That was the scene in the California desert five years ago.
Our esoteric first view of the Newcomers’ ship.
Theirs was a slave ship carrying a quarter of a million beings,
bred to adapt and labor in any environment.
But they washed ashore on Earth with
no way to get back to where they came from.
And in the last five years, the Newcomers
have become the latest addition to the population of Los Angeles.
Original Title Sequence
A New Population: The Tenctonese
The Alien Nation TV series (adapted from the 1988 film) used its opening sequence to bridge the gap between hard science fiction and social drama. The narration by Charles Howerton provides the necessary backstory for the “Newcomers,” a race of genetically engineered slaves known as Tenctonese who are now attempting to assimilate into American society.
The musical collaboration between Joe Harnell, Steve Dorff, and Larry Herbstritt created a haunting, atmospheric score that blended synth-heavy sci-fi tones with the brassy, urgent percussion typical of 80s cop shows. While the series only lasted one season, it gained a massive cult following, leading to five television movies that continued the story of Detective Matthew Sikes and his Newcomer partner, George Francisco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the show only have one season?
Despite good ratings, the show was canceled due to the financial struggles of the Fox network at the time. However, the story was so popular that it was later concluded through a series of made-for-TV films.
What are the aliens called?
While humans often refer to them as “Newcomers,” their actual species name is Tenctonese. They are known for their spotted heads and lack of hair.
Who are the main characters?
The series stars Gary Graham as Detective Matthew Sikes and Eric Pierpoint as George Francisco, the first Newcomer detective in the LAPD.
