Gordon Shumway, aka, ALF.
Alien refers to anything that is foreign from an established environment. In most cases, the term applies to either one of two different groups. In "real world" parameters, alien can be used to describe a person who either resides or is visiting a country other than the one they were born in. An individual residing in a country without going through the proper processes are illegal aliens and most governments tend to frown on these people.
The other, and decidedly more interesting term for alien, applies to critters from another planet. Also known as extraterrestrials, ALFs or ETs, these interplanetary visitors come in all shapes and sizes and dare I say it, multiple genders [shudder]. Television shows that showcase or include aliens from another planet or dimension fall into the science fiction genre.
Examples[]
Progams with aliens[]
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| 3rd Rock from the Sun | The Solomon family. They assume human form and reside on Earth to study Earth's people and culture. |
| ALF | Gordon Shumway, wise-cracking, furry exile from the planet Melmac, comes to stay with the Tanner family where he creates a lot of tension and tries to eat their cat. |
| Andromeda | Recurring alien species include the humanoid Nietzscheans and the cannibalistic Magog. |
| Neighbors, The | The Weaver family move into a gated community populated with aliens from the planet Zabvron. |
| Star Trek | Recurring aliens include Vulcans, Klingons and Romulans. |
Alien characters[]
This is not an effort to create a complete, comprehensive list, so don't go apeshit trying to find every alien that has ever appeared in a TV show.
| Name | Series | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Colony Sarff | Doctor Who | Unspecified serpentine race. Foe of the 12th Doctor. |
| Dick Solomon | 3rd Rock from the Sun | Unspecified race; High Commander of the Earth expedition. |
| Gor | Supergirl | Kryptonian. Fort Rozz escapee. |
| Gordon Shumway | ALF | Melmacian exile; Lives with the Tanner family. |
| Harry Solomon | 3rd Rock from the Sun | Unspecified race; Communications officer of the Earth expedition. |
| Hellgrammite | Supergirl | Kryptonian. Fort Rozz escapee. |
| Kara Danvers | Supergirl | Also known as Supergirl; Kryptonian cousin to Superman |
| Kira Nerys | Star Trek: Deep Space Nine | Bajoran military commander aboard Deep Space Nine. |
| Kirus | Defiance | Castithan and father of Andina. |
| Lara | Adventures of Superman | Wife of Jor-El; Mother of Kal-El. |
| Quark | Star Trek: Deep Space Nine | Ferengi lounge owner. |
| Raiga Suhon | Defiance | Sensoth |
| Rakel Ben-Tzion | Andromeda | Tarazed |
| Refractions of Dawn | Andromeda | Than-Thre-Kull; Pilot of the Andromeda Ascendant. |
| Sally Solomon | 3rd Rock from the Sun | Unspecified race; 2nd in command of the Earth expedition. |
| Sarek | Star Trek | Vulcan; father of Spock |
| Scaroth | Doctor Who | Jagaroth conqueror who existed for millions of years. |
| Spock | Star Trek | Half-human/Half-Vulcan; Member of the USS Enterprise crew. |
| Tommy Solomon | 3rd Rock from the Sun | Unspecified race; Science officer of the Earth expedition. |
Notes[]
- Actress Matreya Fedor played an classic "grey" alien as a manifestation of the Trickster's power in the "Tall Tales" episode of Supernatural.