Watch They Came From Outer Space

They Came From Outer Space is a sci-fi comedy television series from NBCU TV that aired from 1990 to 1991. Starring Dean Cameron and Stuart Fratkin, the show follows the story of two aliens who have crashed landed on Earth and are trying to fit into human society.

The show begins with the two aliens, Hotchkiss and Winky, landing their spaceship on Earth. They are met by a group of humans who mistake them for being injured in a car accident. Hotchkiss and Winky quickly realize that they need to blend in with humans to avoid being detected by authorities. They decide to take on the identities of two deceased humans, Buzz and Skip, and settle into their new lives.

One of the key themes of the show is the rapidly changing nature of technology during the late 80s and early 90s. Hotchkiss and Winky are amazed by the technology they find on Earth, including VCRs, microwaves, and touch-tone phones. They struggle to understand how these devices work and often misuse them, leading to comedic situations.

The show also explores the cultural differences between aliens and humans. Hotchkiss and Winky come from a planet where lying is considered a virtue, and they have a hard time understanding why humans value honesty. Additionally, they have difficulty understanding human emotions, often misinterpreting them and leading to misunderstandings.

One of the most significant challenges for Hotchkiss and Winky is their need to avoid suspicion from the authorities. They quickly find themselves on the radar of the FBI, who are convinced that the two are spies from a foreign government. The pair must use their alien technology to outsmart the FBI and avoid being captured.

Throughout the show, Hotchkiss and Winky interact with a variety of human characters, often leading to hilarious situations. They befriend a group of teenagers who are initially suspicious of the pair but eventually come to accept them. They also interact with a group of senior citizens who are fascinated by their alien technology.

Despite its comedic tone, They Came From Outer Space also touches on more serious topics. One episode focuses on the issue of racism when Hotchkiss and Winky are mistaken for being Latino and experience discrimination. Another episode deals with the issue of nuclear disarmament when the aliens use their advanced technology to prevent a nuclear war.

The show was generally well-received by audiences and critics, with many praising its lighthearted tone and clever writing. However, it failed to gain a large following and was cancelled after just one season.

In conclusion, They Came From Outer Space is a sci-fi comedy television series that explores the challenges faced by two aliens trying to fit into human society. The show deals with themes of technology, culture clash, and the need to avoid detection by authorities. While it was short-lived, it remains a cult classic among fans of the sci-fi genre.