I’ll be completely honest with you, I am a HUGE fan of the Alien franchise, and Aliens is, without question, my favorite movie of ALL time! From the moment that chestburster made its terrifying debut in 1979, I’ve been obsessed with everything xenomorph-related. So when I heard that FX was creating the first-ever Alien television series, I literally couldn’t contain my excitement. (Cover photo credit: FX)
What Is Alien: Earth?
Let me paint you a picture of what we’re getting with this incredible new series. Alien: Earth is created by Noah Hawley and features Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, Essie Davis, and Samuel Blenkin in key roles. But here’s what makes this particularly exciting for franchise fans like myself—this is a Disney production following the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company, which means we’re getting that premium production value we deserve.
And before anyone rolls their eyes thinking Disney shows are all bubble gum and unicorns, let me remind you that this is the same company that brought us the brutal masterpiece Shōgun. Disney has proven they’re not afraid to tackle mature, complex content when the story demands it, and Alien: Earth is clearly positioned to deliver the intense, horror-driven experience that Alien fans crave.
Set in 2120, two years before the events of the original Alien movie (set in 2122), the series promises to answer questions we never even knew we had. When the mysterious deep space research vessel USCSS Maginot crash-lands on Earth, Wendy (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat in FX’s Alien: Earth.
The World of 2120: Corporate Dystopia Meets Alien Terror
Here’s where things get really fascinating. In the year 2120, Earth isn’t governed by countries or traditional governments—it’s controlled by five corporations: Prodigy, Weyland-Yutani (yes, THAT Weyland-Yutani!), Lynch, Dynamic, and Threshold. This Corporate Era features a world where cyborgs (humans with both biological and artificial parts) and synthetics (humanoid robots with artificial intelligence) exist alongside humans.
But the game changes dramatically when the wunderkind Founder and CEO of Prodigy Corporation unlocks a revolutionary technological advancement: hybrids (humanoid robots infused with human consciousness). The first hybrid prototype named Wendy marks a new dawn in the race for immortality. After Weyland-Yutani’s spaceship collides into Prodigy City, Wendy and the other hybrids encounter mysterious life forms more terrifying than anyone could have ever imagined.
A Cast That Has Me Beyond Excited
Led by Sydney Chandler as the groundbreaking hybrid Wendy, the series showcases an impressive international cast that includes Timothy Olyphant as Kirsh (and can we just take a moment to appreciate Timothy Olyphant in a sci-fi horror setting? Chef’s kiss), Alex Lawther (Hermit), Samuel Blenkin (Boy Kavalie), Babou Ceesay (Morrow), Adrian Edmondson (Atom Eins), David Rysdahl (Arthur Sylvia), Essie Davis (Dame Sylvia), Lily Newmark (Nibs), Erana James (Curly), Adarsh Gourav (Slightly), Jonathan Ajayi (Smee), Kit Young (Tootles), Diêm Camille (Siberian), Moe Bar-El (Rashidi) and Sandra Yi Sencindiver (Yutani).
The fact that we’re getting Peabody and Emmy® Award-winning Noah Hawley as creator and executive producer gives me so much confidence. When you add Ridley Scott himself as executive producer alongside David W. Zucker, Joseph Iberti, Dana Gonzales and Clayton Krueger, you know this production has the pedigree to deliver something truly special.
First Three Episodes: Pure Alien Perfection
Now that we’re three episodes in, I can confidently say this show delivers EVERYTHING I wanted and more! The first three episodes were absolutely packed with action and all the good stuff we’ve loved about the franchise from day one. The pacing hits that perfect sweet spot—building tension methodically before unleashing pure xenomorph chaos that had me literally on the edge of my couch.
What absolutely made my Alien-loving heart sing was how the first episode was loaded with incredible nods to the first two films. I’m talking subtle visual callbacks, dialogue references, and atmospheric touches that made me feel like I was experiencing Alien and Aliens for the first time all over again. And I am absolutely HERE for it! The showrunners clearly understand what made those original films so special, and they’re weaving that DNA into every frame without it feeling forced or fan-servicey.
The practical effects mixed with modern CGI create that perfect blend of visceral terror and stunning visuals that the franchise is known for. When that first xenomorph appeared on screen, I actually got chills—the same kind I felt watching Ridley Scott’s original masterpiece. This is how you honor a legendary franchise while pushing it into bold new territory.
Why This Alien Fan Is Beyond Excited
As someone who has watched every Alien movie multiple times, what excites me most about Alien: Earth is the promise of expanding the universe while maintaining the core DNA that makes Alien so compelling. The corporate dystopia angle feels perfectly in line with the franchise’s themes, and the prequel setting gives us the opportunity to see how humanity first encountered these creatures on Earth itself.
The hybrid concept with Wendy as our protagonist offers a fresh perspective that could explore themes of humanity, consciousness, and survival in ways we’ve never seen in the franchise before. Plus, having this unfold on Earth rather than in the isolated setting of a spaceship or distant planet opens up entirely new storytelling possibilities.
Everyone’s Getting in on the Alien Action
The excitement around this show is absolutely infectious! The cast recently made waves at Comic-Con, and the promotional campaign has been nothing short of genius. To welcome the show’s upcoming debut, FX’s Alien Earth launched “The Hunt,” a global stunt bringing mysterious alien life forms and exclusive giveaways to 7 U.S. cities, with additional activations in 7 international markets.
Picture this: containment units from the crashed USCSS Maginot appeared overnight in cities across the country, and brave fans who approached the Prodigy Corp officers protecting the salvaged crates were rewarded with exclusive prizes and in-world discoveries. How amazing is that?
At W Hotels in New York, Dallas, Nashville, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Seattle, and here in Los Angeles, fans got to explore containment unit crates from the series to find hidden Easter Eggs, photo opportunities, and exclusive prizes. Visitors had chances to win limited-edition Alien: Earth x Skullcandy Crusher EVO Headphones with mind-blowing multi-sensory bass, an Alien: Earth thermos, or collectible pins. Plus, fans received special offers from “The Hunt” collaborations with select W Hotels and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer locations. But that’s not it. Alien: Earth has taken over the intersection of Hollywood and Vine with an immersive activation. I’m talking wall to wall posters, creepy sounds, and a giant xenomorph!
The global reach has been incredible too, with containment units activating in Valencia, Spain; London, UK; Toronto, Canada; Mexico City, Mexico; São Paulo, Brazil; Tokyo, Japan; Seoul, Korea; and Sydney, Australia. This level of marketing sophistication tells me Disney and FX are taking this series very seriously.
When and Where to Watch
Alien: Earth premiered on FX and FX on Hulu on August 12, 2025, with three episodes currently available. For international fans, the series will be available on Disney+. Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and prepare for what could be the sci-fi event of 2025!
Alien Franchise FAQs
How Many Alien Movies Are There?
As of 2025, there are nine theatrical Alien films and one TV show:
- Alien (1979)
- Aliens (1986) – Still the best one!
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Alien: Resurrection (1997)
- Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
- Prometheus (2012)
- Alien: Covenant (2017)
- Alien: Romulus (2024)
- Alien: Earth (2025) – TV show
Alien Movies (and new Alien: Earth TV show) in Order (Chronological)
If you want to watch them in story chronological order:
- Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (immediately after the events of Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- Prometheus (2093-2094)
- Alien: Covenant (2104)
- Alien: Earth (2120)
- Alien (2122)
- Aliens (2179)
- Alien 3 (2179)
- Alien: Resurrection (2379)
- Alien: Romulus (2142)
Is Alien: Earth Connected to the Movies?
Yes! Alien: Earth is set in the same universe as the films, taking place two years before the events of the original 1979 Alien movie. This makes it a direct prequel that should provide context for how the xenomorph threat first reached Earth.
Final Thoughts: Get Ready for the Hunt
Alien: Earth represents everything I love about science fiction television done right: a beloved franchise, visionary creators, incredible production values, and the promise of expanding a universe I’m already obsessed with. The fact that it’s the first-ever Alien television series makes it even more special.
Whether you’re a longtime franchise devotee like me or someone curious about jumping into the Alien universe for the first time, get ready because the hunt is on. This series looks like it’s going to deliver the perfect blend of horror, sci-fi, and action that has made this one of the greatest franchises in movie history.
