Here’s a look at 2 new sci-fi shows. One just finished its first season and is comically charming, while the other just launched 3 episodes and is less special (so far):

Resident Alien Alan Tudyk plays the titular character who crash lands on Earth and assumes the identity of the local small-town doctor. This fish-out-of-water concept has been done before, but this show has several things going for it. First is Tudyk: His perfectly-awkward comic charm makes his mission to kill all Earthlings less treacherous and very amusing. He’s surrounded by an able supporting cast and writing that manages to be funny, dramatic and sweet. There are even some moments of mild suspense. It’s one of the few genuinely enjoyable new shows on cable. The first season just concluded with season 2 announced. (4 / 5) SyFy link

Made For Love A woman (Crisin Milioti) is married to a tech billionaire (Billly Magnussen). Their seemingly perfect love plays out in a high-tech virtual-reality bubble. Her attempt to escape is thwarted by the brain implant that allows him to monitor her actions, vision and emotions. While some of the sci-fi elements offer cool concepts, the show quickly turns into a romance drama without much special. Ray Romano adds some personality as her father with his sex doll girlfriend. Only 3 episodes have dropped, but the high-concept promise will need some interesting developments to help this rise above its current uneven launch. (2.5 / 5) HBOMax link