dibai, Sarah Beckett, Jenna Lamia, Christian Taylor, Emily Eslami, Donald Todd, Cherry Chevapravatdumrong, Njeri Brown, Aaron Wiener, Biniam Bizuneh
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Sara Tomko
Asta Twelvetrees
English (US) ·