Alien Nation 1989
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
Where to watch
Buy
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 22 episodes and an average 45-minute runtime.
Trailer
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Find the trailer on YouTube ↗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.
Should you watch it?
“A hard‑nosed cop teams up with an alien rookie to solve crimes in L.A.”
- Unusual partnership between a human detective and a Newcomer alien
- Blend of sci‑fi concepts with police procedural storytelling
- 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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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 22 episodes
- E1 Alien Nation: The TV Movie Sep 18, 1989
- E2 Fountain of Youth Sep 25, 1989
- E3 Little Lost Lamb Oct 2, 1989
- E4 Fifteen with Wanda Oct 9, 1989
- E5 The Takeover Oct 16, 1989
- E6 The First Cigar Oct 23, 1989
- E7 Night of the Screams Oct 30, 1989
- E8 Contact Nov 6, 1989
- E9 Three to Tango Nov 13, 1989
- E10 The Game Nov 20, 1989
- E11 Chains of Love Nov 27, 1989
- E12 The Red Room Dec 18, 1989
- E13 The Spirit of '95 Jan 15, 1990
- E14 Generation to Generation Jan 29, 1990
- E15 Eyewitness News Feb 5, 1990
- E16 Partners Feb 12, 1990
- E17 Real Men Feb 19, 1990
- E18 Crossing the Line Feb 26, 1990
- E19 Rebirth Mar 12, 1990
- E20 Gimmee, Gimmee Apr 9, 1990
- E21 The Touch Apr 30, 1990
- E22 Green Eyes May 7, 1990
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.