Resident Foreigner stands out as a tasty mix of quirky humor, offbeat storytelling and heartwarming moments set against a sci-fi backdrop – and there are more shows like it out there. Resident Foreigner stars Alan Tudyk as Harry Vanderspeigle, a flawed, genocidal alien who poses as a small-town Colorado doctor and eventually becomes sympathetic to the human cause.
The show delves into everything from eccentric human interactions to larger existential questions. Whether it's the off-kilter small-town atmosphere, clever humor, or supernatural stories, there are a handful of sci-fi comedy shows that capture a similar balance, likely checking all the right boxes with Resident Foreigner spectators.
10
The Orville (2017-present)
36 episodes
Although very different in setting and premise, The Orville shares a quirky and eccentric tone that makes Resident Foreigner feel like your distant cosmic cousin. Both shows offer a refreshing take on the genre, prioritizing character-driven comedy without losing touch with the heart of sci-fi storytelling. The comedic balance in both shows keeps the audience entertained without getting in the way of the deeper moments of the narrative.
Captain Ed Mercer in The Orville often oscillates between humorous interpersonal drama and wrestling with intergalactic dilemmas in the same way that Harry uses his fish-out-of-water moments to present funny scenes as he deals with his mission to destroy humanity. Both series feel light but never shallow when it comes to exploring deeper sci-fi themes with a layered narrative that makes both shows accessible to casual viewers and thought-provoking enough for sci-fi fans. While waiting for The Orville Season 4, the rest of the series is available for streaming on Hulu.
9
People of the Earth (2016-2017)
20 episodes
Created by David Jenkins and executive produced by Conan O'Brien People of the Earth doesn't just falsify UFO stories – he elevates them with a sincere touch. A comedy about support group members who believe they've been abducted by aliens, the show strikes a fun balance between absurdity and sincerity as its eccentric characters struggle with their UFO-related traumas.
Instead of just focusing on the aliens, People of the Earth delves into the eccentricities of its human characterslike his wild and often contradictory abduction stories. The result is a simultaneously eccentric and relatable tone that feels grounded despite its otherworldly premise. Unlike the sinister aliens typically seen in science fiction, People of the Earth shares DNA with Resident Foreignergiving viewers a trio of alien characters with their own flaws, quirks, and even workplace drama. The public can broadcast People of the Earth on HBO Max.
8
Solar Opposites (2020-present)
53 episodes
When it comes to balancing laugh-out-loud moments with futuristic intrigue, Hulu's Solar Opposites walks a fine line – and does so brilliantly. Created by Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan (co-creator and writer of Rick and Morty), this animated hit follows a family of alien refugees who crash-land on Earth. Although apparently absurd, Solar Opposites offers more than superficial slapstickemploying a unique blend of offbeat comedy and imaginative sci-fi themes that should awaken Resident Foreigner fans.
Whether debating the merits of soda flavors or the importance of theme parks, their misadventures are brought to life with sharp humor. Korvo's bad temper with mundane human tasks like mowing the lawn is sure to give him Resident Foreigner observers Harry cheers. As for social commentary, it can't be more direct than Solar Opposites episodes revolving around The Wall, a terrarium where Korvo and Terry shrink people who bother them.
7
Eureka (2006-2012)
77 episodes
When it comes to mixing genres, few shows do it as seamlessly as Eureka. A quirky series set in a small fictional town inhabited by geniuses working on cutting-edge experiments that often go wrong. Eureka is wrapped in a layer of humor that keeps things light. Whether it's a weather control machine creating chaos or an AI house called SARAH with unexpected “quirks,” sci-fi scenarios are imaginative yet relatable. However, Eureka It's not just about flashy gadgets – it delves into human relationships with sciencemaking its futuristic world feel grounded while raising thoughtful “what if” questions.
While Eureka offers thought-provoking ideas, it's the humor that ensures it remains accessible. A program that might otherwise seem heavy becomes fun and addictive. The series' unique tone maintains its appeal throughout all five seasons, keeping viewers engaged whether the stakes are life and death or humorously low. Eureka is available to stream on platforms like Peacock and Amazon Prime Video.
6
Upload (2020 to present)
25 episodes
Set in 2033, To load introduces viewers to a world where people on the verge of death can “upload” their consciousness into a luxurious digital afterlife. Created by The office and Parks and Recreation veterinarian Greg Daniels, To load deftly combines the high-tech wonders of science fiction with the absurdities of human behavior, providing an enjoyable mix of clever satire with some laugh-out-loud moments.
This premise allows the show to boldly advance futuristic themes like AI companions, virtual reality environments, and the ethics of corporate control over the afterlife. However, very similar Resident Foreigner, To load does not overwhelm viewers with complex science fiction jargoninstead infusing these concepts with playful absurdity. Virtual assistants are literally floating heads, and system bugs manifest as glitches in someone's “afterlife.” Available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, To load explores futuristic technology and offers sharp satire alongside genuinely funny moments.
5
The Good Place (2016-2020)
53 episodes
Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) finds herself in “The Good Place” after death, but quickly realizes she doesn't belong there – and few shows have achieved the perfect blend of genres like The good place. Balancing laugh-out-loud moments with philosophical sci-fi intrigue, this series is as thought-provoking as it is fast-paced. Created by Michael Schur (Parks and Recreation, The office), The good place is a shining example of how mixing the absurd with the profound can create magic.
While the humor draws viewers in, the sci-fi underpinnings keep the plot intriguing as The good place toys with classic sci-fi concepts like alternate realities, memory wipes, and time loops. However, the show places these gender tropes squarely in moral and philosophical contexts, addressing questions like “What makes a person good?” or “Can people get better?” Plus, it never hurts to have a comedy icon like Ted Danson providing meta commentary on the mechanics of existence. Available for streaming on Netflix, The good place is a gem worth revisiting that brings lots of laughs with a good dose of existential reflection.
4
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (2016-2017)
18 episodes
From the first episode, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency establishes its eccentric tone with unapologetic confidence that Resident Foreigner fans will recognize. The titular character, played by Samuel Barnett, acts less like a typical detective and more like a cheerful agent of chaos. Dirk insists that everything in the universe is interconnected, a principle that leads to hilariously random but strangely logical results.
What it does Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency truly special is your ability to transform chaos into coherence. Seemingly unrelated stories, ranging from a missing dog to world-ending conspiracies, converge beautifully at the end of each season. The interconnection isn't just a plot trick; it's the backbone of science fiction's humor and brilliance. By trusting viewers' ability to connect the dots, the show rewards them with a narrative experience that feels satisfying and organically entertaining. The show is currently available for streaming on Hulu, making it a convenient binge-watching option for fans of quirky, out-of-the-box stories.
3
Store 49 (2018-2019)
20 episodes
Accommodation 49
Created by Jim Gavin, Lodge 49 is a comedy-drama series that aired on AMC for approximately two seasons, beginning in 2018 and ending in 2019. The plot follows a young surfer who suddenly loses his father, as well as his business. of the family and goes into a spiral. a depression. To regain some of his zest for life, he joins a fraternity.
- Release date
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August 6, 2018
- Cast
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Brent Jennings
- Seasons
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2
In the crowded TV landscape, Accommodation 49 It went criminally unnoticed by most during its brief two-year run on AMC last decade. Fans of smart, edgy shows can right this injustice now — and will likely find plenty of Resident Foreigner parallels along the way. Following the misadventures of laid-back ex-surfer Sean “Dud” Dudley, Wyatt Russell channels the same laconic yet magnetic qualities as stepfather Kurt in his iconic film. The Big Lebowski performance as Dud searches for meaning after a series of personal failures.
Accommodation 49 incorporates science fiction through the mysterious Lynx Lodgea degraded fraternal order that Dud encounters. Although the inn initially seems like a quirky setting for a character-driven comedy, it slowly reveals its esoteric significance as strange rituals, symbolic artifacts, and cryptic messages hint at a hidden order of mysticism. Viewers will likely spend most Accommodation 49 wondering if there's a real secret to discover – or if it's all part of the lodge's woo-woo charm. Accommodation 49 can be streamed on Hulu to experience its perfect marriage of quasi-sci-fi and slower comedy.
2
The Inbetweener (2008)
12 episodes
Like this Resident Foreigner, The middleman was based on a comic book series, spawning a cult classic TV show that quickly won praise for its unique blend of sharp humor and genre storytelling. Wendy Watson (Natalie Morales) is an art graduate recruited to work for a secret agency combating bizarre extraterrestrial threats. Wendy teams up with her boss, the pulp action hero inspired by “Middleman,” as the two encounter everything from evil luchadores and sentient ventriloquist dummies to carnivorous flying fish.
The quirky premise allows the show to deliver absurd yet highly entertaining sci-fi adventures firmly rooted in its tongue-in-cheek approach. Filled with quick wordplay, intentional over-the-top acting, and self-referential callbacks that poke fun at traditional science fiction tropes, each episode parodies familiar pop culture, ensuring that fans of the science fiction and comedy genres will find something to enjoy. . Now streaming on iTunes and Google Play, it's the perfect time to rediscover The middleman like a hidden gem.
1
Santa Clarita Diet (2017-2019)
30 episodes
Sub in zombies for Resident Foreignerextraterrestrials, and that is the basic essence of Santa Clarita Dieta Netflix original that combines weird sci-fi elements with witty comedy. In essence, Santa Clarita Diet thrives on its wild premise. Sheila Hammond (Drew Barrymore) transforms from a mild-mannered real estate agent into a flesh-hungry zombie after a strange illness, while her perplexed but devoted husband Joel (Timothy Olyphant) struggles to keep her secret under wraps.
Watching the Hammonds clumsily plan how to “ethically” acquire their next meal shows the series' commitment to combining macabre sci-fi scenarios with family-centered humor. This tonal contrast creates funny moments while cleverly skirting the line between dark comedy and camp. Despite the cheerful tone, Santa Clarita Diet it still lives up to its science fiction origins. The virus responsible for Sheila's transformation isn't just a backdrop for the humor — the mysterious pathogen and its possible origins are woven into the show's narrative, adding a layer of suspense to the over-the-top zombie antics.