3rd Rock from the Sun (1996 — 2001)
3rd Rock from the Sun (1996–2001) is an American television sitcom created by Bonnie and Terry Turner that aired on NBC from January 9, 1996 to May 22, 2001. The show follows four extraterrestrials on a mission to observe human behavior on Earth, commonly referred to as the third planet from the Sun. Taking on the guise of a human family, they blend into society while conducting their research. Interestingly, this concept is not new for the Turners, as three years prior to the show’s premiere they had written Coneheads – a film with a similar premise of aliens assimilating into American culture. Starring Jane Curtin as one of the titular alien Coneheads and featuring guest appearances from cast members such as Phil Hartman and Julia Sweeney, who would later make appearances on 3rd Rock from the Sun. John Lithgow plays Dr. Dick Solomon – actually the high commander of the alien expedition – who lands on Earth in human form with his fellow aliens Harry, Sally, and Tommy, who is unfortunately stuck in a teenage body despite being the eldest of the group.
The show centers on an extraterrestrial research expedition from a barred spiral galaxy near the Cepheus-Draco border. They attempt to lead a normal human life in Rutherford, Ohio, located just 52 miles outside of Cleveland. Living in an attic apartment, the aliens’ comedy stems from their efforts to study human society and comprehend the human experience while on Earth. The episodes are typically named after Dick, the main character. As they become more accustomed to Earth, they become more interested in their human lives rather than their mission. The show also pokes fun at typical anthropological expeditions and their feelings of superiority over ‘natives’, as well as their struggle to blend in with humans. Dr. Mary Albright is a professor of anthropology at Pendelton State University and often discusses the same issues faced by the four aliens. As they become increasingly drawn into human life, they begin to resemble joyriders rather than serious researchers.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  John LithgowDr. Dick Solomon (1-6)  Kristen JohnstonSally Solomon (1-6)  French StewartHarry Solomon (1-6)  Jane CurtinDr. Mary Albright (1-6)  Joseph Gordon-LevittTommy Solomon (1-5)  Simbi KaliNina (3-6)  Elmarie WendelMrs. Dubcek (3-6)  Wayne KnightOfficer Don (3-6) |
3rd Rock from the Sun (1996–2001) is an American television sitcom created by Bonnie and Terry Turner that aired on NBC from January 9, 1996 to May 22, 2001. The show follows four extraterrestrials on a mission to observe human behavior on Earth, commonly referred to as the third planet from the Sun. Taking on the guise of a human family, they blend into society while conducting their research. Interestingly, this concept is not new for the Turners, as three years prior to the show’s premiere they had written Coneheads – a film with a similar premise of aliens assimilating into American culture. Starring Jane Curtin as one of the titular alien Coneheads and featuring guest appearances from cast members such as Phil Hartman and Julia Sweeney, who would later make appearances on 3rd Rock from the Sun. John Lithgow plays Dr. Dick Solomon – actually the high commander of the alien expedition – who lands on Earth in human form with his fellow aliens Harry, Sally, and Tommy, who is unfortunately stuck in a teenage body despite being the eldest of the group.
The show centers on an extraterrestrial research expedition from a barred spiral galaxy near the Cepheus-Draco border. They attempt to lead a normal human life in Rutherford, Ohio, located just 52 miles outside of Cleveland. Living in an attic apartment, the aliens’ comedy stems from their efforts to study human society and comprehend the human experience while on Earth. The episodes are typically named after Dick, the main character. As they become more accustomed to Earth, they become more interested in their human lives rather than their mission. The show also pokes fun at typical anthropological expeditions and their feelings of superiority over ‘natives’, as well as their struggle to blend in with humans. Dr. Mary Albright is a professor of anthropology at Pendelton State University and often discusses the same issues faced by the four aliens. As they become increasingly drawn into human life, they begin to resemble joyriders rather than serious researchers.
