The TV show, ALF, aired on NBC from 1986-1990. ALF is America’s beloved Alien Life Form, with a loving yet extremely sarcastic personality. And he’s living with his new family here on Earth. This week we’re remembering the hit tv show of the late 80s, ALF.
The very first episode provides extensive backstory during which ALF crash lands his spaceship into the Tanner family garage. The show’s premise is that of which ALF growing accustomed to the lives of the middle-income, suburban family. You have a dad, mom, teenage girl, young boy, and the family cat (who ALF consistently tries to eat). But the Tanner family mustn’t let anyone know about their new found family member, as the feds might come and take him away for alien experimentation.
The show’s status in the late 80s: a huge hit. For us kids, ALF’s a relatable character and likened to a weird hybrid of us and the family dog. And for adults, especially after looking back now, a lot of adult humor strewn about. Certainly keeping the entertainment value high for viewers of all ages. As it was later found out, the show’s creator, Paul Fusco, pushed the censors at NBC with every script.
So after four successful seasons, the series came to an end in March of 1990, with somewhat of a disappointing ending.
Holy cow. I can obviously see how fans of the show would be completely devastated by the way the series ends!
Another side to the ALF TV show phenomenon was all of the merch. From clothing, to games, and even music!
Back in 1988, Burger King ran a promo, giving away ALF hand puppets and little cardboard records with the purchase of a Whopper meal. The records contained songs recorded by the alien rockstar himself! Now, I don’t remember having the records per say. My mom did make me a cassette tape; however. Which I still have today, but no way to listen to it.
What I do remember is listening to “Melmac Rock” and “Melmac Girls” on repeat. Those Melmac Girls. They were simply out of this world.
Since watching some fun clips and listening to cool music, you might be feeling a bit nostalgic and want to revisit the hit TV show. You can catch all 4 seasons of ALF here, available now on Amazon Prime!
Alf Shumway being captured by the military as the last episode? Good! Perfect way for it to end. Hope he got his comeuppance for all the neighbors’ cats he reputedly ate during the 4-year lifetime of the series.
I wasn’t entertained by the series, considering the material puerile and simple, and knew little of it except that there’s an annoying alien who likes to eat cats. It does seem prophetic though, considering the events in Ohio on August 16, 2024. Bet she was an ALF fan!