Since its 2002 release,Fireflyhas become known as the great sci-fi show that was canceled before its time, and now Alan Tudyk’s new series,Resident Alien, is sadly faced with the same premature ending. Centering on the crew of the spaceshipSerenity,Fireflyis anincredible space Westernthat sees its characters travel to the outskirts of the galaxy to make a living.
In just one season,Firefly’s phenomenal caststunningly brought their characters to life, making a lasting impression on viewers. Sadly, though,Fireflywas canceled far too soon. Now,Fireflystar Alan Tudyk’s current sci-fi TV show has been handed the same fate, andviewers have already been quick to note that Tudyk’s series deserved more.
Like Firefly, Alan Tudyk’s Resident Alien Was Canceled Too Soon
Resident Alien Has Been Canceled After 4 Seasons
Tragically for fans of Tudyk’s sci-fi shows, the USA Network seriesResident Alienhas been canceled after four seasons. This comes after the series moved to the USA Network from its original home on Syfy after season 3. While the show has a loyal fan base, it never got the viewership it really needed to earn a season 5 renewal.
Resident Alien’s showrunner, Chris Sheridan, toldTV Insiderhe thought season 4 “was likely going to be our final season,” allowing the team to prepare and wrap up all the characters' stories.This will at least giveResident Aliena better ending thanFirefly, which was unceremoniously axed due to low ratings before all its episodes had even aired.
Resident Alien Still Got A Much Longer Run Than Firefly
Audiences Got To Enjoy Tudyk’s Newer Show For Several Years
The season 4 cancellation ofResident Alienis undoubtedly disappointing for fans of the underappreciated sci-fi series, but compared toFirefly’s one season, its years-long run is still a big win. Even thoughFireflydid eventually come back in 2005 with the movieSerenity, which helped continue the crew’s story,Resident Alien’s fate is still slightly better.
While both projects could have been endlessly entertaining, I am glad that we got at least four seasons of Harry Vanderspeigle. Additionally,maybe in the future another network could choose to revisitResident Alien,but for now, the show’s cancellation will just make the last few episodes that much more meaningful.
What Alan Tudyk’s Next Projects Are After Resident Alien Season 4
Tudyk Has A New Movie In Production
DespiteResident Alien’s cancellation,2025 has been huge for Alan Tudykso far. He recently lent his voice toAndorand James Gunn’sSupermanandhas a role in the upcoming comedy filmPlaydate, whilehis animated sitcomGrimsburghas been renewed for season 3.
Across his career, Tudyk has appeared in a variety of roles and genres, highlighting just how versatile he is and hinting at why several of his projects have become so beloved.
Across his career, Tudyk has appeared in a variety of roles and genres, highlighting just how versatile he is and hinting at why several of his projects have become so beloved. Though he still has several new titles on the way for fans to look forward to,FireflyandResident Alienwill likely remain two defining points in his impressive career.
Firefly
Cast
Firefly is a science fiction television series set in the year 2517, focusing on the crew of the spaceship Serenity. As humans inhabit a new star system, the renegade crew, led by Captain Malcolm Reynolds, navigates conflicts and alliances while pursuing their own interests across lawless territories.
Resident Alien
A television adaptation of the comic book series, Resident Alien is a sci-fi comedy that stars Alan Tudyk as an alien who crashes on Earth with one mission - destroy humanity to save the planet. When Tudyk’s character takes the identity of a doctor, he arrives at a small town and begins to act the role preparing his plan. As time passes, he develops human emotions against his will - but his plans are further complicated when he meets the son of the mayor - who can see his actual appearance.
