30 Years Ago, an Amazing Sitcom Starring John Lithgow Premiered (But No One Talks About It Anymore)

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John Lithgow is a highly respected and versatile actor with a long and impressive career. He’s known for dramatically transforming himself for roles, playing characters as diverse as the terrifying Trinity Killer in Dexter and the stately Winston Churchill in The Crown. He’s also a celebrated stage actor, winning several Tony Awards for his Broadway work. Interestingly, despite his success in serious roles, Lithgow also starred in a very funny and innovative sitcom in the 1990s. While many remember him for his recent dramatic performances, this sitcom, which really highlighted his comedic timing and physical abilities, is often forgotten when people talk about the best TV shows of that time.

As a big fan of quirky comedies, I still remember when 3rd Rock from the Sun first hit NBC on January 9, 1996. The show had this wonderfully strange idea – aliens trying to blend in as a normal family! It followed four extraterrestrials who crash-landed in Rutherford, Ohio, and took on human disguises to study us. And John Lithgow? He was absolutely brilliant as Dick Solomon, the leader of the group, who somehow landed a job teaching physics at the local university. It was a really unique and funny show.

The cast of 3rd Rock from the Sun also features Sally Solomon (Kristen Johnston), a security officer trying to understand what’s expected of women, Harry Solomon (French Stewart), the quirky communications expert, and Tommy Solomon (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), the oldest alien who appears as a teenager. Throughout its six seasons and 139 episodes, the show used the aliens’ fresh perspective to playfully poke fun at all parts of human life – including love, getting older, social rules, and politics.

3rd Rock From the Sun Deserves More Love from Sitcom Fans

During its original broadcast, 3rd Rock from the Sun was both a critical success and a popular show for NBC. It received 31 Primetime Emmy nominations, and John Lithgow won the award for best lead actor in a comedy series three times. Reviewers consistently praised the show’s clever writing and its blend of slapstick humor with thoughtful ideas. The series also stood out for its ability to portray the Solomon family as both condescending outsiders and empathetic learners about what it means to be human.

Although critically praised, 3rd Rock from the Sun hasn’t stayed in the public consciousness as much as shows like Friends or Seinfeld. This is unfortunate, because it was a much bolder and more innovative comedy than most of its contemporaries. By portraying the main characters as aliens unfamiliar with human customs, the show cleverly highlighted the silliness of everyday life. This approach still resonates today, as it taps into the universal feeling of being confused by the human experience. The cast had fantastic chemistry, creating a uniquely energetic feel, especially with John Lithgow and Jane Curtin using physical comedy to emphasize their characters’ alien qualities. Viewers who appreciate clever ideas and well-timed humor will find 3rd Rock from the Sun to be a remarkably creative show that’s rarely matched on modern television.

3rd Rock from the Sun is available for renting and purchase on multiple digital platforms.

I absolutely loved 3rd Rock from the Sun! Thinking about it brings back so many laughs. I’d love to hear what your favorite moment from the show is! Let’s chat about it over on the ComicBook Forum – come share your memories with me and other fans!

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2026-01-09 18:17