The final season of Resident Alien leaves more questions than answers about the fate of the series.
After the season finale of ‘Resident Alien’, fans are left wondering what will happen in the fourth season of this science fiction comedy-drama. The series, which originally aired on Syfy, is now facing the possibility of a move back home to the USA network, according to Deadline’s sources. Since UCP, part of the Universal Studios Group, is involved in the production of the series, this move would appear to be the most logical option for NBCU.
Platform change keys
Although the transition to the USA network seems like a natural step, it is not complicated. If made, ‘Resident Alien’ could face significant budget cuts, as low as $500,000 per episode. This budget adjustment reflects the economic problems facing basic cable networks, which have been exacerbated by declining subscriber numbers and linear viewing on ad-supported networks.
Additionally, while NBCU wants to keep the series in the offseason, the possibility of offering it to other platforms like Netflix has not been ruled out. However, this move could face significant hurdles due to Netflix’s status as a global streaming giant, which would involve a complex renegotiation of international rights. As of now, ‘Resident Alien’ airs primarily on NBCU in international markets, limited to certain regions.
What did the third season finale leave us with?
In the final episode of the third season, titled “Homecoming”, the residents of Colorado begin to accept the truth about an extraterrestrial presence on Earth. The fate of Harry Wanders (Alan Tudyk) and Bridget (Kessler Talbot) trapped on the moon and the last-minute decisions of D’Arcy Bloom (Alice Wetterlund) are left up in the air, leaving fans eager for answers. Only the fourth season can be given.
Created by Chris Sheridan and based on the same comic, ‘Resident Alien’ follows Harry Wonder, who is on a mission to destroy humanity. But their mission takes an unexpected turn when they make a crash landing on Earth. Posing as a human doctor, Harry joins the humans and cleverly tries to begin his mission, but soon becomes engrossed in solving local murders. As he spends more time among humans, Harry begins to question the moral implications of his first mission.
The alien problem in our midst
At the heart of ‘Resident Alien’ is Harry Wanderer, a character who embodies the eternal struggle between duty and morality. Although the series initially presents him as a threat to humanity, he quickly becomes self-reflective of humanity with its conflicts and redemptions. His evolution is a mirror of our world, showing how continuous exposure to new experiences can profoundly change our deeply held beliefs. This dramatic arc of Harry’s not only enriches the narrative but also raises questions of identity and morality in difficult situations.
Comparatively, Harry has similarities to characters in other series like ‘Doctor Who’ who are in a moral dilemma. Both, aliens on Earth, find reasons in humanity to question their original missions. However, while the Doctor sets out to help and explore, Harry begins his journey on a destructive mission. This duality of purpose and change offers rich ground to explore in the science fiction genre, which highlights the capacity for change and adaptation as universal human characteristics.
While the series is looking for a new home, seasons 1-3 will be available to watch on Peacock. With an uncertain future but a strong fan base, ‘Resident Alien’ continues to be a topic of conversation among sci-fi lovers. Will the series find the support it needs on the USA Network, or will it need to seek new horizons beyond NBCU’s borders?