Resident Alien (TV series) explained

Creator:Chris Sheridan
Opentheme:"Bilgewater" by Brown Bird[1]
Country:United States
Language:English
Num Seasons:3
Num Episodes:34
Producer:Alan Tudyk
Location:Delta, British Columbia, Canada
Runtime:43–46 minutes
Network:Syfy
Network2:USA Network

Resident Alien is an American science fiction mystery comedy-drama television series created by Chris Sheridan, based on the comic book of the same title by Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse, that premiered its 10-episode first season on January 27, 2021, on Syfy. It stars Alan Tudyk in the title role. In March 2021, it was renewed for a second season which premiered January 26, 2022. The second season consists of 16 episodes, split into two eight-episode parts; the second half premiered on August 10, 2022.[2] [3] In July 2022, it was renewed for an eight-episode third season, which premiered February 14, 2024.[4] In June 2024, it was renewed for a fourth season and will move to USA Network.

Premise

After crash-landing on Earth in a small Colorado town, an alien sent to wipe out humanity kills and takes on the identity of a vacationing physician. He is asked to do an autopsy on the town's doctor, who has died in unknown circumstances, and eventually takes over for the doctor at the town's clinic. He wrestles with the moral dilemma of his secret mission, while also dealing with the mayor's young son, who can see his true alien appearance.[5] He develops compassion for humanity over time and ends up having to defend them from other extraterrestrial threats.

Cast and characters

Main

Recurring

Guest

Episodes

Season 3 (2024)

Production

Development

Series creator Chris Sheridan stated that he was inspired to start the Resident Alien television project after reading the novels and comic book series of the same name.[9] Upon being interviewed at a Television Critics Association panel in January 2020, he also stated that his real inspiration came from an aerial phenomenon "close encounter" he and his wife witnessed while honeymooning in the Bahamas twenty years ago.[10]

On May 31, 2018, Syfy announced that the TV adaptation of Resident Alien was given a pilot order with Chris Sheridan as the show creator and Universal Cable Productions, Dark Horse Entertainment, and Amblin Television developing the pilot. On February 28, 2019, Syfy gave a series order with production starting in Vancouver, and David Dobkin directing and serving as an executive producer for the pilot.[11] Robert Duncan McNeill executive produced and was producing director for the remaining episodes. On March 17, 2021, Syfy renewed the series for a second season,[12] which premiered on January 26, 2022.[13]

On July 21, 2022, Syfy renewed the series for a 12-episode third season.[14] On November 15, 2022, Syfy reduced the number of episodes in the third season from 12 to 8.[15] On June 18, 2024, the series was renewed for a fourth season and moving to the USA Network.[16]

Casting

On September 20, 2018, Alan Tudyk was cast as the main character "Dr. Harry Vanderspeigle" in the pilot, along with Sara Tomko, Corey Reynolds, Alice Wetterlund, and Levi Fiehler.[17] On January 31, 2020, Linda Hamilton, Mandell Maughan, and Alex Barima were cast in the recurring roles in the series.[18] On February 12, 2020, Elizabeth Bowen was cast in the recurring role of Deputy Sheriff Liv Baker in the series.[19]

Filming

Principal photography for the first season began on September 10, 2020, and concluded on October 14, 2020, in Delta, British Columbia, Canada.[20] Filming for the second season began on August 3, 2021, and concluded on April 1, 2022.[21] Filming for the first half of the second season took place in Ladysmith, British Columbia, with filming for the second half taking place from February 27, 2022.[22] Filming for the third season began on January 30, 2023, and had concluded on May 2, 2023.[23]

Release

On February 13, 2020, Syfy announced that the series would premiere in summer 2020.[24] However, on October 9, 2020, the premiere was moved to January 2021,[25] specifically January 27 in the United States.[26] Internationally, the series premiered in Canada on CTV Sci-Fi Channel on January 27, 2021,[27] and in the United Kingdom on Sky One the following day.[28]

Reception

Critical response

For the first season, review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported an approval rating of 94% based on 31 critic reviews, with an average rating of 7.8/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "Resident Alien takes a minute to settle into its skin, but once it does it finds fresh humor in a familiar framework and proves a perfect showcase for Alan Tudyk's singular comedic skills".[29] Metacritic gave the first season a weighted average score of 70 out of 100 based on 15 critic reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[30] For the second season, Rotten Tomatoes reported an approval rating of 100% based on 5 critic reviews, with an average rating of 7.7/10.[31]

Ratings

Season 1

Accolades

AwardYearCategoryNominee(s) / WorkResult
Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films Saturn Awards2022Best Science Fiction Television Series – Network/cableResident Alien[32] [33]
Critics Choice Association's (CCA) Super Awards2022Best Science Fiction/Fantasy SeriesResident Alien[34]
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series
Dragon Con's Dragon Awards2021Best Science Fiction or Fantasy TV SeriesResident Alien[35]
Hollywood Critics Association (HCA) Television Awards2021Best Cable Series, ComedyResident Alien[36] [37]
Best Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy
Best Supporting Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy
Best Supporting Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy
2022Best Cable Series, ComedyResident Alien[38]
2023Best Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy[39]
International Press Academy's Satellite Awards2022Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical Series[40]
2022Best Guest Star Performer Portraying a Female in a TV Show – 10+ Years[41]
Best Guest Star Performer Portraying a Female in a TV Show – 9 Years
Leo Awards2022Best Direction – Music, Comedy or Variety Program or Series (for "Welcome Aliens")[42]
Young Artist Association's Young Artist Awards2022Best Performance in a TV Series: Leading Youth Artist[43]
Best Performance in a TV Series: Supporting Young Artist

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Brown Bird's music lives on in Syfy series 'Resident Alien'. Rob. Duguay. March 11, 2021. March 15, 2021. The Providence Journal. May 24, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210524225700/https://www.providencejournal.com/story/entertainment/arts/2021/03/11/ri-duo-brown-birds-music-lives-syfy-series-resident-alien/6932154002/. live.
  2. Web site: 'Resident Alien' Creator Chris Sheridan on Writing Season 2, How Episode 8 is a Mini-Finale, and Long-Term Plans for the Series . Steve . Weintraub . January 30, 2022 . . March 24, 2022 . March 24, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220324023710/https://collider.com/resident-alien-season-2-creator-chris-sheridan-interview-season-3/ . live .
  3. Web site: Resident Alien Season 2, Part 2 Trailer Brings More Murder, Mayhem and Man-Eating Alien Babies — Get Return Date . Nick . Caruso . July 1, 2022 . . July 2, 2022 . July 2, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220702010627/https://tvline.com/2022/07/01/resident-alien-season-2-trailer-return-date-watch-video/ . live .
  4. Web site: Resident Alien Season 3 Trailer: Harry and McCallister Team Up to Save Earth From the Greys — Get Premiere Date . Nick . Caruso . January 10, 2024 . . January 10, 2024.
  5. Web site: Denise . Petski . 'Resident Alien' Drama Based On Dark Horse Comics Series Gets Syfy Pilot Order . May 31, 2018 . . June 20, 2020 . January 23, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210123020803/https://deadline.com/2018/05/resident-alien-drama-dark-horse-comics-series-syfy-pilot-order-1202400951/ . live .
  6. Web site: Resident Alien S2.E08 After Show: Why Creator Chris Sheridan Chose Joe Vaux's Artwork . March 18, 2022 . October 19, 2022 . Comics2Film . October 19, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221019232122/https://comics2film.com/resident-alien-s2-e08-after-show-why-creator-chris-sheridan-chose-joe-vaux-artwork . live .
  7. Web site: Resident Alien Creator Calls Adding Edi Patterson's Blue Avian 'One of the Best Things We've Done in the Series' . TVLine . Nick . Caruso . February 28, 2024 . March 1, 2024.
  8. Web site: Johnston . Rich . July 9, 2023 . Resident Alien Season 3: Co-Creator Hogan Making Stan Lee-Style Cameo . Bleeding Cool . May 3, 2024.
  9. Web site: Rob. Duguay. Brown Bird's music lives on in Syfy series 'Resident Alien'. Providence Journal. March 11, 2021. January 17, 2023. May 24, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210524225700/https://www.providencejournal.com/story/entertainment/arts/2021/03/11/ri-duo-brown-birds-music-lives-syfy-series-resident-alien/6932154002/. live.
  10. Web site: Diane. Haithman. 'Resident Alien' EP Talks UFO Inspiration & Adapting Comics for TV - TCA. Deadline. January 11, 2020. January 17, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20221204211254/https://deadline.com/2020/01/resident-alien-tca-chris-sheridan-alan-tudyk-1202827884/. December 4, 2022. live.
  11. Web site: Denise. Petski. 'Resident Alien' Drama Ordered To Series At Syfy. February 28, 2019. Deadline Hollywood. June 20, 2020. May 14, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210514002559/https://deadline.com/2019/02/resident-alien-ordered-series-syfy-1202567455/. live.
  12. Web site: 'Resident Alien' Renewed For Season 2 By Syfy. Deadline Hollywood. Denise. Petski. March 17, 2021. March 17, 2021. April 13, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210413005806/https://deadline.com/2021/03/resident-alien-renewed-season-2-syfy-alan-tudyk-1234716638/. live.
  13. Web site: 'Resident Alien': Showrunner & Cast Tease "Slow Burn" Of Season 2, Alex Borstein's Guest Star Stint – TCA. Deadline Hollywood. Alexandra. Del Rosario. December 9, 2021. December 10, 2021. January 12, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220112063213/https://deadline.com/2021/12/resident-alien-showrunner-cast-teases-season-2-alex-borstein-1234887949/. live.
  14. Web site: 'Resident Alien' Gets Early Season 3 Renewal By Syfy. Deadline Hollywood. Nellie. Andreeva. July 21, 2022. July 21, 2022. July 21, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220721140114/https://deadline.com/2022/07/resident-alien-renewed-season-3-syfy-1235073596/. live.
  15. Web site: 'Resident Alien' Season 3 Order Cut By Syfy. Deadline Hollywood. Nellie. Andreeva. November 15, 2022. November 15, 2022. November 15, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221115185445/https://deadline.com/2022/11/resident-alien-season-3-order-cut-syfy-1235172774/. live.
  16. Web site: Andreeva . Nellie . June 18, 2024 . 'Resident Alien' Moves To USA Network With Season 4 Renewal . June 18, 2024 . Deadline . en-US.
  17. Web site: Denise. Petski. 'Resident Alien': Alan Tudyk To Star In Syfy Pilot Based On Dark Horse Comics Series. September 20, 2018. Deadline Hollywood. June 20, 2020. September 20, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180920194956/https://deadline.com/2018/09/resident-alien-alan-tudyk-star-syfy-pilot-dark-horse-comics-sara-tomko-corey-reynolds-alice-wetterlund-levi-fiehler-1202468300/. live.
  18. Web site: Denise. Petski. 'Resident Alien': Linda Hamilton, Mandell Maughan To Recur On Syfy Series Based On Dark Horse Comics. January 31, 2020. Deadline Hollywood. June 20, 2020. January 29, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220129051944/https://deadline.com/2020/01/resident-alien-linda-hamilton-mandell-maughan-recur-syfy-series-1202847812/. live.
  19. Web site: Denise. Petski. Karen Obilom Joins 'Doom Patrol'; Elizabeth Bowen Books 'Resident Alien'. February 12, 2020. Deadline Hollywood. June 20, 2020. February 12, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200212234907/https://deadline.com/2020/02/karen-obilom-doom-patrol-elizabeth-bowen-resident-alien-1202857991/. live.
  20. News: DGC BC Production List. Directors Guild of Canada. October 9, 2020. June 6, 2021. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20201009190110/https://www.dgc.ca/assets/Uploads/BritishColumbia/AvailsProductionLists/Documents/Production-List.pdf. October 9, 2020.
  21. Web site: April 1, 2022 . DGC BC Production List . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20220402025726/https://www.dgc.ca/assets/Uploads/BritishColumbia/AvailsProductionLists/Production/Production-List.pdf . April 2, 2022 . April 3, 2022 . Directors Guild of Canada.
  22. News: Second season of 'Resident Alien' returns to Ladysmith streets. Nanaimo News Now. Alex. Rawnsley. February 26, 2022. February 26, 2022. February 26, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220226200253/https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2022/02/26/second-season-of-resident-alien-returns-to-ladysmith-streets/. live.
  23. Web site: March 10, 2023 . DGC BC Production List . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20230313181933/https://www.dgc.ca/assets/Uploads/BritishColumbia/AvailsProductionLists/Production/Production-List.pdf . March 13, 2023 . March 14, 2023 . Directors Guild of Canada.
  24. Web site: RESIDENT ALIEN Official Teaser 1. February 13, 2020. YouTube. August 20, 2020. July 7, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230707105948/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Lbu_0ObJxkQ&list=WL&index=3&t=0s. live.
  25. Web site: Ray. Flook. Resident Alien Sets January 2021 Launch Date on SYFY; Teaser Released. October 9, 2020. Bleeding Cool. November 11, 2020. November 25, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201125024946/https://bleedingcool.com/tv/resident-alien-sets-january-2021-launch-date-on-syfy-teaser-released/. live.
  26. Web site: Matt. Webb Mitovich. Alan Tudyk's Resident Alien Insists He's 'Just a Normal Human' in Syfy Trailer. December 14, 2020. TVLine. December 21, 2020. December 14, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201214183526/https://tvline.com/2020/12/14/alan-tudyk-resident-alien-syfy-trailer/. live.
  27. Web site: RESIDENT ALIEN Premieres January 27 on CTV Sci-Fi Channel . Bell Media . January 6, 2021 . July 23, 2021 . July 23, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210723135527/https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/resident-alien-premieres-january-27-on-ctv-sci-fi-channel/ . live .
  28. Web site: Resident Alien: 3 reasons to love Alan Tudyk's extra-terrestrial comedy on Sky One . BT.com . Alex . Fletcher . January 27, 2021 . July 23, 2021 . August 5, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210805203439/https://www.bt.com/tv/comedy/resident-alien-sky-one-now-tv-alan-tudyk-reasons-to-watch . live .
  29. Web site: Resident Alien: Season 1 (2021). Rotten Tomatoes. July 23, 2021.
  30. Web site: Resident Alien: Season 1. Metacritic. February 1, 2021.
  31. Web site: Resident Alien: Season 2 (2022). Rotten Tomatoes. January 10, 2024.
  32. Web site: The Saturn Awards Organization announces the winners for this year's 2022 50th Anniversary Saturn Awards. Saturn Awards. November 28, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221116200156/https://www.saturnawards.org/index.php. November 16, 2022.
  33. Web site: June 29, 2022. Saturn Awards Nominations: The Batman, Nightmare Alley, Spider-Man, Better Call Saul Top List. August 12, 2022. Deadline Hollywood. Armando. Tinoco. en-US. August 12, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220812202430/https://deadline.com/2022/08/saturn-awards-2022-nominations-list-movies-tv-1235089636/. live.
  34. Web site: 2nd Annual Critics Choice Super Awards – List of Nominees and Winners. Critics Choice Association. November 28, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221024060154/https://www.criticschoice.com/2022/03/17/2nd-annual-critics-choice-super-awards-list-of-nominees-and-winners/. October 24, 2022. live.
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  38. Web site: This Is Us, Succession, Severance, Ted Lasso Lead 2022 HCA TV Nominations. July 7, 2022. Denise. Petski. Deadline Hollywood. July 7, 2022. July 7, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220707213724/https://deadline.com/2022/07/this-is-us-succession-severance-ted-lasso-2022-hca-tv-nominations-full-list-1235059982/. live.
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