3rd Rock from the Sun (1996)
The beloved NBC sci-fi sitcom that sent four aliens to Earth and turned fish-out-of-water comedy into an art form.
3rd Rock from the Sun - Series Information
- Original Title: 3rd Rock from the Sun
- First Air Year: 1996
- Last Air Year: 2001
- Created by: Terry Turner, Bonnie Turner
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Family, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (22 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 139
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 9, 1996 (United States - TV-PG), January 9, 1996 (Germany - 12), January 9, 1996 (Australia - PG), January 9, 1996 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: Troisième planète après le Soleil (FR), 3rd Rock (US)
- Production Companies: Carsey-Werner Company
- Production Countries: United States of America
3rd Rock from the Sun - Plot
The high commander of an alien expedition lands on Earth -- what he considers to be the least-important planet -- in human form as Dick Solomon. Along for the ride are his alien compatriots Harry, Sally and Tommy -- who is the eldest of the group but is now angrily trapped in a teen's body.
3rd Rock from the Sun - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the alien chaos that made this sitcom a classic:
There's a new family in town. They're not from another city... They're from another planet.
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3rd Rock from the Sun - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Terry Turner
- Bonnie Turner
Main Cast
- John Lithgow
- Kristen Johnston
- Jane Curtin
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt
- French Stewart
- Simbi Khali
- Elmarie Wendel
- Wayne Knight
- Ian Lithgow
- David DeLuise
Writers
- Linwood Boomer
- Bob Kushell
- Christine Zander
- Mike Schiff
- Bill Martin
Executive Producers
- Tom Werner
- Bob Kushell
- Bill Martin
- Caryn Mandabach
- Christine Zander
3rd Rock from the Sun - FAQs
Where can you stream 3rd Rock from the Sun?
3rd Rock from the Sun is available to purchase digitally on Amazon Video and Google Play Movies. The series is not currently included in a major subscription streaming service, so purchasing individual episodes or full seasons remains the most reliable viewing option.
Did John Lithgow win awards for 3rd Rock from the Sun?
Yes. John Lithgow won four Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards for his role as Dick Solomon. Kristen Johnston also won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, making the show one of the most decorated comedies of the late 1990s.
What is 3rd Rock from the Sun about?
The series follows four aliens who take on human form to study Earth. Led by the pompous High Commander Dick Solomon, played by John Lithgow, the group navigates everyday human life in Rutherford, Ohio, mining comedy from their complete bafflement at emotions, relationships, and social norms.
Who are the main actors in 3rd Rock from the Sun?
The principal cast includes John Lithgow, Kristen Johnston, Jane Curtin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, French Stewart, Simbi Khali, Elmarie Wendel, Wayne Knight, Ian Lithgow, and David DeLuise. John Lithgow leads as Dick Solomon, with a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt playing the eldest alien trapped in a teenager's body.
How many seasons does 3rd Rock from the Sun have?
3rd Rock from the Sun ran for 6 seasons and 139 episodes in total. Season 1 had 20 episodes, Season 2 had 26, Season 3 had 27, Season 4 had 24, Season 5 had 22, and Season 6 wrapped the series with 20 episodes, concluding in May 2001.
Is 3rd Rock from the Sun based on a true story?
No. 3rd Rock from the Sun is an entirely fictional sci-fi comedy created by Terry Turner and Bonnie Turner. The premise — aliens disguised as a human family studying Earth — is a satirical invention designed to lampoon human behavior and social conventions through an outsider perspective.
When did 3rd Rock from the Sun first air?
3rd Rock from the Sun premiered on January 9, 1996, on NBC in the United States. The show ran for six seasons before concluding on May 22, 2001, earning a devoted audience and widespread critical acclaim throughout its five-year broadcast run.
Who created 3rd Rock from the Sun?
3rd Rock from the Sun was created by Terry Turner and Bonnie Turner, the husband-and-wife writing team also known for their work on Saturday Night Live and the film Wayne's World. The show was produced by Carsey-Werner Company, the same production house behind Roseanne and The Cosby Show.
More About 3rd Rock from the Sun
Explore further details about this classic NBC sitcom on these authoritative resources.