3rd Rock from the Sun 

A group of aliens are sent to Earth, disguised as a human family, to experience and report life on the 3rd planet from the sun.

Creators:

Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner

Stars:

John Lithgow, Jane Curtin, Kristen Johnston

Won 2 Golden Globes. Another 34 wins & 74 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
John Lithgow	...	Dr. Dick Solomon 139 episodes, 1996-2001
Kristen Johnston	...	Sally Solomon 139 episodes, 1996-2001
French Stewart	...	Harry Solomon 139 episodes, 1996-2001
Joseph Gordon-Levitt	...	Tommy Solomon 139 episodes, 1996-2001
Jane Curtin	...	Dr. Mary Albright 139 episodes, 1996-2001
Simbi Kali	...	Nina 135 episodes, 1996-2001
Elmarie Wendel	...	Mrs. Dubcek 120 episodes, 1996-2001
Wayne Knight	...	Officer Don 101 episodes, 1996-2001

Storyline

A group of aliens has come to Earth to learn about its population, customs, etc. To avoid detection, they have taken on human form which gives them human emotions, physical needs etc. WITHOUT the understanding of what they mean or the inhibitions normally present in humans. Their leader takes the position of a college professor, their military expert as his sister, their intelligence expert, supposedly oldest of group takes form of his teenage son. The uninhibited reactions turn everyday events into unusual situations.

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Plot Keywords:

male protagonist | brother sister relationship | brother brother relationship | father son relationship | uncle nephew relationship | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Family | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Official Sites:

Carsey-Werner [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 January 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

3rd Rock

Filming Locations:

CBS Studio Center - 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Carsey-Werner Company, YBYL Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

25 min (124 episodes) 60 min (7 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The series' title comes from country singer Joe Diffie's song of the same name.

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Quotes

[Mary and Dick are in a restaurant]
Dick Solomon: Mary, the waiter made a mistake. You ordered Surf and Turf. They brought you steak and lobster.
Mary Albright: Dick, that's what surf and turf is.
Dick Solomon: Oh... I thought it was water and grass.

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Alternate Versions

The Netflix version of the show is cropped to 16x9.

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Connections

Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Hilarious TV Body Swaps (2016)

User Reviews

One of the best shows!!!

This is one of the best shows put out! It really feels like your in a theater watching a play. 'Dick' is the best character, hes funny and bossy and quite the simpleton when he wants to be. I love the way he expresses his feelings through his facial expressions. I would be entertained just watching him, with no sound. and 'Harry' is definitely the next best character. i love the way he dresses...the fur coat and his suspenders and bright shirts. plus, hes very funny. he gives off the impression that he is the youngest alien even though tommy is. i love how innocent and sweet he seems.

3rd Rock is not your A-typical show, it doesn't deal with real life and regular families and friends. every character in this show is weird and crazy and doing their own thing. i think its better this way. i get tired of watching the same old shows with a husband and a wife. problems with the kids or work or each other. its very refreshing to see a show where they have crazy situations and answers. plus it fun to see what it might be like for an alien to come to earth and not know how to deal with their bodies, or relationships, or school and work.