6.9
Where can I stream Alien Nation legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Alien Nation
1989·Show
Alien Nation fingerprint
Strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Fast Pace6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Nostalgic
- Nostalgia7
- Hopefulness5
- Family Dynamics5
Humor
Some sharp wit and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Situational Comedy5
- Satire & Parody4
World
Crime, society, and everyday modern life
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Alien Nation is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Heart
LowNostalgic
Emotionally, it's nostalgic.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and situational comedy.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy5Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumCrime, society, and everyday modern life
Its world is built around crime, society, and everyday modern life.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Futuristic7Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Tech & Humanity7Human stories in a tech world.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
Detective Matthew Sikes, a Los Angeles police officer reluctantly works with "Newcomer" alien George Francisco. Sikes also has an 'on again off again' flirtation with a female Newcomer, Cathy Frankel.
Sci-Fi Police ProceduralBuddy Cop DynamicsSocial Integration ThemesContemporary Alien ContactCharacter-Driven DramaRacial AllegoryFuture Los AngelesNostalgic Sci-FiCrime & Mystery
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Alien Nation
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Alien Nation worth watching?
63
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 64/100 (IMDb 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes 43%, and Metacritic 53). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Alien Nation rated?
ViolenceStrong language
Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How many seasons does Alien Nation have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 22 episodes of about 47 minutes each.
Do critics and audiences agree on Alien Nation?
Critics48
Audiences83
Not quite. Audiences rate Alien Nation higher (83) than critics (48). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
When did Alien Nation air?
S1
It ran from 1989 to 1990 and has ended.
What language is Alien Nation in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Alien Nation?
2
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Alien Nation in 2 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Alien Nation use?
But I Can't Be Pregnant!Rubber-Forehead AliensShaming the MobEvil-Detecting Baby20 Minutes into the FutureSmug SnakeDate RapeHollywood LawHappily MarriedFantastic SlurHuman Outside, Alien InsideAlien Bloodand 118 more
TV Tropes lists 130 storytelling tropes for Alien Nation, including But I Can't Be Pregnant!, Rubber-Forehead Aliens, Shaming the Mob.