Premiering August 12 on FX and FX on Hulu, with an international release on Disney+ on August 13, “Alien: Earth” marks a bold new chapter in the venerable Alien universe. Created and showrun by Noah Hawley, known for his work on “Fargo” and “Legion,” and with Ridley Scott serving as executive producer, the series unfolds in a corporate-ruled society on Earth in the year 2120, just two years prior to the events of the original 1979 film.
Hawley draws philosophical inspiration from “Blade Runner,” particularly its discourse on identity, while steering clear of the stark neon-noir visuals. Instead, he opts for a grounded tone that embraces body horror and technological dread. The plot centers around the crash of the research vessel USCSS Maginot near Prodigy City, which unleashes chaos as xenomorphs and grotesque new alien species invade Earth.
Among these creatures is the chillingly memorable “eyeball octopus,” which hijacks its victims by implanting itself into their skulls, leading to an atmosphere of horror that has critics recoiling in both fear and admiration. At the heart of the narrative is Wendy, played by Sydney Chandler, the first successful hybrid featuring a child’s human consciousness uploaded into a synthetic body.
Wendy leads a group of hybrids, known as the “Lost Boys,” against corporate and existential threats posed by the tech mogul Boy Kavalier, portrayed by Samuel Blenkin. Kavalier views technology as modern magic, pursuing immortality through his line of synthetic creations. The series showcases strong performances, particularly from Sydney Chandler as Wendy, who anchors the emotional core of the story.
Timothy Olyphant appears as Kirsh, a mentor figure for the hybrids, while Alex Lawther takes on the role of CJ, a human medic whose perception of reality is shattered by corporate conspiracies and alien encounters. Supporting roles from talented actors such as Essie Davis, Adarsh Gourav, Lily Newmark, Jonathan Ajayi, and Babou Ceesay enrich the world of cyborgs, synthetics, and complex motives.
Critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Time Magazine lauds the series as “the best thing to happen to the franchise since Aliens,” while Vanity Fair describes it as a “creepy, crawly wonder,” noting its skillful balance of practical effects, horror elements, and philosophical storytelling. Decider celebrates the daring tone of the show, particularly highlighting Sydney Chandler’s breakout performance. Early aggregate forecasts from Rotten Tomatoes suggest a score around 90%, with Metacritic projected at around 84/100, indicating high anticipation even before the full season’s release.
The buzz around “Alien: Earth” intensified during San Diego Comic-Con 2025, where FX unveiled an immersive “Wreckage” activation featuring a life-size crash site and alien props, alongside a surprise early premiere of the first episode. The event also hinted at potential franchise expansions, including crossover possibilities with Predator and future seasons tied to the Alien: Romulus timeline.
Set to be a smart and visceral revitalization of one of sci-fi/horror’s most iconic properties, “Alien: Earth” blends haunting practical effects with layered philosophical themes and a compelling cast of new characters. Viewers are encouraged not to miss the series premiere on August 12, with an eight-episode season that includes two episodes airing upon launch, followed by weekly releases.