Summary
- Resident Alien may switch networks for season 4, potentially finding a new home like The Expanse did after leaving Syfy.
- Despite rumors, Resident Alien season 4 is not confirmed yet, but the season 3 finale's cliffhanger hints at a continuation.
- The success of The Expanse post-Syfy on Amazon serves as hope for Resident Alien's potential longevity beyond Syfy's limitations.
Resident Alien is looking as though it will continue away from Syfy if it's renewed for a fourth season, and while this could be cause for concern, The Expanse is evidence of how the switch could be the best thing for Alan Tudyk's zany comedy-drama. Resident Alien season 4 isn't yet confirmed, so it's still possible that the show may not continue. However, the ending of Resident Alien season 3 came with a huge cliffhanger, suggesting showrunner Chris Sheridan has plans for the story to continue. If so, the tale of Harry Vanderspeigle may not yet be over.
The possibility of Resident Alien switching networks ahead of the next season raises a few questions, but a show moving from Syfy and flourishing elsewhere isn't uncharted territory. Resident Alien may not be the biggest show on TV, but it has a devoted following that would be relieved to see it return, regardless of the platform. What remains to be seen is if Resident Alien season 4 even happens, and if it does, it's still unclear who would be responsible for its production.
Resident Alien's 8 Greatest Cameos From Sci-Fi Stars, Ranked
Resident Alien is a quirky and charming sci-fi show that has many connections to the genre as a whole, including some incredible cameo appearances.
Where Resident Alien Might End Up After Syfy
Netflix is among the possibilities for Resident Alien's new home
While it's possible that Resident Alien could still happen with Syfy, the rumor of a network switch suggests that a split is likely to occur. Syfy doesn't have a huge roster of original shows in production at the moment, so it could be that Resident Alien is just one show too many for their current plans. However, Syfy falls under the umbrella of USA Network, which is owned by NBCUniversal. So, Resident Alien could take a sideways move onto another channel owned by the same company. Alternatively, the show could become a Peacock original, airing exclusively on NBC's streaming platform.
While all three seasons of Resident Alien are available to stream on Peacock, the first two are also on Netflix.
Another possibility is that Netflix could inherit Resident Alien on a full-time basis. While all three seasons of Resident Alien are available to stream on Peacock, the first two are also on Netflix. Resident Alien seasons 1-2 were added to Netflix in February 2024, just before the third season began on Syfy. According to Columbian, Resident Alien very quickly became one of Netflix's top performers, as the show "Instantly reached the no.1 spot in daily TV viewings." So, it would seem that Resident Alien and Netflix are a winning combination.
Resident Alien Season 4 Taking Place Away From Syfy Mirrors The Expanse's Network Switch
The Expanse also left Syfy after season 3
So far, Syfy has produced three full seasons of Resident Alien - even if season 3 was far shorter than the previous two. If Resident Alien season 4 is picked up elsewhere, this would reflect the journey of another project that began life with Syfy. The Expanse adapts a series of books by James S.A. Corey, but Syfy only produced three seasons of the live-action adaptation before canceling the show. So, The Expanse season 3 marked the end of the project's ties with Syfy. Thankfully, Amazon stepped in and continued to produce The Expanse for Prime Video.
Unfortunately, Prime Video doesn't seem to be in the running to take over the production of Resident Alien, so the comparison between the two shows isn't exact. However, the fact that two science-fiction shows were axed by the same network three seasons into the story is a compelling parallel. Resident Alien may not be following The Expanse to Amazon's streaming platform, but it should take comfort in the fact that cancelation by Syfy needn't be the end of the road.
Resident Alien Season 4 Already Set Up The Show's Next Best Sci-Fi Guest Star
Resident Alien has already had several sci-fi stars appear in guest roles, but the show's next big cameo could come from an unexpected place.
Interestingly, just as Resident Alien may find a new home on Netflix, The Expanse also has a connection to the same platform. When The Expanse was being made by Syfy during the show's earlier years, Netflix had the streaming rights before the entire production moved to Amazon. However, Resident Alien and The Expanse were never on Netflix at the same time. Resident Alien began in 2021 and only arrived on Netflix in early 2024. In 2021, The Expanse was nearing its conclusion and was already being hosted on Prime Video.