Alien invasion stories have always captivated audiences, from the adrenaline-fueled chaos of War of the Worlds to the gritty survival drama of Falling Skies. Now, Prime Video has quietly added a hidden gem to its library that stands tall among the best of the genre. Colony, a gripping sci-fi thriller that originally aired on USA Network, is the kind of show that demands to be watched in one sitting—thanks to its clever premise, layered storytelling, and a cast that brings every scene to life.
Set in a world where an enigmatic alien force called the Hosts has seized control of Earth, Colony kicks off with a global blackout and the construction of massive walls that isolate nations. In Los Angeles, former FBI agent Will Bowman (Josh Holloway) finds himself separated from his son, Charlie, by one of these barriers. Desperate to reunite his family, Will is coerced into hunting down a resistance movement by the Hosts' human collaborators—only to discover that his wife, Katie (Sarah Wayne Callies), is secretly embedded within that very resistance.
What follows is a masterclass in suspense and deception. The series peels back layers of intrigue with each episode, revealing that the occupation is far more complex than it seems. Season 2's premiere, "Eleven Thirteen," drops a bombshell: certain powerful figures knew about the Hosts' arrival and willingly traded humanity's freedom for their own survival. And just when you think you've got a handle on the story, Season 3 flips the script entirely—the Hosts are actually at war with an even more terrifying alien race, and their invasion of Earth is a desperate bid to strengthen their forces.
This constant escalation makes Colony an intense, rewarding watch. It's a shame the series was cut short after just 39 episodes, as co-creator Carlton Cuse envisioned a five or six-season arc culminating in an epic showdown between humanity and the Hosts. Josh Holloway even teased that his character was slated for a dramatic transformation, with the Hosts turning him into a super soldier. "I told them, 'You got to show an alien soon,'" Holloway later told Esquire. "But we were a little late."
Despite its premature end, Colony cultivated a devoted fanbase—including some notable names. Stephen King praised it as "smart, suspenseful, subversive," and George R.R. Martin was so impressed that he reached out to showrunner Ryan Condal, which eventually led to Condal helming House of the Dragon. Martin has spoken highly of Condal's work, calling him a "helluva strong writer" and a true fan of Westeros. That connection alone makes Colony a must-watch for anyone who's enjoyed the dragon-filled drama.
If you're looking for a sci-fi series that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, Colony is the perfect pick. It's a fresh take on alien invasion that blends family drama with political intrigue, and it's now available to stream on Prime Video. And if you're in the mood for more binge-worthy content, check out how another sci-fi hit is shaking up the streaming charts or see why Reacher and Neagley are dominating Prime Video. For a change of pace, you might also enjoy our ranking of the greatest rock music videos.
