"Favorite Alien Invasion Show?" Topic

On another thread, I expressed an affection for the old Gerry Anderson series UFO. Another user replied with:

When do we get The Invaders?

I think it appropriate that we settle the matter like gentlemen -- with a poll!

My top three:

3. The X-Files (1993): Starting with a "monster of the week" format, the series over time developed a "myth arc" incorporating UFO contact lore and conspiracy theories with the zeitgeist of the 1990s. This atmospheric and tense show culminated in a 1998 theatrical film, which was supposed to mark a transition from a television to a movie franchise. The Fox Network had other ideas, renewing the series for several more seasons, undercutting the groundwork of the early episodes, and betraying a gradual loss of focus and passion.

2. War of the Worlds (1988): A syndicated series produced in Canada, loosely based on the 1953 George Pal film of the same name. In the show, the aliens had lain dormant since the 1950s, but were now rising up to possess human hosts. A small band of experts was formed to battle the rather small invasion (seriously, the show was made on a shoestring budget). A fun series, particularly for late-night viewing, but executive meddling changed it to more of a post-apocalyptic show in its second (and final) season.

1. UFO (1970): Thunderbirds producers Gerry and Sylvia Anderson made the leap from children's programming to adult SF drama with this series. Set in the (then) near future of the 1980s, a secret organization named SHADO was formed to combat an extraterrestrial invasion while striving to keep knowledge of the aliens from the public. The show lasted for only one season, but elements of the proposed second season found their way into the Andersons' later Space: 1999.

So, what's your favorite?

Ron

I have fond memories of the original 'V' (TV series from the '80s). No doubt, if I were to try re-watching, I'd be completely turned off. (I managed to complete avoid the remake, even if it did feature Morena Baccarin…)

Really liked Alien Nation when it was on. Occasionally catch a rerun and it is still entertaining.

Battlefield L.A.

I also liked "V" & Alien Nation.
Never cared for "X files"

V

UFO

The Invaders

"V"

All great shows

Never saw V, but I really liked V and V!

How about ‌Empire or How the West was Won?

V

UFO

Earth:Final Conflict

The Invaders

And as a child…Captain Scarlet!

UFO

V

Then, the one with the post-apocalyptic insurgency against the aliens, produced a few to 10 years back – can't recall the name right now. Mainly centered on the East Coast, with 6-legged "chitters" as human/alien hybrids.

The Invaders, though I don't recall a lot about them – been a very long time since I've seen that show. Was excellent back in the day though, for us dinosaurs.

I think my top two are The X-Files and The Invaders. I saw a few episodes of Colony and Dark Skies, they both looked pretty good and maybe someday I'll sit down and watch them.

The 1953 movie War of the Worlds, which I saw on television as a boy in the mid-1960s, gave me nightmares for years. 2001: A Space Odyssey gave me worse nightmares, but only for maybe a few weeks.

Ah yes, Dark Skies – that's the one. Quite entertaining, especially toward the end of the series, when the CGI really ramps up.

Worth checking out, since it is quite good. Even decent acting, which for some shows is hard to come by.

War of the Worlds would come in 5th for me, though very close to 3 and 4.

Dark Skies was my favorite. The others were too hooky or not really alien invasion in my opinion. V has WAY too hooky for example while Alien Nation was not Alien Invasion.

Actually just remembered – SciFy's Defiance is my favorite. Though still flawed it didn't strive to include EVERY alien invader Cliche the way Dark Skies did.

I believe it was called "Falling Skies". Great series.

'The Tripods'

BBC series in the 80's. Possibly the cheapest alien invasion ever. Fantastically naff.

And the first two episodes of 'V'. The last few had too many Deus Ex's.

Too many to really choose. But generally I like many of the different iterations of WotW movies …

Defiance

Space Above and Beyond

Taken (mini-series)

UFO

Dark Skies

Falling Skies

The Invaders

First Wave

(sorry, I couldn't stop at 3)

Not a series but I consider this the ultimate invasion show. Mars Attacks!

Gaak, gaak gaak, GAAK!
Translation: We come in peace.

Falling Skies
My Favorite Martian

"Dark Skies" tried to explain every bit of '70's history within the context of a greater alien conspiracy. It was interesting to watch how the writers worked it all in. A theme which has been used since. It was like a box of chocolates, you never knew just which conspiracy you'd get.

UFO and Captain Scarlet top my list. Enjoyed Dark Skies and Falling Skies. Never saw any of the others on TV.

Oops – change mine from Dark Skies to Falling Skies. Too many skies to get names correct…

SG1, technically earth was invaded several times.

And they discovered several aliens living there for hundred years.

What, no Dr. Who? Someone once told me about Dr. Who that "it's surprising how many aliens want to take over the Earth and Dr. Who always saves the day. Guess time travel can do that for you."

My favorite martian ?

You had me at

surprising how many aliens want to take over the Earth

I was a very big SG1 fan and all the SG series !

Most of the time, SG-1 technically *are* the alien invaders…

Good point !

V and UFO stand out to me

In Stargate SG-1 and Doctor Who, the Earth gets invaded all the time, so I would say leave 'em in. I also hope that Bill leaves in Alien Nation (call it a variation on a theme). Just to round things out, I'll throw in Mork and Mindy and Invader Zim. Invaders don't have to be competent to count.

Ron

Mork & Mindy

Alf

My Favorite Martian

Rocky & Bullwinkle, "The Jet Fuel Formula" (Season 1)