In the crowded landscape of sci-fi television, few shows have managed to captivate critics and audiences quite like USA Network's Colony. With a stellar 92% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a devoted fanbase, this near-future thriller seemed destined for greatness. Yet, for all its strengths, the series was cut short after three seasons, leaving viewers with an ending that felt more like a frustrating cliffhanger than a satisfying conclusion.
Set in a post-invasion Los Angeles, Colony follows Will and Katie Bowman (Josh Holloway and Sarah Wayne Callies) as they navigate life under the oppressive rule of an alien race known as the Hosts. The show masterfully blends political intrigue, family drama, and moral ambiguity, drawing comparisons to life in Nazi-occupied Paris. Co-creators Carlton Cuse and Ryan Condal had grand plans for a five- or six-season arc, but the network pulled the plug in 2018, leaving the story unfinished.
The Unfinished Blueprint for 'Colony'
In a 2017 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Cuse revealed that the writers had mapped out major plot points for seasons five and six. The third season was meticulously planned, but the cancellation forced the team to scramble for a makeshift finale. The series ends with Will Bowman volunteering to travel into space with the Hosts—a mysterious but ultimately unsatisfying conclusion. Holloway later joked that his character "got shot up to space in a rubber diaper," but he also shared what fans missed: Will was supposed to return to Earth with augmented superpowers to lead humanity's liberation.
This planned escalation would have transformed Colony from a slow-burn resistance drama into an all-out war epic. The show's deliberate pacing, which some critics argue hurt its ratings, was a conscious choice. Cuse explained that the series was inspired by the French Resistance during World War II, focusing on the human collaborators and the moral compromises of survival. The Hosts were intentionally kept off-screen to emphasize the psychological terror of an unseen enemy.
Praise for 'Colony' As It Is
Despite its abrupt end, Colony continues to earn accolades. Stephen King tweeted his approval during the first season, and George R.R. Martin credited the series as a key reason he chose Condal to helm House of the Dragon. The show also received Saturn Award nominations for Best Science Fiction TV Series every year it aired. For fans of underrated thrillers, Colony remains a hidden gem worth discovering.
Did 'Colony' Move Too Slowly?
Some argue that the show's refusal to show the aliens hurt its mainstream appeal. Holloway himself joked, "People are impatient. Show an alien so we don't get canceled!" In contrast, Apple TV+'s Invasion, which shares a similar premise but features on-screen extraterrestrials, has drawn praise for its visual spectacle. Yet Colony's existing fanbase appreciated its focus on human drama and espionage. The show's legacy is a testament to its quality, even if its ending left much to be desired.
For those willing to invest in a series that asks tough questions about loyalty, sacrifice, and resistance, Colony offers a gripping ride—even if the destination is a bit of a letdown. As Holloway noted, the journey was worth it, and the story that could have been only adds to the show's mystique.
