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Resident Alien has brought joy to audiences since its debut in 2021, effectively merging elements of situational comedy with expansive sci-fi storytelling. As Season 3 debuted more than a year ago, fans are eagerly anticipating the fourth season, which is set to air on the USA Network.
The show is infused with a sense of kindness and a profound insight into the human experience, drawing parallels to another beloved sci-fi comedy that aired in 2016. This series garnered a dedicated cult following during its second season, eventually receiving a renewal for a third, only to be unexpectedly canceled afterward.
Extraterrestrials and People of Earth
People of Earth stands out as a rare instance where critics and viewers alike recognize its excellence, boasting an impressive 89% critics’ score and an 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The brainchild of David Jenkins, with notable contributions from executors like Greg Daniels and Conan O’Brien, the series features a stellar cast, including two actors who later became part of Resident Alien.
The ensemble cast was rich and varied, comprising familiar faces such as Oscar Nuñez and Paul Lieberstein from The Office, along with former SNL cast members Ana Gasteyer and Nasim Pedrad, and other comedic stalwarts like H. Jon Benjamin, Brian Huskey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Wyatt Cenac, all of whom brought unique chemistry to the show.
The narrative typically revolves around a support group for individuals who have had encounters with extraterrestrials, dubbed “StarCrossed,” alongside a crew of diverse aliens on a ship in space. Among the characters are Jeff, a traditional grey alien; Don, resembling a Nordic figure; and Kurt, a reptilian that embodies the classic conspiracy theories surrounding alien life forms. The group is a comically inept collection of beings.
The Comedy of Kindness
The series explores the intersection between the StarCrossed group and the alien crew, showcasing how their lives become intertwined. The humans range from those who conceal their alien experiences to enthusiastic believers in extraterrestrial life. Some members might genuinely struggle with mental health issues, while others might be using the group as an escape from personal dilemmas, such as relationship breakdowns. People of Earth thoughtfully investigates our choices following transformative experiences and the reasons behind our beliefs.
Importantly, the show never ridicules its characters; instead, the humor is stemmed from a place of compassion. Similar to Resident Alien, People of Earth conveys warmth and empathy, rendering the fictional town of Beacon, New York, a welcoming environment for any visitor, alien or not. Despite the harsh realities of our world, the show cultivates a sense of kindness and curiosity among its inhabitants, making audiences crave more time in their company at the end of each episode. This approach reflects an evolution in comedic storytelling, following the trail laid by The Office, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Schitt’s Creek.
During its airing, People of Earth was a highlight of one of TBS’s most successful comedy seasons. The network launched an innovative array of scripted comedies in 2016, including the spoof Angie Tribeca starring Rashida Jones, the unique road trip comedy The Detour, the satirical mystery Search Party, and the anthology series The Guest Book, showcasing a remarkable year for television comedy.
‘People of Earth’ Season 3
Release Date: 2016 – 2016
Network: TBS
Directors: Ian Fitzgibbon
Writers: David Jenkins
The character arcs and overarching narrative of People of Earth grew increasingly intricate, culminating in a thrilling Season 2 finale. Following this momentum, viewers anticipated another captivating season; however, on June 8, 2018, creator David Jenkins announced that TBS had unexpectedly reversed its renewal decision, leaving the series canceled amidst unresolved storylines.
Despite the abrupt end, the show’s legacy remains an example of storytelling excellence and heart, overshadowing its untimely conclusion.
The Perfect Holdover Until ‘Resident Alien’ Season 4
While People of Earth was once available for streaming on Hulu, it is currently not accessible on any major platforms as of March 2025. However, episodes and complete seasons can be purchased on digital platforms such as YouTube, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video. Engaging with this series is a perfect way to bridge the gap while you wait for the release of Season 4 of Resident Alien.
Watch People of Earth
Source
movieweb.com