Exploring Shows Like Resident Alien
Resident Alien captivates audiences with its unique blend of quirky humor, unconventional storytelling, and genuine emotional depth—all set against a sci-fi backdrop. With Alan Tudyk portraying Harry Vanderspeigle, a morally flawed alien disguised as a small-town Colorado doctor, the series offers a fresh perspective on humanity and our idiosyncrasies. Beyond its own narrative, there are several other shows that echo this delightful fusion of comedy and science fiction, likely appealing to fans of Resident Alien.
1. The Orville (2017-Present)
36 Episodes
Although distinct in its narrative and context, The Orville presents an equally whimsical tone that mirrors the spirit of Resident Alien. This series, helmed by Seth MacFarlane, emphasizes character-driven humor while remaining true to classic sci-fi elements. Much like Harry’s experiences, Captain Ed Mercer’s journey oscillates between comedic neighborly drama and cosmic dilemmas, ensuring a lighthearted yet insightful viewing experience.
Both series artfully balance humor with profound themes, making them accessible to a diverse audience. Viewers can catch up on seasons of The Orville via Hulu while anticipating its fourth season.
2. People of Earth (2016-2017)
20 Episodes
Developed by David Jenkins and featuring Conan O’Brien among its executive producers, People of Earth transcends mere parody of UFO lore by infusing heartfelt comedy into its narrative. The story revolves around a support group for individuals convinced they’ve been abducted by aliens, showcasing an enchanting blend of absurdity and sincerity.
Instead of merely fixating on extraterrestrials, this show delves into the eccentricities of its bizarre human characters, creating an engaging, relatable atmosphere even amid wild alien tales. Fans of Resident Alien will find similar character-driven narratives here. You can stream People of Earth on HBO Max.
3. Solar Opposites (2020-Present)
53 Episodes
Solar Opposites seamlessly melds humor with futuristic narratives, appealing to viewers who cherish the comedic charm of Resident Alien. Created by Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan, this animated series follows a family of alien refugees adapting to life on Earth. The absurdity of their situation is offset by sharp wit and imaginative sci-fi concepts, making for a dynamic viewing experience.
Discussions about the merits of soda flavors or human activities bring Korvo’s character to life, paralleling Harry’s humorous struggles. The series also cleverly critiques societal norms, such as in its storyline featuring “The Wall.” Streaming is available on Hulu.
4. Eureka (2006-2012)
77 Episodes
Combining elements of humor and sci-fi, Eureka tells the tale of a fictional town populated by brilliant scientists whose experimental inventions often have chaotic results. The series effectively balances light-hearted comedy with deeper explorations of human relationships intertwined with science.
This unique approach creates a captivating narrative filled with imaginative yet relatable scenarios. The humor and thoughtful commentary attract viewers regardless of the stakes involved. You can find Eureka on streaming platforms like Peacock and Amazon Prime Video, making it a binge-worthy addition.
5. Upload (2020-Present)
25 Episodes
Set in a not-so-distant future, Upload introduces audiences to a world where individuals near death can upload consciousness to a virtual afterlife. Greg Daniels, known for his work on The Office, achieves a fine balance of tech-based intrigue and satirical humor with this show.
Exploring futuristic themes such as AI companions and corporate ethics, the series remains playful without becoming overly complex. Viewers are treated to engaging visual gags, like virtual assistants morphing into floating heads. Available on Amazon Prime Video, Upload cleverly mixes speculative technology with endearing comedy.
6. The Good Place (2016-2020)
53 Episodes
The Good Place embarks on a whimsical journey where Eleanor Shellstrop discovers she is in the wrong afterlife. The series excels at balancing witty comedic moments with philosophical questions, crafting a narrative that prompts viewers to contemplate morality.
Its inventive use of sci-fi concepts, including alternate realities and memory wipes, invites audiences to explore profound moral dilemmas. The series is a rich mix of laughs and existential queries, featuring standout performances, particularly from Ted Danson. Available on Netflix, it’s a must-watch for fans who enjoy layered storytelling.
7. Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (2016-2017)
18 Episodes
With a tone that resonates with Resident Alien enthusiasts, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency revolves around a detective who operates under the belief that all events in life are interconnected. This quirky series, starring Samuel Barnett, marries chaos with coherence in delightfully unpredictable ways.
The show artfully intertwines seemingly unrelated plots that culminate in a hilarious and logical conclusion, making it a fantastic binge-worthy option available on Hulu.
8. Lodge 49 (2018-2019)
20 Episodes
Setting itself apart in the television landscape, Lodge 49 presents a narrative that explores the life and struggles of a laid-back ex-surfer named Sean “Dud” Dudley. Throughout this unique tale, echoes of Resident Alien’s humor and character-driven storytelling can be sensed.
The mysterious Lynx Lodge serves as a compelling backdrop for Dud’s journey, weaving in elements of mysticism and quirky humor that create an engaging viewing experience. Fans can access this hidden gem on Hulu.
9. The Middleman (2008)
12 Episodes
Another comic book-inspired narrative, The Middleman becomes a cult favorite due to its irreverent humor and clever genre references. The show follows Wendy Watson, recruited to fight bizarre extraterrestrial threats alongside her boss, the quirky Middleman.
This romp through sci-fi tropes delivers playful commentary and self-aware humor that is sure to resonate with fans of Resident Alien. As it becomes available on platforms like iTunes and Google Play, it’s an ideal time to revisit this cult classic.
10. Santa Clarita Diet (2017-2019)
30 Episodes
In this outrageous blend of horror and humor, Santa Clarita Diet flips conventional zombie narratives on their head. When Sheila Hammond transforms into a zombie, her family’s efforts to maintain a semblance of normal life leads to hilariously dark situations.
The juxtaposition of comedy and horror results in engaging storytelling, enriched by peculiar sci-fi elements integrated into the family dynamics. The show explores themes surrounding illness and the ethics surrounding the undead, and is available for streaming on Netflix.
Each of these brilliant series enriches the landscape of sci-fi comedy with a distinct flavor, resonating with fans of Resident Alien.
Leave a Reply