The world of science fiction is full of zombie apocalypses and virus outbreaks. However, as fans of the genre, we rarely find a show that blends absurdity with deep human emotion the way ‘Resident Alien’ does.
Since its debut in 2021, this quirky dramedy has consistently flown under the radar of mainstream popularity despite boasting critical acclaim, a powerhouse lead performance by Alan Tudyk, and an ever-growing fanbase. The show prepares to land its third season which will air on February 13, 2025, on Netflix. So, it’s high time we shine a spotlight on this unique gem.
Harry Vanderspiegle’s ‘Resident Alien’ Story Perfectly Mixes Absurdity And Humanity
At the core of ‘Resident Alien’ is a premise that feels like it was pulled straight from a comic book (because it was). Based on the Dark Horse comic series the show follows an alien (played with hilarious brilliance by Alan Tudyk) sent to Earth on a mission to exterminate humanity. However, after crash-landing in the remote town of Patience, Colorado, he accidentally kills and assumes the identity of a local doctor, Harry Vanderspeigle.
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It sounds like the beginning of a comedy, and it is, but that’s just the surface. What makes Resident Alien truly special is how deftly it moves between genres. While the show never loses its absurdist edge, it also tells a genuinely moving story about identity, purpose, and transformation. Harry’s mission begins with cold detachment: kill all humans, job done.
But as he gets entangled in the lives of the people around him, especially a young boy who can see through his disguise, his worldview begins to shift. The strength of the show lies not just in its concept but in its execution. Whether Harry is delivering a baby in one scene or Googling “how to smile like a human” in the next, the show consistently finds humor in the alienness of everyday life.
Mike And Liv’s Wholesome Karaoke Moment Further Highlights The Show’s Emotional Depth
One of the best testaments to ‘Resident Alien’s depth is a quietly powerful scene in Season 1, Episode 9. In a standout moment of emotional honesty, Sheriff Mike Thompson interrupts Deputy Liv Baker’s karaoke rendition of Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings” to deliver what might be the most unconventional apology on television.
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Up until this point in the series, Mike has been the quintessential small-town sheriff. Meanwhile, Liv is the calm, intelligent counterpart, often sidelined but never without insight. After enduring a season of being undervalued, Liv resigns from her post. Mike, unable to articulate a traditional apology, does something far more powerful. He joins her on stage, not in uniform, but in his everyday clothes.
This establishes that this isn’t about work but about respect, friendship, and genuine remorse. It’s a scene that works on multiple levels. On the surface, it’s funny and unexpected. But just beneath the humor lies something far more affecting. The vulnerability of the gesture reveals a man willing to step outside his emotional comfort zone in front of the whole town.
And Liv, without a word, accepts the apology. It’s the kind of character-driven moment that elevates ‘Resident Alien’ from a fun sci-fi romp to something truly meaningful. This is where the show excels. While audiences tune in for the alien antics, it’s scenes like this that keep them invested. It’s a reminder that sci-fi doesn’t always have to be about spectacle.
