Hard Time on Planet Earth

Hard Time on Planet Earth (1989)

EndedScripted showDrama, Action, Science-Fiction

Jesse, an alien exiled to Earth, finds himself in Los Angeles. His only companion is a floating, orb-shaped robotic parole officer named Control. Doomed to stay on Earth until Jesse can show compassion, Control helps him lead as normal a life as possible, but not knowing Earthly ways Jesse often finds himself in trouble.

Streaming

Watch Now

Network
Scheduleevery Wednesday (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E13Wally's GangJuni 21, 1989
S01E12The All AmericanJuni 14, 1989
S01E11Not in Our StarsMai 31, 1989
S01E10RodeoMai 10, 1989
S01E09Jessie's Fifteen MinutesMai 3, 1989
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'Hard Time on Planet Earth' premiere?

'Hard Time on Planet Earth' premiered on March 1, 1989.

Who were the main characters in the show?

The main characters in 'Hard Time on Planet Earth' were Jesse, a stranded alien, and Sheriff Warren Pike.

Where was the show set?

The show was set in Los Angeles, California.

What was the premise of the show?

The show followed the adventures of an alien named Jesse, who was sent to Earth as a punishment and had to learn about humanity while being accompanied by Sheriff Warren Pike.

What was the alien's mission on Earth?

The alien's mission was to learn about human emotions and the complexities of human behavior.

Who played the role of Jesse, the stranded alien?

Tim Thomerson played the role of Jesse in 'Hard Time on Planet Earth.'

What was the relationship between Jesse and Sheriff Warren Pike?

Jesse and Sheriff Warren Pike developed a unique friendship as they navigated their adventures on Earth.

What were some of the challenges Jesse faced on Earth?

Jesse faced challenges such as understanding human emotions, adapting to Earth's customs, and avoiding capture by authorities who saw him as a threat.

Did Jesse have any special abilities or powers?

Yes, Jesse had the ability to heal quickly and possessed advanced knowledge and technology from his alien race.

Were there any recurring villains in the show?

Yes, there were recurring villains, including other aliens sent to retrieve Jesse and shady characters who wanted to exploit his extraterrestrial abilities.

Did 'Hard Time on Planet Earth' have a comedic tone?

Yes, the show often incorporated comedic elements, balancing humor with the dramatic aspects of Jesse's journey on Earth.

Were there any significant guest stars on the show?

Yes, notable guest stars on 'Hard Time on Planet Earth' included Robert Davi, Renee O'Connor, and Michael Ironside.

Did the show have a distinct visual style?

Yes, the show had a unique visual style that combined futuristic elements with the gritty atmosphere of Los Angeles in the late 1980s.

Were there any notable awards or nominations received by the show?

'Hard Time on Planet Earth' did not receive any major awards or nominations during its run.

Did the show explore any social or moral themes?

Yes, the show often delved into themes such as redemption, the nature of humanity, and the importance of empathy and understanding.

Did 'Hard Time on Planet Earth' have a cult following?

While the show did not achieve mainstream success, it garnered a small but dedicated cult following due to its unique premise and blend of genres.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
The Mega-Brands That Built America
Running

The Mega-Brands That Built America

The Mega-Brands That Built America is the newest series in History's "That Built" franchise, telling the origin stories of some of the most successful businesses in history: from mega-stores like Costco and Walmart to sporting goods giants like Spalding and Wilson, titans like Ivory Soap, Schick and Gillette, to shipping giants like Fedex and UPS, and countless more of the biggest brand names in history. Each story is told through the "That Built" franchises' signature blend of expert interviews and archival, mixed with original premium recreations. Through the eyes of the visionaries and entrepreneurs behind the brands, the series takes viewers on a journey; starting with how it all began, following the innovations, the failures, and all the incredible achievements that forever changed the way Americans live. It's everything you didn't know about the colossal brands you know so well.

Saturday Night Live
Running

Saturday Night Live

Saturday Night Live is an Emmy Award-winning late-night comedy showcase.

Since its inception in 1975, "SNL" has launched the careers of many of the brightest comedy performers of their generation. As The New York Times noted on the occasion of the show's Emmy-winning 25th Anniversary special in 1999, "in defiance of both time and show business convention, 'SNL' is still the most pervasive influence on the art of comedy in contemporary culture." At the close of the century, "Saturday Night Live" placed seventh on Entertainment Weekly's list of the Top 100 Entertainers of the past fifty years.

Lioness
Running

Lioness

Lioness, inspired by an actual U.S. Military program, follows the life of Joe while she attempts to balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIA's spear in the war on terror. The Lioness Program, overseen by Kaitlyn Meade and Donald Westfield, enlists an aggressive Marine Raider named Cruz to operate undercover alongside Joe among the power brokers of State terrorism in the CIA's efforts to thwart the next 9/11.

Doc
Running

Doc

Doc centers on the hard-charging, brilliant Dr. Amy Larsen, Chief of Internal and Family Medicine at Westside Hospital in Minneapolis. After a brain injury erases the last eight years of her life, Amy must navigate an unfamiliar world where she has no recollection of patients she's treated, colleagues she's crossed, the soulmate she divorced, the man she now loves and the tragedy that caused her to push everyone away. She can rely only on her estranged 17-year-old daughter, whom she remembers as a 9-year-old, and a handful of devoted friends, as she struggles to continue practicing medicine, despite having lost nearly a decade of knowledge and experience.

SpongeBob SquarePants
Running

SpongeBob SquarePants

Come follow the adventures of the world's most lovable sponge and his starfish sidekick! Though they have the best intentions, SpongeBob and Patrick are always causing trouble… and plenty of laughs!

When he's not at the Krusty Krab grilling up some epic Krabby Patties, SpongeBob can be found jellyfishing with Patrick, blowing bubbles, or annoying his favorite neighbor, Squidward!

Bikini Bottom is home to the coolest creatures under the sea, and you CAN'T miss out on any of their adventures. Is mayonnaise an instrument? Watch SpongeBob SquarePants to find out!

Are you ready, kids? AYE AYE CAPTAIN!