Created by Chris Sheridan.
Resident Alien premiered on January 27, 2021, on Syfy in the United States.
Distributed by NBCUniversal Television Distribution.
Series Review
Resident Alien is a delightful genre mash-up that landed in January 2021 and quickly won hearts with its blend of sci-fi whimsy and heartfelt small-town drama.
Alan Tudyk shines as Harry, an alien posing as a Colorado doctor who finds himself torn between his mission and newfound human connections.
Season 1 introduces Patience, Colorado, and its quirky inhabitants.
Harry’s initial attempts at extermination give way to fish-out-of-water humor as he helps solve a local murder and forms an unlikely bond with nurse Asta (Sara Tomko) and Sheriff Mike Thompson (Corey Reynolds).
Season 2 deepens the mystery when Harry’s crash site is discovered.
New government forces and interplanetary politics raise the stakes, while Harry’s moral dilemma intensifies as he grows attached to Max (Judah Prehn) and the Hawthorne family.
Season 3 expands the world beyond Patience.
Harry wrestles with his alien brethren’s demands, explores his own identity, and faces off against seasoned alien hunters, testing loyalties and friendships.
Season 4 wraps the series with a satisfying finale on August 8, 2025.
Showrunner Chris Sheridan delivers emotional closure as Harry confronts both human and alien foes, leaving the door open for future tales.
Ratings:
• IMDb: 8/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
• Google Audience Score: 75% liked this TV show
Resident Alien Actors
Alan Tudyk as “Harry Vanderspeigle”
DOB: March 16, 1971
Bio: Born in El Paso, Texas, Alan Tudyk studied drama at Lon Morris College and the University of Houston–Clear Lake before launching a career defined by scene-stealing character performances.
He first charmed audiences as Hoban “Wash” Washburne on Firefly, lent his voice to the endearing droid K-2SO in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and narrated The Orville.
Role: A reconnaissance alien dispatched to exterminate humanity who assumes the identity of a small-town doctor.
As he navigates human life, he develops unexpected empathy and questions his mission.
Seasons & Episodes: 1–4 (44 episodes)
What to Expect: Sharp fish-out-of-water humor, impeccable physical comedy, and surprisingly moving reflections on what makes us human.
Favorite Things: Tudyk has shared in interviews that he loves improvisational comedy jams, collecting vintage sci-fi memorabilia, and taking long bike rides through L.A.’s backstreets.
Notable Works: Firefly, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Dodgeball, Andor.
Sara Tomko as Asta Twelvetrees
DOB: October 19, 1983
Bio: Ohio-born and James Madison University–graduate, Sara Tomko is based in LA and CEO of In The Pocket Productions.
Her career began in experimental theatre and musicals in Virginia and Ohio, later moving to Los Angeles to pursue Film and TV.
Role: A nurse at the Patience clinic and member of the Ute nation. She is the first to learn Harry’s true identity and becomes his closest, most loyal ally.
Seasons & Episodes: 1–4 (44 episodes)
What to Expect: Steady compassion, intuitive insight, and fierce protectiveness whenever her town or new friend are in danger.
Favorite Things: Tomko loves wilderness camping, campfire storytelling circles, and visiting ancestral sites to connect with her heritage.
Notable Works: Sneaky Pete, The Terminator, Extracted.
Corey Reynolds as Sheriff Mike Thompson
DOB: July 3, 1974
Bio: Born in Richmond, Virginia, Corey Reynolds began his acting journey on stage, rising to prominence as Seaweed in Broadway’s Hairspray, a role that earned him a Tony nomination.
After Broadway, he transitioned to television and became widely recognized for his long-running role as Sgt. David Gabriel on The Closer.
Role: Sheriff Mike Thompson is the no-nonsense yet warm-hearted lawman of Patience, Colorado.
While initially skeptical of Harry, he grows into one of the alien’s most important human connections.
Seasons & Episodes: 1–4 (44 episodes)
What to Expect: Steady leadership, deadpan quips, and touching father-daughter scenes with Tess.
Favorite Things: Reynolds still runs community 5K races for fun and collects classic jazz records in his downtime.
Notable Works: The Closer, NCIS, Murder in the First, Broadway’s Hairspray
Alice Wetterlund as D’arcy Bloom
DOB: May 16, 1981
Bio: Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Alice Wetterlund is a stand-up comedian, actress, and podcast host who studied at Cooper Union before transitioning into comedy via New York’s Upright Citizens Brigade.
Known for her offbeat humor and nerdy charm, she broke out as Carla on Silicon Valley and has since become a fixture in genre and indie comedy.
Role: D’Arcy is the fearless, witty former Olympic skier turned bartender and best friend to Asta.
Her no-filter personality, vulnerability beneath the bravado, and evolving friendship with Harry add rich emotional layers and comic timing to the show.
Seasons & Episodes: 1–4 (44 episodes)
What to Expect: Infectious enthusiasm, perfectly timed pratfalls, and flashes of unexpected wisdom.
Favorite Things: Alice is an avid gamer and longtime fan of tabletop RPGs. She’s spoken about her love for Dungeons & Dragons, retro gaming consoles, and her podcasting work on topics like science fiction and relationships.
Notable Works: Silicon Valley, People of Earth, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.
Levi Fiehler as Ben Hawthorne
DOB: December 1981
Bio: Levi Fiehler is an American actor originally from Juneau, Alaska and trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles.
He began his career with roles in short films and indie projects before landing recurring television parts in The Fosters and Ray Donovan.
Role: Ben is the kind-hearted and somewhat insecure mayor of Patience, Colorado.
Passionate about candle-making and community events, his well-meaning attempts to support his town often spiral into comedic chaos.
Seasons & Episodes: 1–4 (44 episodes)
What to Expect: Sweet sincerity, bursts of teen bravado, and improvised leadership moments.
Favorite Things: Fiehler is known to enjoy photography and woodworking in his downtime. He’s also a fan of indie filmmaking and supports rural arts programs, according to interviews.
Notable Works: The Fosters, Ray Donovan, Mars (National Geographic), Wolf Town.
Judah Prehn as Max Hawthorne
DOB: July 14, 2010
Bio: Judah Prehn is a young American actor who made his professional acting debut on Resident Alien.
Despite having no major credits before the show, Prehn immediately stood out to casting directors with his natural comedic timing, expressive reactions, and ability to hold his own alongside seasoned actors like Alan Tudyk.
Role: Ben’s son and the only person able to see Harry’s true alien form. Max’s unshakeable honesty forces Harry to confront his own actions and, ultimately, his heart.
Seasons & Episodes: 1–4 (44 episodes)
What to Expect: Spunky sass, fearless schemes, and catalytic moments that drive Harry’s moral arc.
Favorite Things: Judah Prehn reportedly enjoys magic tricks, reading fantasy and sci-fi graphic novels, and building LEGO models in his free time.
Notable Works: Resident Alien (TV debut).
Elizabeth Bowen as Deputy Liv Baker
DOB: October 1, 1976
Bio: Elizabeth Bowen is a Canadian actress and producer, born and raised in Canada, who worked steadily in film and television before landing her breakout role in Resident Alien.
With a background in comedic and dramatic roles, she’s appeared in series like Upload, The Man in the High Castle, and Woke.
Role: Deputy to Sheriff Mike Thompson. Initially by-the-book, she grows into his trusted partner and discovers that the town’s mysteries extend far beyond ordinary crimes.
Seasons & Episodes: Recurring S1-S4 (44)
What to Expect: Sharp investigative instincts, dry humor, and quiet heroism under pressure.
Favorite Things: In interviews, Bowen has shared a love for hiking British Columbia’s mountain trails and solving logic puzzles.
Notable Works: Upload, The Man in the High Castle, Woke, No Tomorrow.
Meredith Garretson as Kate Hawthorne
DOB: April 27, 1983
Bio: Raised in Alexandria, Virginia. Meredith Garretson makes her series debut as Max’s devoted mother and Ben’s steady partner.
A graduate from James Madison University, she brings genuine patience and empathy to life in Patience, grounding the town’s extraordinary events with authenticity and heart.
Role: Max’s mother and the town’s caring schoolteacher. Her calm perspective and maternal warmth often stand in sharp contrast to Patience’s cosmic crises.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–S4 (44)
What to Expect: Genuine kindness, wry humor, and fierce protectiveness of her family.
Favorite Things: She enjoys sketching comics and reading aloud with her dog curled at her feet.
Notable Works: Friendship, The Offer, Sexy Dreams.
Linda Hamilton as Gen. Eleanor McCallister
DOB: September 26, 1956
Bio: Born in Salisbury, Maryland, Linda Hamilton became a household name as Sarah Connor in The Terminator franchise.
A classically trained actress who studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, Hamilton is celebrated for portraying strong, complex women.
Role: General Eleanor McCallister is a hardened military figure leading a shadowy government operation tasked with identifying and eliminating extraterrestrial threats.
Seasons & Episodes: S1– S4 (21 episodes)
What to Expect: Military precision, hard choices, and rare flashes of doubt as she unravels Patience’s mysteries.
Favorite Things: Linda Hamilton is a passionate supporter of animal rescue initiatives and enjoys restoring classic muscle cars in her downtime.
Notable Works: The Terminator, Beauty and the Beast, Dante’s Peak.
Ben Cotton as Jimmy
DOB: July 29, 1975
Bio: Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Ben Cotton is a veteran of science fiction television, with credits on Battlestar Galactica, Stargate Atlantis and Fringe.
He brings an understated menace and emotional depth to his roles, grounding science fiction settings in raw humanity.
Role: Asta’s abusive ex whose dark history with her and Jay undermines Patience’s growing trust in newcomers.
His presence provides a very human threat that runs parallel to Harry’s extraterrestrial mystery.
Seasons & Episodes: S1-S2 & S4 (8 episodes).
What to Expect: Intense dramatic confrontations that test both Asta’s resilience and Harry’s emerging sense of loyalty.
Favorite Things: Cotton is an avid cyclist on British Columbia’s mountain trails and enjoys weekend woodworking projects.
Notable Works: Battlestar Galactica, Stargate Atlantis, Fringe.
Nathan Fillion as the voice of “42”
DOB: March 27, 1971
Bio: Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Nathan Fillion gained prominence as Captain Malcolm Reynolds on Firefly and its follow-up film Serenity.
He later starred as novelist-turned-investigator Rick Castle on Castle, showcasing his blend of humor and earnestness.
Role: A stranded restaurant-tank octopus who telepathically guides Harry with sarcastic quips and unexpected empathy.
Seasons & Episodes: S1-S2 (6 episodes)
What to Expect: Snarky one-liners, surprising emotional support, and octo-powered life lessons.
Favorite Things: Fillion is a dedicated comic-book collector and home brewing enthusiast, hobbies he often discusses in interviews.
Notable Works: The Rookie, Firefly, Castle, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Michael Cassidy as Dr. Ethan Stone
DOB: March 20, 1983
Bio: Born in Portland, Oregon, Michael Cassidy began his career with a memorable turn on Veronica Mars and went on to appear in Gossip Girl and The Art of More.
Known for his suave presence and emotional range, he brings both charm and conflict to every role.
Role: Dr. Ethan Stone: Patience’s new resident physician who replaces Harry Vanderspeigle.
His arrival forces Harry to navigate daily life without his medical cover and confront the town’s deepening oddities.
Seasons & Episodes: S1-S2 (5 episodes)
What to Expect: Confident bedside manner, moral rigidity, and eventual curiosity about Patience’s growing oddities.
Favorite Things: Cassidy enjoys attending indie-film festivals and is an amateur chef who specializes in Mediterranean cuisine.
Notable Works: Veronica Mars, Gossip Girl, The Art of More, Residue.
More Actors
• Kaylayla Raine as Jay (Asta’s daughter)
• Deborah Finkel as Abigail Hodges (Seasons 1–2)
• Gary Farmer as Dan Twelvetrees (Asta’s adoptive father)
• Mandell Maughan as Lisa Casper (Seasons 1–2)
• Alex Barima as Lt. David Logan (Seasons 1–3)
• Jenna Lamia as Judy Cooper
• Sarah Podemski as Kayla (Asta’s cousin)
• Diana Bang as Ellen Cho (Clinic nurse)
• Gracelyn Awad Rinke as Sahar Karimi (Max’s friend)
• Elvy Yost as Isabelle Vanderspeigle (Season 1 & guest S3)
• Alvin Sanders as Lewis Thompson (Season 2)
• Trevor Carroll as John Baker (Liv’s husband)
FAQ – Resident Alien TV Series
Is Resident Alien based on a book or comic?
Yes. The show is based on the Resident Alien comic book series by Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse, published by Dark Horse Comics.
How many seasons of Resident Alien are there?
There are 4 seasons. The fourth and final season premiered in 2025.
Where was Resident Alien filmed?
The series was primarily filmed in British Columbia, Canada, particularly in Ladysmith and Vancouver.
Where can I watch Resident Alien?
You can stream it on Peacock and Syfy (U.S.), and through various platforms internationally depending on distribution rights.
Is Resident Alien suitable for kids?
The series is rated TV-14. It contains mild violence, adult humor, and occasional strong language, so it’s better suited for teens and adults.
What makes Resident Alien different from other sci-fi shows?
Its unique blend of comedy, mystery, and emotional depth sets it apart. It balances absurd alien antics with heartfelt human connections.
Conclusion
Resident Alien delivers a winning mix of humor, heart, and sci-fi intrigue from start to finish.
Alan Tudyk’s playful yet poignant performance as Harry anchors a series that grows richer with each season.
Along the way, strong support from Sara Tomko, Corey Reynolds, and the rest of the Patience ensemble makes every twist feel earned.
Whether you come for the alien oddities or the small-town warmth, Resident Alien wraps up its four-season run with a satisfying blend of laughs and emotion.
It proves that even the most unlikely outsiders can find a place to call home, and that sometimes saving humanity starts with learning to be human.