Is Alien: Earth worth watching? What the critics are saying
Should you invest your time watching 'Alien: Earth'? Here's a roundup of what the critics have said in their reviews so far.
The quick take
If you like your sci-fi scary and strange, critics say Alien: Earth largely delivers. Early reviews praise Noah Hawley’s cerebral, slow-burn approach and standout performances (especially Sydney Chandler), though a few argue the big ideas sometimes smother the terror.
As of 14 August 2025, the show is riding high with a Certified Fresh critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and an “universal acclaim” Metacritic average, suggesting this is a must-try for fans and curious newcomers alike.
What the show is
Alien: Earth is the first TV entry in the Alien franchise, set in 2120 (two years before the 1979 film). It follows Wendy (Sydney Chandler), a child whose consciousness is transferred into a synthetic adult body, as a corporate arms race, a mysterious crash, and—yes—Xenomorphs converge on Earth. The series premiered with two episodes on 12 August 2025 in the U.S. (FX/Hulu) and landed 13 August on Disney+ in the UK and internationally. Season 1 is eight episodes, rolling out weekly.
UK schedule (high-level): Episodes 1–2 are available now, then new episodes arrive weekly on Wednesdays through late September. In the U.S., fans can watch it weekly on Tuesday evenings on FX/Hulu through 23 September 2025.
The review landscape (at a glance)
Rotten Tomatoes: Critics’ Tomatometer in the mid-90s as of today. Rotten Tomatoes
Metacritic: ~85/100 (universal acclaim) based on dozens of critic reviews. Metacritic
What critics liked (and didn’t)
“Alien: Earth might just be one of the best TV shows of the year.” — GQ.
“Once you get on its wavelength, you won’t want it to end.” — Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com. Error 404
“Chandler is the series MVP.” — The Washington Post. The Washington Post
“TV that bristles with bone-deep dread.” — The Guardian. The Guardian
Not everyone’s convinced:
“A magnificent mess: hypnotic to watch, brimming with ideas, and strangely hollow.” — Vulture. Vulture
Common praise
Atmosphere & design: Reviewers applaud the show’s fidelity to the original film’s industrial grime and slow, suffocating tension, while pushing into new, unsettling territory. The Washington Post
Ambition: Many critics like Hawley’s blend of franchise horror with big questions about identity, consciousness, and corporate power. The Washington PostRotten Tomatoes Editorial
Performances: Sydney Chandler’s Wendy, in particular, is singled out as a breakout turn. The Washington Post
Common caveats
Pacing: A recurring knock is that the show’s cerebral hybrid-android storyline can slow the scares and feel overstuffed. Vulture
Tone juggling: A few critics feel the heady ideas occasionally undercut the visceral dread fans expect from Alien. Vulture
Should you watch it?
If you want a carbon copy of Alien’s nonstop terror, you might find the philosophical detours fussy. But if you’re open to a thoughtful, stylish riff on Xenomorph horror—anchored by a compelling lead and an audacious world build—critics suggest Alien: Earth is absolutely worth your time. The consensus so far: ambitious, atmospheric, and frequently excellent, even when its reach exceeds its grasp. Rotten TomatoesMetacritic
Where to watch & when
US: FX (Tuesdays), streaming on Hulu (two-episode premiere on 12 Aug; then weekly). People.com
UK/Intl: Disney+ from 13 Aug, with new episodes Wednesdays (1 am BST drop in the UK). Disney+Radio Times