1988 Alien Nation Movies & TV Series

Alien Nation is a science fiction police procedural television series that aired on Fox from 1989 to 1990. Based on the 1988 film of the same name, it explores themes of racism, immigration, and integration through the lens of a "buddy cop" drama featuring a human and an alien detective. In the near future, a massive alien slave ship crash-lands in the Mojave Desert, carrying a race of extraterrestrials known as the Tenctonese. These "Newcomers" are integrated into American society, primarily in Los Angeles, where they face significant discrimination. The series centers on the reluctant partnership between human Detective Matthew Sikes (Gary Graham) and the first Newcomer detective, George Francisco (Eric Pierpoint, whose character was named "Sam Francisco" by human immigration authorities). The show used its sci-fi premise as an allegory for real-world social issues, exploring the Newcomer culture, family life, and the prejudices they face. Gary Graham as Detective Matthew Sikes Eric Pierpoint as Detective George Francisco Michele Scarabelli as Susan Francisco (George's wife) Terri Treas as Cathy Frankel (a Newcomer biochemist and Sikes's neighbor/love interest) Cancellation and Continuation The series developed a strong fanbase and was well-received by critics for its thoughtful approach to social commentary, but was abruptly cancelled by the fledgling Fox network after only one season (22 episodes, including the pilot) due to financial constraints. However, due to popular demand, the story was continued years later with five television films that resolved the series' cliffhanger ending and featured the original cast: Alien Nation: Dark Horizon (1994) Alien Nation: Body and Soul (1995) Alien Nation: Millennium (1996) Alien Nation: The Enemy Within (1996) Alien Nation: The Udara Legacy (1997)