Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the deal: Resident Alien is actually really good. It's got that 98% Rotten Tomatoes score for a reason—sharp writing, a fantastic lead performance, and a premise that could've been gimmicky but instead delivers genuine laughs and surprising heart.

But let's be clear: this is not a family show. It's a dark comedy with murder, profanity, sexual references, and a protagonist whose original plan is literally to destroy humanity. The Common Sense Media 14+ rating is spot-on.

For older teens and adults? It's a winner. The show does something genuinely interesting with its fish-out-of-water setup, asking real questions about what makes us human while delivering consistent laughs. The alien's journey from detached observer to reluctant participant in humanity is both funny and surprisingly moving.

If you've got a 14-year-old who likes smart sci-fi comedy and you're okay with TV-14 content, this could be great viewing together. Just don't let the quirky small-town vibe fool you—this has an edge.

Age Fit

This is solidly for ages 14+ through adults. The dark comedy, murder mystery elements, and mature themes make it inappropriate for younger viewers, but it's smart and engaging enough that teens and adults will both enjoy it. Think of it as a quirky adult comedy that older teens can handle.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

68

The show centers on an alien learning to understand humanity and developing empathy, which models emotional growth. However, it's a dark comedy with mature themes including murder mystery elements, occasional crude humor, and the protagonist's initial mission to destroy humanity. The tone is more cynical than heartwarming, though character relationships do develop positively over time.

Imaginative

82

Highly original premise combining sci-fi alien fish-out-of-water comedy with small-town murder mystery. The concept of an alien learning human behavior while hiding his identity offers creative storytelling and invites viewers to see humanity from an outsider's perspective. The show plays with genre conventions in fresh ways.

Safe

52

Common Sense Media rates this 14+, indicating mature content. The show includes violence (murder mystery plotline), some gore, sexual references, drinking, and dark themes including the alien's mission to potentially destroy Earth. Language includes occasional profanity. While not gratuitously violent, it has enough edge that younger viewers would encounter inappropriate content. It's predictably adult in tone, so not shocking for teens, but definitely not family-friendly.

Enriching

75

The show explores interesting philosophical questions about what makes us human, morality, empathy, and belonging. The alien protagonist's journey from detached observer to emotionally invested participant offers meaningful character development. It touches on themes of identity, community, and ethical dilemmas. Entertaining throughout with sharp writing and strong performances that elevate the material beyond typical sitcom fare.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely clever premise executed with sharp writing and excellent lead performance from Alan Tudyk
Explores philosophical questions about humanity, empathy, and morality through a sci-fi comedy lens
Character-driven story that balances humor with emotional depth as the alien develops genuine connections
Strong critical reception (98% RT critics) indicates quality storytelling that respects its audience
Perfect for families with older teens who want something smarter than typical network comedy

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What to Watch For

Murder mystery plotline includes some violence and occasional gore
Sexual references, drinking, and language make this firmly TV-14 territory
Dark humor and cynical tone—the protagonist literally starts out planning to destroy Earth
Not a show to throw on for family movie night with younger kids around

Conversation Starters

"If an alien was observing humans, what do you think would confuse them most about how we act?"
"The alien has to decide whether humans are worth saving. What would you show him to prove we are?"
"Why do you think the alien starts to care about the people in the town even though he didn't want to?"
"What makes someone 'human'—is it just biology or something more?"

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