Resident Alien’s balance of sci-fi and comedy is hard to come by, but one television show is able to execute it well enough to stand in as the new season is filmed.Resident Alienfollows a crash-landed alien who assimilates into a Colorado town and learns more about the human race than he expected.Alan Tudyk plays the resident alien, Harry Vanderspeigle, in the several forms he takes during the series. The show began in 2021, with itsResident Alien’s fourth seasonannounced in the summer of 2024, thoughno date has been set for the premiere.
Resident Alienis known for its clever writing and comedic premise, making it stand out in the science fiction genre. The ensemble cast is wacky, lovable, and well-led by Tudyk’s character. The show has become beloved for many reasons since its premiere and is even considered one of2024’s best sci-fi shows, withits first two seasons averaging 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. Though there is no official release date for the season 4 premiere, there are other shows that matchResident Alien’s tone and sci-fi humor that are worth watching in the meantime.
iZombie Is A Great Mixture Of Comedy & Sci-Fi Like Resident Alien
The Show Follows A Crime-Solving Zombie
iZombiefollows Liv Moore,a medical resident and zombie who can see memories from the brains she eats, an ability she uses to help solve murders. The show ran for five seasons between 2015 and 2019, with generally positive reviews. LikeResident Alien, the show takes on darker sci-fi themes with witty dialogue and humor. Though one show is about planet-destroying aliens and the other is about crime-solving zombies, they both feature compelling human-presenting characters coming to terms with their own humanity. Together, these series highlight the complexities of existence in a humorous yet thought-provoking way.
Both shows explore the fish-out-of-water trope, placing a strange character in a normal society who both happen to be medical professionals in some capacity. These situations are where much of the humor comes from. Both shows also feature a lovable main character who is well-portrayed by the lead actor. The shows are based on the outlandish premise of comic books, with both storylines originally being beloved comics. The fantastical animated comedy and logic seep into the shows, making them both compelling watches.
iZombie Makes For A Great Binge Watch (Despite Its Procedural Formula)
The Compelling Characters And Themes Help Make It Engaging
iZombieis easy to binge-watch because of its balanced blend of comedy, drama, and horror, which helps keep the show engaging and light. Each episode is packed with jokes and action, making it easy for both comedy and sci-fi fans to get hooked. Plus,its unique premise of a crime-solving zombie keeps the material fresh. It provides a fresh twist on an often-overused genre that keeps the material interesting and unpredictable, making itiZombiea stand-out comedy in the zombie subgenre.
iZombieis not currently streaming but is available to rent online.
The procedural element makesiZombiestand out from other shows in the genre. While each episode features a self-contained mystery, they also contribute to overarching storylines throughout the season. It’s also a fun twist on popular but now-predictablepolice procedural shows.This format rewards a quick watch through the whole seasonto see the character and plot arcs develop across several episodes. Liv and her friends undergo further character development and growth throughout the series, making the audience invested in their stories and eager to keep watching.
How iZombie Is Different From Resident Alien
The Format And Central Focus Set The Shows Apart
A major difference in the shows is their formatting. WhileiZombieis more procedural, with Liv solving crimes in each episode,Resident Alientakes a less crime and justice-focused approach.The investigative setting ofiZombieoften gives it darker tones, incorporating themes of morality and ethics more thanResident Alien’s more comedic approach. Similarly,iZombiefocuses more on Liv’s journey and relationships as she struggles with zombie tendencies. Meanwhile, though Harry leadsResident Alien, much of the plot comes from the whimsical ensemble cast of the town, leading to a broader social commentary.
Resident Alien & 9 Other Best Fantasy/Sci-fi Crime Shows, Ranked (According To IMDb)
If you love crime shows, fantasy, or science fiction, why not take a look at some of these shows. Some of them have scored pretty high on IMDb.
The shows' differences make bothiZombieandResident Alienstand out in the comedy sci-fi genre. While they have distinct premises—one featuring a crime-solving zombie and the other an alien navigating small-town life—they cleverlyexplore themes of identity, humanity, and the challenges of fitting in. Despite their differing approaches, they complement each other well, each offering a unique perspective on familiar tropes. With five seasons ofiZombieviewers can dive into its rich storytelling and character development, which will satisfy any sci-fi fish-out-of-water cravings left by the wait for the new season ofResident Alien.
iZombie
Cast
After being turned into a zombie, medical resident Liv must periodically feast on human brains to keep the appearance of being human and takes a job at a morgue to sate her hunger. When she discovers that eating a corpse’s brain gives her temporary access to their skills, traits, and memories, Liv decides to use her talent to help solve murders.
