Hard Time on Planet Earth was a CBS network sci-fi series created by Jim Thomas & John Thomas.
The show aired from March 1 to June 21, 1989, lasting for one season & 13 episodes.
Plot[]
The series centered on an alien named Jesse, who finds himself in Los Angeles, California where he is doomed to stay on Earth until he is able to show compassion.
Jesse's parole officer, a floating orb-shaped robot named Control helps him try to lead normal life as possible, but not knowing Earthly ways, Jesse often finds himself in trouble.
Cast[]
- Martin Kove as Jesse
- Danny Mann as Control
Broadcast History[]
Scheduled opposite NBC's "Unsolved Mysteries" and ABC's "Growing Pains" on Wednesdays, "Hard Time on Planet Earth" ranked 65th out of 81 programs upon its premiere.
The ratings for the series never improved and it was canceled by CBS in May of 1989; the last episode aired on June 21, 1989.
Reception[]
Most critics disliked "Hard Time on Planet Earth."
According to People magazine, "About 20,000 RPM—that's how fast I reckon Walt Disney must be spinning in his grave with shows like this on the air … It is just one long, bad commercial."
However, it did garner a small but loyal fanbase throughout its time on the air. The show is sometimes cited in lists of "One-Hit Wonder" TV shows from the '80s and '90s.