As one of the most underrated shows on television, there are a lot of fans eager to find other shows likeResident Alienwith its unique mixing of genres.Resident Alienstands out as a tasty blend of quirky humor, offbeat storytelling, and heartfelt moments amidst its sci-fi backdrop.Resident Alienstars Alan Tudykas Harry Vanderspeigle, a flawed, genocidal alien who poses as a small-town Colorado doctor and eventually becomes sympathetic to the human cause. It is a fun premise that takes the show in directions viewers won’t expect.
As unique and fresh asResident Alienfeels, there are still some other great shows that capture some of the great aspects of this series. The show dives into everything from offbeat human interactions to larger existential matters. Whether it’s the off-kilter small-town atmosphere, clever humor, or supernatural storylines, there are a handful ofsci-fi comedy showsthat capture a similar balance likely to tick all the right boxes withResident Alienviewers.
When talking about a comedy series in which an alien tries to fit in on Earth, it is hard not to think aboutMork & Mindy. The series started as one of themanyHappy Daysspinoffsand starred Robin Williams as Mork, an eccentric alien who has come to Earth to study the people of the planet. He meets a young woman named Mindy (Pam Dawber) who is fascinated by this oddball character and agrees to let the alien live with her.
As a sitcom from the 1970s, it is a much sillier show thanResident Alienwith Mork being a surface-level comedic character compared to the complexities of Harry in that series.
The series served as a launching point for Williams' acting career, and though he later showed how effective he was in dramatic roles,Mork & Mindyis a lot of fun because it lets the star totally embrace his madcap comedy style. As a sitcom from the 1970s, it is a much sillier show thanResident Alienwith Mork being a surface-level comedic character compared to the complexities of Harry in that series. However, the fun of seeing an alien learn about Earth and its culture makes for a fun ride even decades apart.
A lot of the excitement fromResident Aliencomes from Harry posing as someone he is not while surrounded by people who think they know him. It creates a lot of tension throughout the series andSneaky Peteis another series that expertly pulls off this trick. Giovanni Ribisi stars in the series as Marius, a con artist who is escaping some trouble and decides to adopt the identity of Pete, his former cellmate. When Marius is taken in by Pete’s estranged family, his lies are put to the test.
While it does not feature any of the sci-fi elements ofResident Alien, Sneaky Petehas a lot of similarities.There is a lot of fun to the protagonist constantly being at risk of being found outwhich, likeResident Alien,provides moments of humor as well as drama. There is also the sense that the protagonists of both shows are hiding their true identities while also putting everyone else at risk without them knowing.
Seth McFarlane has always had a love for sci-fi which is evident in mostly all of his shows.American Dadshows how McFarlane is about to embrace his genre fashion while making his typical quirky animated comedy.American Dadfollows an American family, led by Stan, the conservative, patriotic, and ridiculous patriarch of the family. Along with Stan’s children and wife, the Smith household also features Roger, an alien who Stan rescued from Area 51.
It is easy to see similarities between Roger and Harry as they are both somewhat flamboyant and eccentric aliens who can be quite blunt and insensitive, leading to big laughs.
American Dadissimilar toFamily Guyin its tone and irreverent humor, not embracing sci-fi as much asResident Alien. However, it is easy to see similarities between Roger and Harry as they are both somewhat flamboyant and eccentric aliens who can be quite blunt and insensitive, leading to big laughs. Themundane depiction of aliens living a domestic lifeis also quite similar to how Harry is depicted.
Another animated comedy series thatResident Alienfans will love isFuturama. This is another fish-out-of-water story that follows Philip J. Fry, a lazy pizza delivery man who, on the eve of the year 2000 is accidentally cryogenically frozen and wakes up 1000 years later. Fry forms friendships in this new existence, such as a robot, a mutant, and his great descendent (who is an old man himself). With their help, he settles into the new life of the 30th century.
WhileResident Aliensees Harry trying to fit in with Earth’s customs,the audience gets to join Fry in being introduced to all the changes in the world that have taken place over a thousand years. While the fish-out-of-water shenanigans are a fun starting point for the series, it is really the most fun when it is exploring sci-fi ideas through a clever and hilarious lens.
The only thing funnier than an alien hiding out amid humans and trying to blend in is when there are a bunch of aliens trying to do it.3rd Rock from the Sunstars John Lithgow, Kristen Johnston, French Stewart, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as aliens who have assumed human bodies and pose as a dysfunctional family while on a mission to learn everything they can about the planet. Along the way, they develop their own relationships and attachments to Earth.
LikeMork & Mindy, 3rd Rock From the Sunis a much more comedic take on the premise with it missing a lot of the darker and more dramatic elements seen inResident Alien. However, just as there is a lot of fun seeing Harry’s shenanigans, the Solomon family of3rd Rock From the Sunis great entertainment as they discover their curiosities about humanity. Also likeResident Alien, it is a lot of fun to see the characters eventually becoming more comfortable with life on Earth.
The Orville
Cast
Created by Seth McFarlane and set in the 25th century, The Orville follows the crew of the titular ship and its captain, Ed Mercer (McFarlane) as they explore the galaxy. Inspired by Star Trek, it also spoofs the sci-fi classic, taking a comedic approach to its serialized story and science-fiction premise. Adrianne Palicki, Penny Johnson Jerald, and Scott Grimes star alongside McFarlane as part of an ensemble cast.
While very different in setting and premise,The Orvilleshares a quirky, offbeat tone that makesResident Alienfeel like its distant cosmic cousin. Both shows offer a refreshing take on the genre by prioritizing character-driven comedy without losing touch with the core of sci-fi storytelling. The comedic balance in both shows keeps audiences entertained without derailing the narrative’s more profound moments.
Captain Ed Mercer inThe Orvilleoften bounces between humorous interpersonal drama and grappling with intergalactic dilemmasin much the same way that Harry uses his fish-out-of-water moments to deliver funny scenes while dealing with his mission to destroy humanity. Both series feel light but never shallow when it comes to exploring deeper sci-fi themes with a layered storytelling that makes both shows accessible to casual viewers and thought-provoking enough for hardcore sci-fi fans. During the wait forThe Orvilleseason 4, the rest of the series is available for streaming on Hulu.
People of Earth
People of Earth is a television series following journalist Ozzie Graham as he investigates a support group for alien abductees. Initially skeptical of their claims, Graham gradually uncovers evidence that not only supports their stories but suggests his own possible connection to extraterrestrial encounters.
Created by David Jenkins and featuring executive producers like Conan O’Brien,People of Earthdoesn’t just spoof UFO tales — it elevates them with a heartfelt touch. A comedy about support group members who believe they’ve been abducted by aliens, the show delivers a fun balance of absurdity with sincerity, as its oddball characters grapple with their UFO-related traumas.
Instead of focusing solely on the aliens,People of Earthdives into the eccentricities of its human characters, such as their wild, often contradictory abduction stories. The result is a simultaneously offbeat and relatable tone that feels grounded despite its out-of-this-world premise. Unlike the ominous extraterrestrials typically seen in sci-fi,People of Earthshares DNA withResident Alien, giving viewers a trio of alien characters with their own flaws, quirks, and even workplace drama. Audiences can streamPeople of Earthon HBO Max.
Solar Opposites
Solar Opposites is a Hulu adult animation series that centers on a family of aliens. After moving to America, they bicker about whether the country is better than their home planet. The series was created by Mike McMahan and Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland, with characters voiced by Thomas Middleditch, Sean Giambrone, and Mary Mack.
When it comes to balancing laugh-out-loud moments with futuristic intrigue, Hulu’sSolar Oppositeswalks a fine line — and does so brilliantly. Created by Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan (co-creator and writer forRick and Morty), this animated hit follows a family of alien refugees who crash-land on Earth. While outwardly absurd,Solar Oppositesoffers more than surface-level slapstick, employing a unique blend of offbeat comedy and imaginative sci-fi themes that should spark withResident Alienfans.
Whether it’s debating the merits of soda flavors or the importance of theme parks, their misadventures are brought to life with razor-sharp wit. Korvo’s grumpiness over mundane human tasks like mowing the lawn will definitely giveResident Alienwatchers Harry vibes. As for social commentary, it doesn’t get more pointed thanSolar Oppositesepisodes that revolve around The Wall, a terrarium where Korvo and Terry shrink people who annoy them.
Eureka
In the fictional town of Eureka, Oregon, sheriff Jack Carter is an ordinary guy in a town full of geniuses. Whenever there’s a technological accident or a science experiment gone wrong, Sheriff Carter and the town’s scientists step in to solve the mystery and save the day.
When it comes to blending genres, few shows do it as seamlessly asEureka. A quirky series set in a fictional small town inhabited by geniuses working on cutting-edge experiments that usually go wildly wrong,Eurekais wrapped in a layer of humor that keeps things light. Whether it’s a weather-controlling machine creating chaos or an AI house named SARAH with unexpected “quirks,” the sci-fi scenarios are imaginative yet relatable. However,Eurekaisn’t just about flashy gadgets — it digs into human relationships with science, making its futuristic world feel grounded while raising thoughtful “what if” questions.
WhileEurekadelivers thought-provoking ideas, it’s the humor that ensures it remains accessible. A show that might otherwise feel heavy instead becomes fun and addictive. The series' unique tone maintains its appeal across all five seasons, keeping viewers engaged whether the stakes are life-and-death or humorously low.Eurekais available to stream on platforms like Peacock and Amazon Prime Video.
Upload
Upload is set in 2033, where individuals near death can be transferred into digital afterlife environments. The story follows Brooklyn resident Nora, who works in customer service for the virtual “Lakeview” hotel, and Nathan, a coder from L.A., whose life takes a turn after he is uploaded into this digital realm following a car crash.
Set in 2033,Uploadintroduces viewers to a world where people on the brink of death can “upload” their consciousness into a luxurious digital afterlife. Created byThe OfficeandParks and Recreationvet Greg Daniels,Uploadskillfully blends the high-tech wonders of science fiction with the absurdities of human behavior, delivering a pleasant mix of clever satire with some laugh-out-loud moments.
This premise allows the show to tread boldly into futuristic themes like AI companions, virtual reality environments, and the ethics of corporate control over afterlives. Yet, much likeResident Alien,Uploaddoesn’t overwhelm viewers with complex sci-fi jargon, instead infusing those concepts with playful absurdity. Virtual assistants are literal floating heads, and system bugs manifest as glitches in someone’s “afterlife.” Available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video,Uploadexplores futuristic technology and delivers sharp satire alongside its genuinely funny moments.
