“Resident Alien” is a popular American TV series that mixes science fiction, mystery, comedy, and drama. Created by Chris Sheridan and based on a comic book by Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse, the show first aired on Syfy on January 27, 2021. The series features Alan Tudyk in the lead role. By June 2024, it has been renewed for its fourth season and will move to USA Network.
Where is “Resident Alien” Filmed?
The show is about an alien who crash-lands on Earth and takes the identity of a doctor in a small town in Colorado. However, despite the Colorado setting, most of the show is actually filmed in British Columbia, Canada.
Filming Locations for Different Seasons
Season 1: Delta, British Columbia
Filming for the first season started on September 10, 2020, and ended on October 14, 2020, in Delta, British Columbia. Even though the show is set in snowy mountains of Colorado, these scenes were captured in the beautiful landscapes of British Columbia.
Season 2: Ladysmith, British Columbia
The filming for the second season began on August 3, 2021, and finished on April 1, 2022. The first half of the second season was filmed in Ladysmith, a small town on Vancouver Island. The second half of the season started shooting from February 27, 2022.
Season 3: Various Locations in British Columbia
For the third season, filming began on January 30, 2023, and concluded on May 2, 2023. The scenes were shot in different parts of British Columbia, with a lot of interior shots done on soundstages in Vancouver.
Soundstages in Vancouver
Much of “Resident Alien” is filmed on soundstages in Vancouver. The production team has two main soundstages where they build most of the interior sets.
Soundstage 1: Includes the diner, the mayor’s office, the police station, and apartments of D’Arcy and Asta.
Soundstage 2: Contains Harry’s cabin, the Hawthornes’ house, and the bar.
These controlled environments allow the production team to create the perfect look for the show’s indoor scenes.
Real-World Locations
Harry’s Cabin: Britannia Beach
The cozy lakeside cabin of Harry is a special place in the show. The exterior of the cabin is a facade located at Britannia Beach. Even though it looks like it’s by a lake, it actually borders an inlet of the ocean.
Snowy Glaciers: Sea-to-Sky Corridor
For scenes set on snowy glaciers, the crew used locations in British Columbia’s Sea-to-Sky Corridor. They filmed on Rainbow Mountain and the Pemberton Ice Cap. These places are so remote that the crew needed helicopters to reach them.
Creating Patience, Colorado
Patience is Fictional but Filmed in Ladysmith
Patience, the small town in the show, is a fictional place. To bring it to life, the team went to Ladysmith, a real town on Vancouver Island. This town is accessible by a two-hour ferry ride from Vancouver.
Main Street in Ladysmith
The show’s Main Street scenes are shot on three blocks of downtown Ladysmith. The town’s early 1900s architecture fits perfectly with the look of Patience. The production team works closely with the town’s council and local businesses to manage traffic and make sure everything goes smoothly during filming.
Ladysmith has a history similar to the fictional Patience. It was a mining town, and coal mining was an important industry in the early 20th century. The town also has connections with local First Nation groups, which adds to its unique character.
Local Spots Loved by Cast and Crew
While filming in Ladysmith, the cast and crew enjoy visiting local spots such as:
Plantitude: A vegan restaurant popular with the cast.
Zack’s Lounge, Roberts Street Pizza, and Old Town Bakery: Other favorite places for food and relaxation.
An Old Hotel with a Pool Table: A spot with a charming small-town feel.
“Resident Alien” takes us on a journey through the fictional town of Patience, Colorado, but the real magic happens in British Columbia, Canada. From soundstages in Vancouver to the charming streets of Ladysmith, the filming locations bring the show’s unique world to life. As the series continues to entertain, its stunning filming spots add a special touch that makes the story even more engaging.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Resident Alien
Q: Where was “Resident Alien” filmed?
A: “Resident Alien” was primarily filmed in British Columbia, Canada. Most interior scenes were shot on soundstages in Vancouver, while exterior scenes for the fictional town of Patience, Colorado, were filmed in Ladysmith on Vancouver Island. Additional locations include Britannia Beach for Harry’s cabin and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor for snowy glacier scenes.
Q: When did filming for the first season of “Resident Alien” take place?
A: Filming for the first season of “Resident Alien” began on September 10, 2020, and concluded on October 14, 2020. The production took place in Delta, British Columbia, capturing the scenic backdrops and establishing the setting for the series.
Q: When was the second season of “Resident Alien” filmed?
A: The second season of “Resident Alien” was filmed in two parts. The initial filming began on August 3, 2021, and ended on April 1, 2022, with the first half shot in Ladysmith, British Columbia. The second half of the season began filming on February 27, 2022.
Q: When did the third season of “Resident Alien” start filming?
A: Filming for the third season of “Resident Alien” started on January 30, 2023, and wrapped up on May 2, 2023. The filming locations continued to be various sites across British Columbia, maintaining the visual continuity of the series.
Q: What are the release dates for the different seasons of “Resident Alien”?
A: The first season of “Resident Alien” premiered on Syfy on January 27, 2021. The second season was released in two parts: the first part premiered on January 26, 2022, and the second part on August 10, 2022. The third season premiered on February 14, 2024. The show has been renewed for a fourth season, which will air on USA Network, though the exact release date has not yet been announced.
