The aliens have landed! But don’t worry, they don’t bite (often) and they won’t suck your brains (at least, not physically). On the surface they are the Solomons, an average family in Rutherford, Ohio, USA. But underneath they are purple gelatinous blobs, on a mission to learn everything they can about humans and their so-called advanced civilisation.

3rd Rock from the Sun is a half-hour sitcom that deserves to be watched. While it follows the Hollywood staple of a “fish out of water”,  it has given the whole concept a hard twist. What makes the show so much fun, and so popular, is the clever, slanted point of view that we see through the alien visitors.  Like Mork and Mindy and ALF before them, the alien Solomons - Dick, Tom, Harry and Sally - come to our world with super intelligence but innocent of humanity’s complicated ways, and are constantly faced with new situations in which to see, from the outside, the human condition and (Western) society, with uproariously humorous results.

Dick Solomon (John Lithgow) is the “gorgeous” (his own words) family patriach and High Commander of the mission. Gullible, naive and literal, he gave himself a job teaching Physics at the local university, though his students often have a difficult time following his lessons. To further understand the human condition, he began a relationship with his co-worker Mary Albright (Jane Curtin of Coneheads and Saturday Night Live) who, while she appreciates his flamboyant and sometimes boyish behaviour, is often bewildered by his brutal honesty.

Sally Solomon (Kristen Johnston) is second in command of the mission, and combat officer. She took on the form of a woman because, as Dick puts it, “somebody had to” - though she sees it as an inferior role. Tough, loud and forthright, she intimidates human males - though some, like police officer Don (Wayne Knight of Seinfield and Jurassic Park) find a strong woman very attractive.

Tommy Solomon (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is stuck in the form of a pubescent male, despite being the oldest member of the team. He has to go through all the things he thought he would have left behind - pimples, raging hormones, and high school. Despite his real age, he has little better handle on humans than Dick - though his dealings with High School society have given him a slightly better understanding.
Harry Solomon (French Stewart) is the sensitive, slightly-odd looking “extra” team member who for a long time did not know exactly why he was on the mission. “There was a spare seat” was the explanation. Eventually however he discovered what the others already knew - implanted inside his brain is a transmitter/receiver, through which the team can communicate with their leader, the Big Giant Head (William Shatner).

Though they don’t know it, the humans that come into daily contact with this team of alien investigators are assisting them in learning. In addition to Mary and Officer Don, there is Nina Campbell (Simbi Khali), Dick and Mary’s office assistant and unwilling confidant to her rather peculiar bosses. The Solomon’s rent their upstairs home from Mrs. Dubcek (Elmarie Dubcek) who, while wild in her youth, is still bewildered by her tenants.

Created by husband and wife team Terry and Bonny Turner, together with Carsey-Wener productions, 3rd Rock from the Sun has earned twenty-six Emmy nominations, including three wins for lead actor John Lithgow and another two for supporting actress Kristen Johnson. In Australia we see 3rd Rock on the Seven Network once a week, and Foxtel’s FOX8 every day. With its slanted point of view and distinct wit, the show has become a ratings winner. The Turners describe their creation as “Carl Sagan meets the Marx Brothers”.

“In a way, when Seinfield says it’s about nothing,” says creator Bonnie Turner, “this show is about everything and driven by the human condition.”

About everything it is: sexuality, racism, the battle of the sexes, education, money, politics - all get a look in and all get commented on by the aliens in their innocent, honest way. In this fashion, the series cuts through taboos and traditions with a child-like fascination.

Why should you be watching 3rd Rock? Because it’s witty, it’s cutting, it’s incisive. It has the funniest aliens since Mork and Alf. And the performances have to be seen to be believed - John Lithgow, Jane Curtin and the rest of the cast approach their roles with great gusto, enjoying every moment of their time on screen.

Despite its foundation being a Hollywood staple, 3rd Rock from the Sun has succeeded where so many others have failed because of that right chemistry - witty writing, a twisted viewpoint, and fantastic performances. If you haven’t caught up with the Solomons, it’s time you did - because while in space no one can hear you scream, the laughter can be heard for light years.