Ridley Scott, the visionary behind Alien and Blade Runner, has been steering toward historical epics and crime thrillers in recent years. His last big theatrical release, Gladiator II, hit screens in late 2024, but it's his return to sci-fi—this time as a producer—that has fans buzzing. Alien: Earth, the franchise's first TV series, dropped all eight episodes on Hulu last year and quickly became a streaming success. Now, with Season 2 officially in production, there's no better time to catch up on the first season.
Set in the year 2120, Alien: Earth takes the franchise in a bold new direction. Instead of the usual deep-space setting, the story unfolds on Earth, where five mega-corporations rule humanity and race to unlock immortality through synthetic life. When the research vessel USCSS Maginot crash-lands carrying alien specimens, a hybrid prototype named Wendy and a ragtag team of tactical soldiers must confront the planet's greatest threat. The show boasts a 94% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, though audiences have been more divided at 65%.
The series stars Timothy Olyphant as the android Kirsh, a role he's confirmed to reprise in Season 2. Created and written by Noah Hawley, known for his work on Fargo, Alien: Earth marks a significant expansion of the Alien universe. It's also the first project in the franchise not set primarily in space, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic Xenomorph threat.
Scott's next directorial effort, The Dog Stars, is set for an August release after being delayed from its original March slot. The film stars Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, and Margaret Qualley, but it's Alien: Earth that has captured the streaming audience's attention. The show's success on Hulu has been a bright spot for the platform, and the wait for Season 2 is expected to be lengthy—likely not until 2027 at the earliest.
For fans of sci-fi horror, Alien: Earth offers a gripping binge-watch experience. The series explores themes of corporate greed, synthetic life, and survival, all while delivering the tension and terror the franchise is known for. If you're looking for more post-apocalyptic storytelling, check out why 'Station Eleven' is a must-watch after 'The Last of Us'.
With Season 2 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to dive into Alien: Earth. The show is available to stream on Hulu, and for those who appreciate a perfect run of television, these three-season shows never missed a beat. Stay tuned for more updates on Season 2 as production continues.
