Craving a sci-fi delight? “Resident Alien” stands out as one of the final gems from the SyFy Channel, captivating audiences for four seasons before its abrupt conclusion in 2025. This show seamlessly blends comedy, suspense, and intricate sci-fi storytelling. If that sounds like your cup of tea, you’re in luck—all four seasons are now streaming on Netflix.
The series centers on an alien, played by Alan Tudyk, whose name is a tongue-twister for humans. After crash-landing on Earth, he assumes the identity of Harry Vanderspeigle, a vacationing doctor, whom he kills. Originally tasked with eradicating humanity, he finds himself entangled in the everyday lives of the residents of Patience, Colorado. Disguised as Vanderspeigle, he becomes the town’s new medical examiner. As he immerses himself in human society, he grows fond of it, sparking a potential interstellar conflict as he reconsiders his mission.
Though new to Netflix, “Resident Alien” is also available on Peacock for subscribers. Regardless of your streaming choice, this cult favorite has amassed a dedicated fanbase.
Despite experiencing a significant drop in viewership from two million in its first season to just hundreds of thousands by its fourth, “Resident Alien” garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following among latecomers. While it may not be hailed as a sci-fi masterpiece, it consistently receives positive reviews. On IMDb, it boasts an impressive 8.0 rating, with the series finale reaching a 9.0. Over on Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a fresh Tomatometer score of 97% and an audience score of 87%. The show also received accolades like the Leo Award and the Hollywood Critics Association Award for Best Cable Television Series.
Since its debut on Netflix, “Resident Alien” has surged in popularity, frequently appearing in the platform’s top ten list. Although the acclaim arrived too late to extend its run, the series remains a standout in Netflix’s sci-fi lineup.
Resident Alien got strong reviews throughout its run
SYFY
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.
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.
