Netflix viewers are heaping praise on the mystery drama Resident Alien, with one fan declaring it "literally everything you are looking for" in a TV show. The series, which blends science fiction, comedy, and mystery, has been recommended as ideal viewing for fans of Heated Rivalry, The Bear, and Arcane.
How one Reddit user found the show
The recommendation came after a Reddit user asked for suggestions that both they and their partner could enjoy, given their "limited overlapping taste." The poster described themselves as leaning towards "fluffier shows," while their partner preferred television that was "weirder" or "darker" in tone.
Their wishlist was detailed: the perfect show would need "some intensity" balanced with "enough lightness to even that out," strong character development, and at least one moment powerful enough to "make you cry at some point." They also wanted something that was not outright scary, featured "genuinely good people," looked "visually beautiful" on screen, and carried "a bit of sex appeal" for good measure.
What is Resident Alien about?
Resident Alien is a science-fiction comedy-drama with a strong streak of mystery running through it. Adapted from the comic book created by Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse, it ran on Syfy from 2021 to 2025 across four seasons, and all episodes are now available to stream on Netflix in the UK.
At the heart of the story is actor Alan Tudyk, who plays Harry Vanderspeigle - an alien with a name no human could hope to pronounce, who has crash-landed in a quiet Colorado town while on a mission to wipe out the entire human race. To blend in while he prepares, Harry kills a doctor who happens to be holidaying in the area and takes over his identity.
Things quickly become complicated when Harry is called upon to perform an autopsy on the town's GP, who has died in suspicious circumstances. As he digs deeper into the mystery, he begins to experience something he never anticipated - a growing fondness for the very humans he was sent to destroy. Suddenly, his mission and his conscience are pulling him in very different directions.
Who stars in Resident Alien?
The supporting cast is equally strong. Sara Tomko plays Asta Twelvetrees, the doctor's assistant who becomes central to the story, while Corey Reynolds takes on the role of Sheriff Mike Thompson. Alice Wetterlund rounds out the main trio as D'arcy Bloom, a bartender, mountaineering expert, and Asta's best friend.
It is Tudyk, though, who consistently draws the highest praise from viewers. Many have said his performance alone is reason enough to tune in, with several admitting that finishing Resident Alien sent them off in search of other projects he has been involved in.
"Really enjoyed season one. Laughed a lot, and it's a great show for me and my son to watch together, as he's a huge Tudyk fan," one viewer wrote online.
"So cute. Just finished it. We both enjoyed the silliness," added another.
With 44 episodes spread across four seasons, Resident Alien offers plenty to get stuck into - and every one of them is waiting for you on Netflix right now.
