(Photo by FX)
Alien: Earth First Reviews – A Slow-Burn, Atmospheric Thriller That Splits the Alien Fanbase
The Alien franchise has finally landed on the small screen with Alien: Earth, and the early verdict is in: critics are both impressed and intrigued, though not without some caveats.
Created by Noah Hawley (Fargo, Legion), this new FX series boldly reimagines the Xenomorph legacy by shifting the horror from deep space to our planet—albeit a far-future version of Earth. It’s a fresh yet familiar approach that blends Ridley Scott's signature dread with modern television storytelling. And while many critics are praising its ambition, others caution that it takes a while before the real thrills begin.
A Dream for Die-Hard Fans—Eventually
For many fans of the franchise, Alien: Earth is exactly the revival they’ve been waiting for. Jamie Parker of CBR calls it “the ultimate sci-fi series for fans of Alien,” while Nick Schager of The Daily Beast hails it as “a devoted fan’s dream come true.”
Cameron Frew from Dexerto went as far as to call it “the best the franchise has been since Alien: Isolation,” referencing the popular horror video game. That’s high praise from someone entrenched in the lore.
And it’s not just fan service. Collider’s Ross Bonaime notes, "Alien: Earth is the kind of project where you can feel the love for the franchise seeping into every frame." From its gritty visuals to its tense silences, this series feels deeply rooted in the DNA of Alien.
But all this love comes with a warning—patience is required.
A Slow-Burn Story That Delays the Horror
One of the most common critiques across reviews is that Alien: Earth takes its sweet time ramping up.
“It’s not until the fourth or fifth episode that the series truly kicks into high gear,” writes Angie Han from The Hollywood Reporter.
While the back half of the season delivers classic Alien terror, some viewers may find the early episodes too slow, too focused on world-building, and not scary—or bloody—enough.
Ron Hilliard of Discussing Film argues that the slow build may test viewers’ patience: “It doesn’t gain momentum until midway through, and by then, you can’t help but wonder if it’s too late.”
Still, those who stick with it are treated to some gory payoffs and suspenseful episodes reminiscent of Aliens and Prometheus.
How Does It Stack Up Against the Films?
While it’s too early to place Alien: Earth alongside the cinematic greats, some critics suggest it holds its own.
GamesRadar+’s Will Salmon calls it “the best Xenomorph story since James Cameron’s Aliens,” and Collider suggests it blends the philosophical musings of Prometheus with the corporate dread of Alien: Covenant.
However, Hoai-Tran Bui of Inverse argues that the series focuses too much on Alien nostalgia without fully committing to its own fresh ideas.
“It gets so caught up in aping the iconic imagery and tense horror thrills of Alien that it never follows through on its most interesting ideas,” Bui writes.
Fresh Ideas… and Fresh Monsters
What Alien: Earth does deliver in spades is new horror. Critics describe horrifying new creatures like a parasitic eyeball alien that hijacks nervous systems, and even a terrifying sheep with a nightmarish stare.
These additions have sparked both excitement and unease. Alison Herman of Variety even wishes one of the new creatures had its own standalone movie.
Meanwhile, the cyborg security officer Morrow, played by Babou Ceesay, and the lead character Wendy (played by Sydney Chandler) are drawing praise as complex, original additions to the franchise. Wendy is being hailed as the most compelling protagonist since Ripley’s clone in Alien: Resurrection.
Timothy Olyphant’s character Kirsh, a synthetic in the vein of Fassbender’s David, is another highlight. Critics hope future seasons will lean into his sinister arc.
Does It Respect Franchise Canon?
This is where Alien: Earth might divide long-time fans. Noah Hawley chooses to partially sidestep elements of Ridley Scott’s prequels, crafting a timeline and mythology that don’t fully align with existing canon.
Next Best Picture’s Giovanni Lago warns that this could alienate (pun intended) some die-hard fans: “Hawley’s decision to negate Scott’s previous Alien films leads the main narrative, which is sure to divide audiences.”
Still, others, like Ron Hilliard, argue that this creative freedom breathes new life into a universe that has grown somewhat rigid.
Is It Scary Enough?
Absolutely—at least in the second half of the season.
Critics agree that Alien: Earth is tense, atmospheric, and features enough gore and creature horror to satisfy horror fans. But some also mention the choppy editing and limited alien screen time as drawbacks.
“The Xenomorphs are the least interesting part of the show,” says Mashable’s Belen Edwards—a shocking statement for any Alien property.
Others say the scarcity of aliens allows the series to focus more on character development and suspense, offering a different kind of fear.
Technical Brilliance and Production Design
Visually, Alien: Earth is being hailed as a masterclass in atmosphere. With cinematography that mirrors the original 1979 film and top-tier production and costume design, it’s a true visual feast.
Even on home screens, the series feels epic, cinematic, and immersive.
Final Verdict: A Promising Start with Room to Grow
Despite pacing issues and divisive creative choices, Alien: Earth succeeds in doing what few franchises have—reinvigorating a 40+ year-old universe for modern audiences.
“It’s definitive proof the franchise still has stories to tell,” writes Jamie Parker of CBR.
The good news? Season 2 looks likely. Critics want more—more aliens, more answers, more Kirsh, and more terrifying creatures.
If Alien: Earth continues to evolve and refines its pacing, it could very well become the next great sci-fi TV series of this generation.
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