How Alien: Earth Fits into the Franchise Timeline

The flickering emergency lights of the Nostromo first haunted audiences in 1979, launching a sci-fi horror legacy that’s sprawled across centuries, planets, and confusing continuity debates. Now, as Noah Hawley’s “Alien: Earth” beams onto Hulu and Disney+, fans face a new puzzle: Where does this ambitious TV series land in the Alien franchise’s notoriously tangled timeline? After conflicting reports even from the creator, we’ve navigated the corporate bureaucracy of Weyland-Yutani to deliver definitive answers.

When Does Alien: Earth Take Place in the Alien Timeline?

“Alien: Earth” is set in 2120—just two years before Ripley’s doomed voyage aboard the Nostromo in 1979’s “Alien” (2122). This positions FX’s series as a direct prelude to the original film, exploring Earth’s first encounter with Xenomorphs long before the space-truckers of the Nostromo stumbled upon LV-426. Creator Noah Hawley initially sparked confusion by telling Collider the show aligned with 1986’s “Aliens” (set in 2179), but he later clarified the 2120 setting to The Hollywood Reporter.

Hawley’s vision deliberately sidesteps elements from Ridley Scott’s prequels “Prometheus” (2093) and “Alien: Covenant” (2104), which positioned the creatures as bio-engineered weapons. “For me, this ‘perfect life form’ is the product of millions of years of evolution,” Hawley emphasized, rejecting the prequels’ lore. This creative choice leaves “Alien: Earth” in a unique canonical space—bridging gaps while honoring the original film’s mystery.

How Alien: Earth Reshapes the Franchise Chronology

With Hawley’s series anchoring 2120, the definitive canonical Alien timeline now unfolds as follows:

• Prometheus (2093)
• Alien: Covenant (2104)
• Alien: Earth (2120)
• Alien (2122)
• Alien: Romulus (2142)
• Aliens (2179)
• Alien 3 (2179)
• Alien: Resurrection (2381)

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Non-canon entries like the “Alien vs. Predator” films (2004) and Predator spinoffs exist in a separate strand, though Dan Trachtenberg’s upcoming “Badlands” could signal a convergence. Hawley’s Earth-based narrative—where corporations and governments grapple with Xenomorphs on home soil—marks uncharted territory. As he told THR, “The alien stories are always trapped… I thought it would be interesting to open it up to Earth”.

Must Know

Q: Is Alien: Earth connected to Prometheus?
A: No. Showrunner Noah Hawley explicitly rejected the prequels’ lore, treating Xenomorphs as naturally evolved entities rather than Engineer bioweapons. Expect no David-androids or black goo.

Q: Will Ripley appear in Alien: Earth?
A: Unlikely. With the series set two years pre-Alien, Sigourney Weaver’s iconic character would be a child. Hawley focuses on new characters like Jessica (Sydney Chandler).

Q: Why set the series on Earth?
A: Hawley sought to explore how humanity’s institutions—governments, corporations, religions—collide when Xenomorphs invade our planet, not distant colonies.

Q: How many episodes will Alien: Earth have?
A: The first season spans 8 episodes, with new installments streaming weekly on Hulu/Disney+.

Q: Does Alien: Earth reference the original film?
A: Yes. Hawley confirmed events of the 1979 movie are acknowledged, reinforcing its prequel status.

Q: Is Alien: Romulus part of this timeline?
A: Yes. Fede Álvarez’s film (set 20 years after Alien) follows Earth chronologically, per 20th Century Studios.

Alien: Earth rewires franchise lore by dragging the Xenomorph nightmare to our doorstep, bridging prequels and classics while carving its own terrifying path. As corporate intrigue and body-horror collide in 2120, Hawley’s gamble could redefine the saga—proving some terrors hit hardest when they’re homegrown. Stream the invasion now on Hulu.