Summary

  • Resident Alien season 4 may move to USA Network, to continue under NBCUniversal, or Netflix.
  • A move to USA Network would require budget cuts, while Netflix could be a strong option.
  • A move to Netflix may impact international rights, but early signs suggest the show may continue outside of Syfy.

Resident Alien season 4 gets a mixed update, which reveals that the show may be moving networks. The sci-fi dramedy, created by Chris Sheridan and based on the comic book of the same name, premiered on Syfy in 2021. The story introduces “Harry Vanderspeigle” (Firefly alum Alan Tudyk), an alien sent to wipe out humanity. He takes on the identity of a physician, wrestling with the moral dilemma of his mission along the way.

Deadline reports that Resident Alien season 4 could happen, but it may not remain on Syfy. There is an effort to keep the show under the overall NBCUniversal umbrella by moving it to the USA Network, though that would require notable budget cuts. Another option would be for the sci-fi comedy to move to Netflix, where the show has performed well since being added to the service in recent months.

Resident Alien's Potential Move, Explained

The Show Could Continue On Netflix

It is not confirmed that Resident Alien season 4 will happen, but if it does, it likely won't be on Syfy. The basic cable channel has a limited roster of scripted programming, which currently includes only three series: Reginald the Vampire, Canadian co-production SurrealEstate, and Chucky (which also airs on USA Network). Although it's been reported that USA Network is looking to refocus on scripted programming, following the resurgence of Suits, a move to USA would include a budget cut of roughly $500,000 an episode. This would present a challenge, according to reporting.

Universal Content Productions, one of the production companies behind the comic book adaptation, is also open to exploring other options outside of USA Network. Following the Resident Alien season 3 finale, the show could move to Netflix. Since the arrival of the first two seasons on the platform back in February, it has found an audience and in particular, Resident Alien season 1 appeared on Netflix's Top 10 list for English-language series during the first five weeks of its arrival. It is not clear, however, if Netflix would be interested.

Alan Tudyk in Resident Alien
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Another issue facing a potential move to Netflix is the impact that it would have on the show's international broadcast and streaming rights, which is particularly important as Resident Alien is said to be a strong performer outside the U.S. It remains to be seen what will become of the popular adaptation, but there are some early indications that it could potentially live on elsewhere.

Seasons 1-3 of Resident Alien are available to stream on Peacock in the U.S., seasons 1-2 are available on Netflix.

Source: Deadline