“Resident Alien” has officially been renewed for a fourth season, but with a significant twist: the series will be moving from Syfy to USA Network. This shift marks a new chapter for the beloved sci-fi comedy-drama, which has garnered a dedicated fanbase since its debut.
The decision to relocate “Resident Alien” to USA Network comes as part of NBCUniversal’s strategy to breathe new life into USA’s scripted programming. The network, once known for its original scripted series during its “Blue Sky” era, is looking to recapture that magic. Alongside “Resident Alien,” USA recently picked up the legal drama “The Rainmaker,” signaling a renewed focus on scripted content.
The move to USA Network is also seen as a way to introduce “Resident Alien” to a broader audience. The show’s successful run on Netflix, where Season 1 made it to the global streamer’s Top 10 of English-language series for its first five weeks, hinted at its crossover potential. By shifting to USA, NBCU aims to capitalize on this momentum and expand the show’s reach.
Season 3 of “Resident Alien” saw impressive viewership numbers, averaging 3.3 million total viewers and 1 million in the 18-49 demographic across all platforms. These figures represent a 4% increase in total viewers and a 36% increase in the key demo compared to Season 2. With such strong performance, the show’s renewal for a fourth season was a logical step.
However, the transition to USA Network comes with a significant budget reduction. This financial adjustment will undoubtedly present challenges, but the creative team behind “Resident Alien” is committed to maintaining the show’s quality and charm. The series, based on the Dark Horse comics, follows a crash-landed alien named Harry, played by Alan Tudyk, whose secret mission is to kill all humans. Season 3 ended on a cliffhanger, with Harry’s plan to stop the Grey invasion leading to his capture.
The cast of “Resident Alien” includes Sara Tomko, Corey Reynolds, Alice Wetterlund, Levi Fiehler, Elizabeth Bowen, Judah Prehn, and Meredith Garretson. The show has been well-received by critics, with its first two seasons averaging a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Chris Sheridan, who adapted the series for television, will continue as showrunner for the upcoming season. He is joined by executive producers Mike Richardson and Keith Goldberg of Dark Horse Entertainment, Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank of Amblin TV, and Nastaran Dibai.
“Resident Alien” is produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Amblin TV and Dark Horse Entertainment. The show’s production team is dedicated to delivering another season that lives up to the high standards set by its predecessors.
The move to USA Network is part of a broader trend within NBCUniversal to revitalize its scripted programming. USA Network, which has a rich history of successful original series, is looking to reclaim its position as a leader in scripted content. The network’s recent successes, such as the streaming boom of “Suits” and the popularity of “White Collar” on Netflix, have demonstrated the enduring appeal of its original programming.
In addition to “Resident Alien” and “The Rainmaker,” USA Network has a diverse portfolio of unscripted and reality programming. The competition series “Race to Survive: New Zealand” recently returned for a second season, and a new series titled “The Anonymous” is set to debut this summer. The network also serves as the exclusive linear home for “WWE Monday Night RAW” and “WWE SmackDown” through the end of 2024.
The renewal of “Resident Alien” for a fourth season and its move to USA Network is a testament to the show’s enduring popularity and the network’s commitment to high-quality scripted content. Fans can look forward to more of Harry’s adventures as he navigates the complexities of his mission and his newfound human emotions.
As “Resident Alien” prepares to embark on this new chapter, the show’s creative team and cast are excited to continue telling Harry’s story. With a dedicated fanbase and a new network home, the future looks bright for this quirky and beloved series.
