If you're craving a sci-fi binge that's equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking, the 2009 reboot of V has just landed on free streaming platforms Tubi and Plex in the U.S. This two-season ABC series, which originally aired from 2009 to 2011, remains one of the most talked-about—and divisive—sci-fi shows of its era.
The premise is classic: mysterious alien 'Visitors' arrive on Earth, promising to help humanity reach its full potential. But beneath their benevolent facade lies a sinister plan to consume us all. Starring Elizabeth Mitchell, Morena Baccarin, Morris Chestnut, and Laura Vandervoort, V blends alien conspiracy, high-octane action, and heart-wrenching family drama into a compelling package.
A Reboot of an '80s Classic
If V feels familiar, that's because it's a modernized take on the original 1983 miniseries, which itself spawned a short-lived NBC series. After a 25-year hiatus, ABC decided to revive the property with a fresh cast and a contemporary sensibility. Developed by Scott Peters from Kenneth Johnson's original concept, the 2009 V kicked off with a bang, introducing the Visitors to the world and pitting two mothers against each other in a battle for their species' survival.
Morena Baccarin shines as Anna, the Visitor leader, while Laura Vandervoort plays her daughter Lisa, who falls for a human, Tyler Evans (Logan Huffman). Tyler's mother, FBI agent Erica Evans (Elizabeth Mitchell), is immediately suspicious of the Visitors' intentions. The series' emotional core lies in the tension between Erica and Anna, as they navigate their children's forbidden romance—a relationship that could symbolize either unity or doom.
Resistance and Intrigue
Beyond the family drama, V dives deep into the resistance movement. Erica teams up with Father Jack Landry (Joel Gretsch) and Ryan Nichols (Morris Chestnut), a Visitor secretly working with the Fifth Column, a rebel group within the alien ranks. Together, they work to expose Anna's true agenda while dealing with the complexities of a world where the Visitors have become beloved public figures, thanks in part to media personalities like Chad Decker (Scott Wolf).
Over 22 episodes, V pushed the boundaries of network sci-fi, delivering weekly twists and moral dilemmas. But what truly set it apart was the controversy it sparked among critics.
Political Overtones or Overreach?
Many critics read V as a political allegory, particularly in relation to President Barack Obama. The series premiered on November 3, 2009—exactly one year after Obama's election—and the Visitors' rhetoric of 'hope' and 'change,' along with their promise of universal health care, seemed to echo the president's campaign themes. In a post-9/11 world, it was easy to see political commentary in an alien invasion story.
Glenn Garvin of the Chicago Tribune famously called V 'a barbed commentary on Obamamania that will infuriate the president's supporters and delight his detractors.' However, the show's creators have maintained that any political parallels were unintentional. The series was developed during George W. Bush's presidency, and the original V was a product of the Cold War era. As with any art, viewers project their own interpretations, but that doesn't necessarily reflect the creators' intent.
Regardless of the political debate, V remains a must-watch for sci-fi fans. Its blend of action, intrigue, and emotional stakes makes it a perfect weekend binge. And now that it's free on Tubi and Plex, there's no excuse not to revisit—or discover—this divisive gem. For more streaming recommendations, check out our picks for sci-fi binges and new sci-fi hits.
