Cliff Notes – TV fans can’t get over one hilarious detail in ‘masterpiece’ sci-fi series
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Unexpected Cameos: Fans are amused by the significant role of the Ice Age films in Alien: Earth, particularly the humorous appearances of Sid the Sloth during emotional scenes.
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Critical Acclaim: The series has received high praise, boasting a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score, with critics highlighting its storytelling, emotional depth, and production quality.
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Dystopian Themes: Set in 2120, the show explores complex themes of identity and survival in a world dominated by mega-corporations, while introducing new alien threats and expanding the Alien universe.
TV fans can’t get over one hilarious detail in ‘masterpiece’ sci-fi series
A new sci-fi horror show is turning heads online after airing just two episodes.
Alien: Earth just dropped internationally on Disney Plus and fans are already going into a frenzy.
Set in the iconic Alien universe, the show has been branded a ‘masterpiece’ by fans who say it’s one of the best things they’ve ever watched. Yet there’s one detail that keeps distracting viewers.
Specifically, people find it funny that the Ice Age films play such a significant role in the series. Unsurprisingly, fans have already taken to social media to poke fun at Sid the Sloth’s repeated cameos.
@GodzillaMendoza wrote on X: ‘There’s a scene in Alien Earth where Sid the Sloth from Ice Age slowly fades onto the screen as a transparent overlay during a really emotional scene, and I gotta say that’s… that’s just wonderful.’
@Connor2202_ was similarly amused, posting ‘Maybe the boldest choice in Alien Earth is the idea that people will still be watching Ice Age in 100 years time.’
Fans praised Sydney Chandler’s performance as leading lady, Wendy (Picture: FX/Patrick Brown. All Rights Reserved)
It was @lowcarbcomedy who did the maths and worked out that ‘Alien Earth is set in 2120, so Ice Age would be 118 years old. The equivalent of someone today sitting down to watch George Méliès Ben Hur from 1907.’
Perhaps @davidehrlich put it best, however, when he wrote: ‘The Ice Age movies are significantly more important to the story of Alien: Earth than I would have imagined.’
Set in 2120, two years before Ridley Scott’s original 1979 film, Alien: Earth explores a terrifying future ruled by mega-corporations.
It’s a world where science, greed, and survival all collide.
At the heart of the story is Wendy, a girl with a terminal illness whose mind is transferred into a synthetic adult body.
The new series has been highly anticipated among sci-fi lovers (Picture: FX)
She leads a group of hybrid synthetics, known as the Lost Boys, after a research vessel called Maginot crashes and unleashes a terrifying new alien threat on Earth.
It’s dark, dystopian, and completely gripping – and the internet is loving it.
One fan, @supermang, wrote on X: ‘I hope Alien: Earth leads to more horror franchises getting shows! So excited for the rest of this season!’
Another, @sandeep_sanmayo, added: ‘The scale, the atmosphere, the vfx omg they’ve created true masterpiece i would say.’
And those kinds of reactions are everywhere right now.
The Rotten Tomatoes score has already climbed to an impressive 93%, making it the third-highest rated entry in the entire Alien franchise.
Only the original film and James Cameron’s Aliens are rated higher.
Critics have praised the show for its storytelling, its depth, and its ability to scare and provoke thought at the same time.
Empire gave it a full five stars, calling it ‘a rare prequel that enriches the original story rather than rehashing it.’
The new episodes will air every Tuesday on FX and Hulu (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)
Tom’s Guide called it ‘pure sci-fi goodness’ and said it proves the Alien universe is far from dead.
GamesRadar Plus said it’s ‘ferociously entertaining’ and one of the most violent – and best – Alien stories since the 1986 classic.
It’s not just about the gore, though.
Reviewers are highlighting the emotional weight of the show, especially in the relationship between Wendy and her brother Joe, a fellow synthetic.
Metro’s thoughts on Alien: Earth
Metro’s Deputy TV editor Tom Percival shares his thoughts on this out-of-this-world TV show after watching six episodes…
Call me a contrarian because I’m about to drop a take hotter than a Xenomorph’s acidic blood, but I don’t really get what other critics see in Alien: Earth.
It’s by no means a bad show, but I found most of the characters unlikable, the plot involving the synths pretty dull, and the world incredibly dreary.
That said, the production design is good, the practical Xenomorph is cool (I love a guy in a suit), and the new alien species are interesting enough (that eye guy creeps me out).
Sadly, the series just didn’t get its claws into me, and I’m not exactly (chest)bursting to watch the final two episodes… I’d rather watch Alien instead.
Their bond gives the story a raw human core – even when surrounded by Xenomorphs and morally bankrupt CEOs.
Timothy Olyphant’s performance as Kirsh, the synthetic caretaker, has also drawn praise for its cold charisma.
Meanwhile, Samuel Blenkin plays the ruthless Boy Kavalier – a young tech billionaire obsessed with consciousness and immortality – who may be even scarier than the aliens.
The show also adds new types of monsters to the mix, expanding the Alien universe in ways fans didn’t expect.
Noah Hawley nailed the cast for the new dystopian series (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)
It’s creepy, clever, and packed with surprises that keep viewers guessing.
And it’s not afraid to go deep, exploring themes like identity, power, and what it really means to be human.
Of course, not everyone is completely sold.
Vulture said the show’s ambition sometimes gets in the way of its emotional payoff, calling it ‘fascinating but flawed.’
The Guardian praised the chilling world-building but felt parts of the plot were a bit unclear.
Still, most reviews are leaning strongly positive – and the buzz isn’t slowing down.
Fans are predicting this could be the horror series of the year (Picture by: FX)
In fact, Alien: Earth already feels like a major comeback for the franchise.
It blends the best of classic horror, new sci-fi, and serious storytelling in a way that feels fresh and unexpected.
Showrunner Noah Hawley, known for Fargo and Legion, has been praised for balancing terror with thought-provoking ideas.
With six episodes still to come, Alien: Earth looks set to be one of the most talked-about shows of the year.
And if early reactions are anything to go by, it might even end up being one of the most beloved sci-fi series as of late.
The first two episodes of Alien: Earth are available to stream on Disney Plus now.
The original version of this story was published on August 13.
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