For years, NBC’s Chicago Fire has dominated streaming platforms, ranking consistently high on Peacock’s Top 10 thanks to its high-octane rescues, sizzling romance, and diehard fanbase. But in a twist worthy of a crossover episode, that dominance has been challenged by a very different kind of hero — one with tentacles, not turnout gear.
As of July 29, the criminally underrated sci-fi dramedy Resident Alien has leapfrogged over Chicago Fire to claim the No. 7 spot on Peacock’s streaming charts, according to FlixPatrol. And with Chicago P.D. now in its crosshairs at No. 6, Resident Alien is officially the genre sleeper hit that’s shaking up the streaming ranks.
🛸 What Is Resident Alien?
If you haven’t yet met Harry Vanderspeigle — or rather, the alien pretending to be him — it’s time you caught up. Resident Alien stars the incomparable Alan Tudyk, a Juilliard-trained actor and sci-fi veteran, as an extraterrestrial sent to Earth with a grim mission: wipe out humanity.
But after crash-landing in a sleepy Colorado town, Harry assumes the identity of the local doctor and becomes reluctantly entangled in the messy, hilarious, and oddly heartwarming world of human life.
Now in its fourth season on SYFY and USA, Resident Alien has achieved near-critical perfection, boasting a 98% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. It blends sci-fi, fish-out-of-water comedy, and small-town drama in a way that’s both endearing and unpredictable.
🎭 A Masterclass by Tudyk
Alan Tudyk’s performance has been called nothing short of a “comedic masterclass in alien awkwardness.” From learning how to mimic human behavior to awkwardly navigating local friendships (and enemies), Tudyk injects a weird but wonderful humanity into a being designed to end humanity.
The role capitalizes on Tudyk’s unmatched range — honed across cult classics like Firefly, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (as fan-favorite droid K-2SO), and animated hits like Wreck-It Ralph and Moana.
🤖 More Tudyk, More Robots
Tudyk’s star continues to rise. Next up: he’ll voice Robot 4 in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film, due in theaters July 11. Gunn confirmed the casting in a cheeky Threads post after fans recognized Tudyk’s voice in a teaser clip featuring robotic attendants at the Fortress of Solitude.
That role also reunites Tudyk with his Firefly co-star and real-life buddy Nathan Fillion, who plays Green Lantern in the same film — a geeky, glorious reunion fans didn’t know they needed.
🔥 Why Resident Alien Is Taking Down the Titans
Streaming platforms have become the great equalizer. While Chicago Fire still draws massive numbers, Resident Alien offers something fresh — genre storytelling with genuine heart, clever writing, and a standout cast.
Plus, with only four seasons and 10-12 episodes per run, it’s bingeable without being overwhelming. If The Mandalorian and Ted Lasso had a quirky alien cousin with commitment issues, this would be it.
👏 The Supporting Cast Is No Slouch Either
Tudyk may lead, but he’s flanked by a stellar ensemble:
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Sara Tomko as nurse Asta Twelvetrees
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Corey Reynolds as Sheriff Mike
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Alice Wetterlund as town bartender D’Arcy
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And Judah Prehn as the one kid who can actually see through Harry’s alien disguise
Each brings their own charm, and together they create a world that’s as bizarre as it is lovable.
🏆 Verdict: A Sci-Fi Underdog Worth Streaming
With a fourth season heating up, a nearly perfect critic score, and a loyal fanbase growing by the day, Resident Alien is no longer just a sleeper — it’s a streaming sensation. Chicago Fire fans looking for a new obsession might find themselves trading firehouses for flying saucers.
So, the next time you log into Peacock, maybe give the bunker gear a break and check out the weird doctor in Timberline. The fate of humanity — and your next binge — might depend on it.
📺 Resident Alien is now streaming on Peacock. Season 4 premiered June 6 on SYFY and USA.
