For those on the hunt for a sci-fi delight, “Resident Alien” stands as one of the SyFy Channel’s final original gems, capturing audiences until its premature conclusion in 2025 after four captivating seasons. If a blend of comedy, suspense, and science fiction intrigues you, this series is a must-watch. All episodes have now found a home on Netflix.
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At the heart of “Resident Alien” is an alien, portrayed by Alan Tudyk, whose name defies pronunciation. He crash-lands on Earth and assumes the identity of Harry Vanderspeigle, a vacationing doctor whom he eliminates. Originally tasked with eradicating humanity, the alien becomes enmeshed in the everyday lives of the residents in Patience, Colorado. Adopting Vanderspeigle’s identity, he steps into the role of the town’s medical examiner. Against his initial intentions, “Vanderspeigle” becomes fascinated by human life, causing him to question his mission and setting the stage for a possible interstellar showdown.
Although “Resident Alien” has only recently debuted on Netflix, it’s also accessible to Peacock subscribers. Regardless of the platform, the show has cultivated a loyal fanbase, cementing its status as a cult favorite.
Despite a significant drop in viewership from two million in its first season to just a few hundred thousand by its fourth, “Resident Alien” remained a critic darling and gained a following among latecomers. While it may not be hailed as a sci-fi masterpiece, the show boasts impressive reviews. It holds an impressive 8.0 rating on IMDb, with the series finale soaring to a 9.0. On Rotten Tomatoes, it enjoys a stellar 97% Tomatometer score and an 87% Popcornmeter rating. The series also earned accolades, including a Leo Award and a Hollywood Critics Association Award for Best Cable Television Series.
Since making its debut on Netflix, “Resident Alien” has surged in popularity, frequently landing in the streaming service’s coveted top ten list. Even though the newfound acclaim couldn’t extend the show’s run, “Resident Alien” remains a standout sci-fi experience on Netflix.
Resident Alien got strong reviews throughout its run
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While “Resident Alien” saw a steep decline in viewership over the course of its four season run, going from two million viewers in its 1st season down to a few hundred thousand by Season 4, it was incredibly popular with critics and latecomer viewers. Even if not considered an absolute masterpiece of a sci-fi program, it nevertheless sports good reviews across the board. On IMDb, “Resident Alien” maintains a stellar 8.0, with the series finale peaking at a 9.0. On “Rotten Tomatoes,” the show has an overall fresh Tomatometer score at 97%, with a Popcornmeter score of 87%. It also won a Leo Award and a Hollywood Critics Association Award for best Cable Television series.Â
The good news is that, since the show has landed on Netflix, “Resident Alien” has become a major hit on the streamer, frequently hitting the top ten list. Even if all the acclaim came too late to save the show, “Resident Alien” has the punch to make it one of the best sci-fi series streaming on Netflix.