Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Great series warns of climate change; has violence, cursing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Man Who Fell to Earth
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A sequel to Nicolas Roeg's 1976 movie adaptation of Walter Tevis' sci-fi novel of the same name, THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH is a limited TV series that follows an extraterrestrial who has taken human form in order find a way to save his world. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Faraday, an alien from the planet Anthea who is on a mission to get the technological designs for a mechanism that can supply water to his planet before his species dies out. He's also looking for former MIT student Justin Falls (Naomie Harris), whose doctoral dissertation presented the most viable algorithms required to build it. Faraday wants to take her to meet his contact, a fellow Anthean known as Thomas Newton (Bill Nighy) who has been on Earth for over 40 years. But Falls left science behind to take care of her daughter (Annelle Olaleye) and ailing father (Clarke Peters), and has a hard time believing that Faraday is from another planet. Even more complicated is the fact that Earth is well on its way to suffering the same fate as Anthea.
Is It Any Good?
The powerful TV series successfully builds on the 1976 film while managing to deliver a superior stand-alone story with strong contemporary environmental themes. The show, which was created by Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet of the Star Trek universe, incorporates some recognizable moments from the movie, as well as visual references to David Bowie's performance as Thomas Newton, all of which helps create a sense of continuity. But its statements about some of today's social ills, and its warnings about the planetary impact of climate change are clear. Chiwetel Ejiofor's superb performance as the awkward, intelligent, and sensitive Faraday often is delivered with humor and genuine emotion, which makes these obvious warnings about the Earth's trajectory towards environmental disaster a little easier to handle. Overall, The Man Who Fell to Earth is a thoughtful and entertaining series that is worth the watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about climate change. Why is it changing? Should I be worried about the impact it is having on our planet? What can I do to make it better?
What statements is The Man Who Fell to Earth making about humanity? What beautiful things are highlighted about? What troubling things does it point to about our species?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 24, 2022
- Cast : Chiwetel Ejiofor , Naomie Harris , Bill Nighy
- Network : Showtime
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Gratitude , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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