My quick rating –Â 8.0/10. With SyFy announcing the surprise cancellation of Resident Alien, I thought it was time to give this wonderfully weird show a proper sendoff. Honestly, the cancellation shocked me; it always felt like it had solid ratings and a loyal fan base. But here we are, and at least we got four seasons of one of the most uniquely funny and heartfelt sci-fi comedies of recent years.
The story begins when crash-landed alien Harry (Alan Tudyk) assumes the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor. His mission is dark—wipe out humanity—but things go sideways when he’s pulled into solving a murder. From there, Harry’s “simple” cover life spirals into hilarious complications as he struggles to pass as human, all while wrestling with deeper questions: Are humans worth saving? Why do they fold their pizza before eating it? (don’t worry, Harry, REAL pizza doesn’t need that)
Alan Tudyk is the beating heart of the show, delivering one of the funniest deadpan performances I’ve seen in years. His emotionless cadence and awkward attempts at blending in never get old, whether he’s accidentally insulting someone, misunderstanding basic human customs, or casually debating mass genocide. Sara Tomko is fantastic as Asta, the moral anchor Harry desperately needs, and she brings warmth and charm to every scene. And then there’s Corey Reynolds as Sheriff Thompson—absolutely hysterical. Nearly every line he delivers lands with perfect comedic timing.
What makes Resident Alien work so well is how it balances tones. On one hand, it’s sharp, dark comedy—you’re often laughing at an alien who casually considers wiping out the human race. On the other hand, it’s surprisingly emotional and character-driven, with storylines about friendship, family, and identity. The chemistry between Harry and Max (Judah Prehn), the one kid who can actually see his true alien form, is another highlight. Their love-hate banter in the early seasons is pure gold.
Each season evolves Harry in meaningful ways. At first, he’s an outsider just learning how to act human. Later, he genuinely starts to care about people, even if he doesn’t always admit it. The writing team, led by Chris Sheridan, constantly found new ways to keep the concept fresh, mixing in twists, new conflicts, and just the right amount of sci-fi strangeness. The special effects? Not blockbuster-level, but charmingly fitting—sometimes purposefully goofy to match the show’s tone.
If there’s one consistent strength across all four seasons, it’s how the show manages to juggle comedy, drama, and sci-fi without tipping too far into any one lane. It’s quirky but not grating, heartfelt without being sappy, and dark without ever becoming unpleasant. That’s a rare mix, and Resident Alien nailed it.
It’s a shame this is the end—there was clearly more ground to cover, more laughs to be had, and more alien awkwardness to enjoy. Hopefully, another network or streamer realizes what a gem this is and picks it up. Until then, Resident Alien stands as a hilarious, strange, and unexpectedly touching series that deserves far more attention than it got.
There are some streaming options and purchases as well, including Amazon for all 4 seasons.
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