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Alien Nation 1989

★ 7.0/10 · 138 votes Sci-Fi & FantasyAction & AdventureDrama 1 seasons · 22 eps Ended
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Quick answer

What is Alien Nation?

Alien Nation is a television series centered on the professional and personal dynamics between humans and extraterrestrial beings known as Newcomers. The narrative follows Detective Matthew Sikes, a member of the Los Angeles police force.

Type
TV series
Year
1989
Status
Ended
Episodes
22
First aired
Sep 18, 1989
Last aired
May 7, 1990
Original language
EN
Origin
US
Networks
FOX
Genres
Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure, Drama
Updated
Availability by region

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Estimate the schedule using 22 episodes and an average 45-minute runtime.

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Overview

Alien Nation is a television series centered on the professional and personal dynamics between humans and extraterrestrial beings known as Newcomers. The narrative follows Detective Matthew Sikes, a member of the Los Angeles police force. In his official capacity, Sikes is tasked with working alongside a Newcomer named George Francisco. This partnership is initially marked by reluctance on the part of the detective. Beyond his professional duties, Sikes maintains a complex personal life involving a female Newcomer named Cathy Frankel. The relationship between Sikes and Frankel is characterized as an on again off again flirtation. By exploring these interactions, the series examines the integration of the alien population into human society through the lens of law enforcement and interpersonal connections. The show highlights the challenges faced by Sikes as he navigates his career and his evolving associations with the Newcomers living in Los Angeles. These relationships form the core of the series as the characters adjust to their shared reality in a changing urban environment.

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Should you watch it?

“A hard‑nosed cop teams up with an alien rookie to solve crimes in L.A.”

Reasons to watch
  • Unusual partnership between a human detective and a Newcomer alien
  • Blend of sci‑fi concepts with police procedural storytelling
Keep in mind
  • The series focuses tightly on the partnership, offering limited broader world‑building

Watch it if you enjoy sci‑fi buddy‑cop stories that blend crime drama with alien culture.

Suitable for mature audiences comfortable with sci‑fi action and adult relationship themes.

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Episode guide

Season 1 · 22 episodes

Frequently asked questions

What is the basic premise of Alien Nation?

Detective Matthew Sikes, a Los Angeles police officer, reluctantly partners with a Newcomer alien named George Francisco to investigate crimes.

Who are the central characters?

The show centers on Detective Matthew Sikes, alien partner George Francisco, and a female Newcomer, Cathy Frankel, who is involved in a flirtation with Sikes.

What genres does the series combine?

It mixes science‑fiction, action‑adventure, and drama elements within a police procedural framework.

Is there a romantic element in the series?

Yes, Sikes has an on‑again, off‑again flirtation with the female Newcomer, Cathy Frankel.

Where is the series set?

The story takes place in Los Angeles, California.