FX’s 'Alien: Earth' earns praise for performances but divides viewers over tone and story direction

FX’s Alien: Earth, a prequel set in 2120, expands the Alien franchise by combining established science fiction horror elements with a storyline influenced by Peter Pan.

Created by Noah Hawley, the series follows Boy Kavalier, a wealthy industrialist who develops “synths” — synthetic beings created from the consciousnesses of terminally ill children — including the central character Wendy, played by Sydney Chandler.

The series retains the production design and atmospheric style of Ridley Scott’s 1979 Alien, while introducing new themes exploring identity, artificial life and corporate competition.

Much of the narrative contrasts the controlled environment of Neverland, the synths’ home, with the broader dystopian setting familiar to the franchise.

Online discussion has shown a range of perspectives. Some viewers have commented positively on the performances, particularly Chandler’s portrayal of Wendy, and on the visual continuity with earlier Alien films.

Others have expressed mixed views on the inclusion of Peter Pan motifs, noting they shift the focus from the Xenomorph-based narrative.

Critics have also discussed the pacing, with some describing it as measured and thematic, while others preferred a faster, more suspense-driven approach.

The series’ emphasis on questions of identity and body occupation has been seen by some as an expansion of franchise ideas, while others consider it a departure from the series’ traditional focus on survival horror.

Alien: Earth is currently airing weekly on FX and streaming on Hulu, with its reception likely to continue developing as the season progresses.