3rd Rock from the Sun

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Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 9, 1996
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 26
  3. Negative: 5 out of 26
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Critic Reviews

  1. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Jun 26, 2013
    75
    The show needs work-—why all the breast jokes?-—but [Lithgow and Curtin] don't.
  2. Detroit Free Press
    Reviewed by: Mike Duffy
    Jun 19, 2013
    75
    '3rd Rock from the Sun,' besides being viewed as too darn silly by some, may be slagged for being too raunchy by others. But if you're looking for a daffy acting delight, check out John Lithgow's marvelously unhinged performance as Commander Dick. [9 Jan 1996]
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  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Lon Grahnke
    Jun 19, 2013
    75
    Goofy and good-hearted, '3rd Rock' winks at the human condition. [8 Jan 1996]
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  5. Kansas City Star
    Reviewed by: Barry Garron
    Jun 19, 2013
    70
    No one will mistake this for cutting-edge comedy but it is well-cast (especially Lithgow) and good-natured enough to please most viewers. [8 Jan 1996]
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  6. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Robert Bianco
    Jun 19, 2013
    70
    'Rock' is loud, raucous, silly, sentimental and, just often enough to keep you watching, flat-out funny. It's not a great show, but it's different and it dares to aim for wild laughter instead of mild amusement. [9 Jan 1996]
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  7. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Gail Pennington
    Jun 19, 2013
    70
    Relax and go with the goofiness and you could have a good time. [9 Jan 1996]
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  8. San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa Times
    Reviewed by: Ron Miller
    Jun 19, 2013
    70
    Moliere it's not, but somehow it works as a sort of energized hybrid of "The Beverly Hillbillies," "Mork & Mindy" and those "Coneheads" sketches Curtin spent so much time in while she was with SNL. [7 Jan 1996]
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  9. Houston Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Mike McDaniel
    Jun 19, 2013
    63
    Well, the show is certainly wacky, but I didn't get a good laugh until the third episode I previewed. [9 Jan 1996]
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  10. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Jun 19, 2013
    63
    At best, and most, 3rd Rock might catch on as the silliest of guilty pleasures, a Benny Hill burlesque where the leering material is enlivened by some outstanding physical comedy. ... When goofy, 3rd Rock rolls. When dirty, it's stone-cold bad. [9 Jan 1996]
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best TV Season of 1996
2
#2 Most Discussed TV Season of 1996
1
#1 Most Shared TV Season of 1996

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 38
  3. Negative: 6 out of 38
  1. drlowdon
    Apr 8, 2020
    7
    3rd Rock from the Sun followed the Solomons, an investigative team of aliens sent to Earth on a mission to pose as an ordinary family and3rd Rock from the Sun followed the Solomons, an investigative team of aliens sent to Earth on a mission to pose as an ordinary family and learn about humans and their civilisation. There are signs that the show was still finding it’s feet throughout this first season, but thanks in large part to its talented cast (lead by the always brilliant John Lithgow) this first season made for an entertaining watch. Much of the comedy was mined from the aliens misunderstanding of everyday things we just take for granted, and with a little bit of slapstick thrown in on top, every episode raised at least a few laughs.… Full Review »
  2. manningn15
    May 12, 2019
    10
    This show is hilarious. The writing and screenplay are terrific and extremely hilarious. The cast give stupendous performances especially JohnThis show is hilarious. The writing and screenplay are terrific and extremely hilarious. The cast give stupendous performances especially John Lithgow, French Stewart, Kristen Johnston, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jane Curtin, and Simbi Khali. I love the theme music and all of the music in the show it is fantastic. This is a A+ comedy tv show.… Full Review »
  3. ydnar4
    Nov 13, 2015
    9
    3rd Rock from the Sun is a classic comedy overall and is one of the most recognizable 1990's sitcoms. Its creators eventually created That3rd Rock from the Sun is a classic comedy overall and is one of the most recognizable 1990's sitcoms. Its creators eventually created That 70's show. It does have enough of an original premise that it doesn't fall into a cheap sitcom formula. I love the set of this show, they suit the characters that they place in them. The character bring a different type or humour considering they are not human, just aliens disguised as humans, John Lithgow was an actor that I had always found to be versatile but I was shocked how funny he is in this show. French Stewart offers some great laughs in his most notable role of his career. Kristen Johnston is also noteworthy in a role that would go on to earn her 2 Emmy awards. Jane Curtin offers some relief as most sensible character in the cast. The show is also responsible for introducing Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who has now become one of the biggest actors right now.… Full Review »
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