Streaming Sci Fi TV: Tracking down sci fi and fantasy shows of interest available on the streaming services. Note that these shows can be pulled from the services at any time with little notice.
What Is It?
This sci fi dramedy follows an alien who crash-lands on Earth and assumes the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor named Harry Vanderspeigle. Originally sent to destroy humanity, Harry gradually develops friendships with the townspeople and begins to question his mission, all while trying to keep his extraterrestrial identity a secret. Based on the comic of the same name by Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse.
Aired: Syfy/USA, 2021-25, 4 Seasons Totaling 44 Episodes
Starring: Alan Tudyk, Sara Tomko, Corey Reynolds, Alice Wetterlund, Levi Fiehler, Judah Prehn
Developed By: Chris Sheridan
Why Watch It?
This quirky little sci fi series arrived on Syfy in Winter 2021 and became the closest thing to a hit that network had seen in years. It struck up a nice balance of humor and drama as an alien arrives on Earth and disguises himself among the humans as he determines how best to destroy them. But as he spends more time in the town, he starts to develop relationships and he starts to question whether he can go through with the mission assigned to him.
The show delivers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but it also explores themes of loneliness, family, acceptance, and what it truly means to be human. In addition, it stays true to its sci fi roots, as it includes alien conspiracies, government agents, secret organizations, and mysteries that gradually expand its mythology. But most important to Resident Alien is its central star Alan Tudyk (Firefly) with his portrayal of Harry’s awkward attempts to imitate human behavior proving both hilarious and surprisingly touching, all the while developing his character from an antagonist to a more sympathetic lead. In addtion, he is supported by an excellent cast with the other players providing more than comic relief as they develop into fully realized characters with their own stories. Plus, this one wrapped up its storylines in its fourth season, so it delivers an enjoyable show that does not leave you hanging.
Where Is It Streaming?
The first three seasons were previously available on Netflix, and the fourth joined that service on June 6th, allowing for a complete run of the series. That streamer offers several subscription plans, including a less-expensive option that has ads (you can see all their plans at this link), and it has quite a lot of sci fi and fantasy movies available, including a large selection of originals. The complete Resident Alien has also been released on DVD and Blu-ray, and you can purchase it VOD. All four seasons are also available for streaming with a subscription to Peacock, and you can see the plans for that service at this link.
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