People of Earth

People of Earth is an American comedy television series that aired on TBS from 2016 to 2017. It exhibits a unique blend of modern humor, extraterrestrial engagements, and intricate storytelling that cleverly subverts viewers' initial perceptions about alien encounters. The premise revolves around the intriguing world of alien abductees and uses humor and irony to tackle the convoluted narrative that often accompanies such subject matter.

The storyline follows Ozzie Graham, a competent investigative journalist, played by Wyatt Cenac of "The Daily Show" fame. Following a freak car accident, he stumbles upon a support group known as "StarCrossed" in the small town of Beacon, New York, while on the job. The members of StarCrossed are an eclectic mix, all claiming to have had encounters and abductions by extraterrestrial beings.

Over time, the initially disbelief-ridden Ozzie notices inconsistencies in his memory, particularly concerning the mysterious car accident. His journalistic intrigue combined with increasingly strange personal experience begin to suggest that he might share more common ground with the support group than he had initially expected. The evolving narrative dares to teeter on the edge of Ozzie's skepticism, steadily nudging him towards the vicinity of the unexplainable.

People of Earth blends the seemingly bizarre claims by this motley group with empathetic storytelling. It gives viewers a taste of the very human and relatable struggles that the group members face, something that keeps the series grounded amidst its spacey setting. This memorable ensemble cast further adds to this compelling blend of emotion and humor, with fascinating characters, each with their unique quirks.

Characters of note include Gina (Ana Gasteyer), a psychologist and the leader of the support group, who tries to help the others deal with their extraordinary experiences. Richard (Brian Huskey), meanwhile, is a firm believer that he's been repeatedly kidnapped by gentle, deer-like beings. Rounding out the group are the likes of Yvonne (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), a postal worker unsure of the authenticity of her own abduction, and Gerry (Luka Jones), a frequent target of alien encounters.

Notably, People of Earth also offers an intriguing glimpse into the extraterrestrial, presenting its supposed abductors in a comically bureaucratic light. The series portrays a triumvirate of alien species, each with its distinctive appearance, role, and rank. Their interactions, while aiming for world domination, often result in humorous scenarios that add another layer to the show's appeal.

The series, despite its seemingly outlandish storyline, displays a thoughtful balance between relating human experiences and dabbling in the realm of the extraterrestrial. The writing, characterized by its sharp humor and sensitivity, delivers many moments of both laughter and introspection. The plot threads, cleverly interwoven between humans and aliens, provide an engaging narrative exploration of belief, identity, and the human condition.

Behind the scenes, People of Earth boasts of an impressive list of contributors. The series was created by David Jenkins, who also serves as an executive producer along with Conan O'Brien and Greg Daniels, the latter known for his work on popular shows such as "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation." Meanwhile, the show's ensemble cast showcases various comedic talents who each breathe life and individuality into their roles.

Overall, People of Earth is a show that skillfully treads the line between absurdity and profoundness. Its unique concept and well-crafted humor help it push the boundaries of conventional sitcom territory. The show's approach to the possibility of life beyond Earth provides a playful, comedic twist on the topic while simultaneously exploring the complex nature of personal belief, acceptance, and the universal human longing for connection. If you're interested in comedy that's not afraid to boldly venture into uncharted narrative spaces, People of Earth makes for a memorable and thought-provoking viewing experience.