Starman (1986)
The beloved ABC science fiction series that continued John Carpenter's 1984 film, following an alien and his son across America.
Starman - Series Information
Starman - Plot
Starman is an American science fiction television series, starring Robert Hays and Christopher Daniel Barnes and continuing the story from John Carpenter's 1984 film. The series ran on the ABC network from September 19, 1986 to May 2, 1987. The series was an adaptation and sequel to a movie of the same name produced in 1984.
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Starman - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Robert Hays
- Christopher Daniel Barnes
- Michael Cavanaugh
- Lydie Denier
- Eric Server
- Robyn Lively
- Jason Bernard
- Timothy Stack
- Nadine Van der Velde
- Arthur Burghardt
Writers
- Randall Wallace
- James G. Hirsch
- James S. Henerson
Executive Producers
- James S. Henerson
- James G. Hirsch
- Michael Douglas
Starman - FAQs
Is Starman the TV series based on a film?
Starman is a direct sequel to John Carpenter's 1984 film of the same name. The series picks up where the movie left off, following the alien Starman — now inhabiting the body of photographer Paul Forrester — as he searches for his son Scott while evading government pursuit.
What happened to Scott's mother in the Starman series?
Jenny Hayden, Scott's mother and the Starman's love interest from the original film, does not appear as a regular character in the TV series. The show shifts focus to the father-son dynamic between the Starman and Scott as they travel together across America while being hunted.
Where can you stream Starman the TV series?
Starman is available to stream on fuboTV as part of its subscription. You can also watch it for free with ads on Tubi TV. Availability may vary by region, so check your local streaming services for the most current options.
Who plays the Starman and his son in the series?
Robert Hays takes on the lead role of Paul Forrester, the human form adopted by the alien Starman, while Christopher Daniel Barnes plays Scott Hayden, his teenage son. Michael Cavanaugh also stars as government agent George Fox, the persistent antagonist hunting them across the country.
Why did the Starman TV series get cancelled after one season?
Starman was cancelled by ABC after a single season of 22 episodes, ending in May 1987. While the show attracted a loyal following drawn to its heartfelt father-son dynamic and sci-fi premise, it struggled to maintain the ratings needed to secure renewal in a competitive primetime landscape.
How was the Starman TV series received by audiences?
The series earned a devoted cult following for its warm storytelling and the chemistry between Robert Hays and Christopher Daniel Barnes. Critics noted its gentle, humanistic tone as a refreshing contrast to more action-heavy sci-fi of the era, though mainstream ratings ultimately proved insufficient for renewal.
What is the overall tone and theme of Starman?
At its heart, Starman is a road drama about family, identity, and what it means to be human. Each episode sees the Starman and Scott encounter ordinary Americans while navigating extraordinary circumstances, blending gentle science fiction with emotional storytelling that emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and connection over spectacle.
What shows are similar to Starman for fans to explore?
Fans of Starman's blend of sci-fi and heartfelt drama may enjoy Max Headroom (1987) for its inventive speculative fiction, The Ray Bradbury Theater (1985) for thoughtful science fiction storytelling, or Debris (2021) for a modern take on alien mystery. Masters of Science Fiction (2007) is also worth a look.
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