Apple TV Plus announced Strange planeta new show based on Nathan Pyle’s hit alien comic of the same name.
You know the aliens, even if you don’t know them know them: little blue fellows who speak with archetal and a kind of awe of everything they encounter. Everyday things get new names; teeth are “mouth stones“is a sunburn”star damage.”
Through their adorable alien wonder, they manage to be what so many influencers can’t – relatable – as they explore the absurdity of the human condition.
That is perhaps the biggest challenge Strange planet‘s 10 episodes, debuting on Apple TV Plus on August 9. The webcomic and the first two books (2020 saw the sequel Stranger planet) were on the page and readers could project the voices that seemed funniest or most charming. On screen – well, like any translation to TV, these aliens suddenly take on a whole new dimension. Will they sound small and reedy? Precious and fragile? Will an animated series adequately capture their extensive curiosity?
Pyle’s jokes are often funny (or as the aliens would say, humorous). As they mouth push and display their number loops (kiss and wedding rings, respectively), it’s easy to read their jokes with the perfect inflection. An adaptation with someone else’s voice in their place can feel jarring, the strangest leap yet for these alien fish out of the proverbial waters.
At least, Strange planet features a large collection of voice actors: the new Apple TV series features Tunde Adebimpe, Demi Adejuyigbe, Lori Tan Chinn, Communityis Danny Pudi and Hannah Einbinder from Hacks. The Apple TV press release didn’t say what adventures they’d make their way through, but chances are it’ll be something like the arc of Strange planet.
So maybe now is the best time to read the book! Figure out what you think the aliens should sound like. Hopefully you’re right.
Season 1 of Strange planet debuts on Apple TV Plus on August 9 with three episodes.