View source for 3rd Rock from the Sun

{{Short description|American sitcom}}
{{about|the American sitcom|the Joe Diffie album|Third Rock from the Sun{{!}}''Third Rock from the Sun''|the album's title song|Third Rock from the Sun (song)|the Jimi Hendrix song|Third Stone from the Sun}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = 3rd Rock from the Sun (Carsey-Warner sitcom) logo.svg
| genre                = {{Plain list|
*[[Sitcom]]
*[[Science fiction on television|Science fiction]]
*[[Satire]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.carseywerner.com/show/3rd-rock-from-the-sun/ | title=3rd Rock from the Sun }}</ref>
}}
| creator              = {{Plain list|
*[[Bonnie and Terry Turner|Bonnie Turner]]
*[[Bonnie and Terry Turner|Terry Turner]]
}}
| starring             = {{Plain list|
*[[John Lithgow]]
*[[Kristen Johnston]]
*[[French Stewart]]
*[[Joseph Gordon-Levitt]]
*[[Jane Curtin]]
*[[Simbi Khali]]
*[[Elmarie Wendel]]
*[[Wayne Knight]]
}}
| director             = {{Plainlist|
*[[Terry Hughes (director)|Terry Hughes]]
*Various (seasons 1–2)
}}
| theme_music_composer = {{Plain list|
*[[Ben Vaughn]] (seasons 1–3)
*[[Big Bad Voodoo Daddy]] (season 5)
*Ben Vaughn & [[Jeff Sudakin]] (season 6)
}}
| country              = United States
| language             = English
| num_seasons          = 6
| num_episodes         = 139
| list_episodes        = List of 3rd Rock from the Sun episodes
| executive_producer   = {{Plain list|
*John Lithgow
*Bonnie Turner
*Terry Turner
*[[Marcy Carsey]]
*[[Tom Werner]]
*[[Caryn Mandabach]]
*[[Linwood Boomer]] (season 1)
*Bill Martin
*Mike Schiff (seasons 4–5)
*[[David Sacks (writer)|David Sacks]] (seasons 4–5)
*[[Bob Kushell]]
*[[Christine Zander]] (seasons 5–6)
*David Goetsch
*Jason Venokur (season 6)
}}
| producer             = {{Plain list|
*Patrick Kienlen
*David Goetsch
*Jason Venokur
*[[David M. Israel]]
*[[Jim O'Doherty]]
*Andrew Orenstein
*Michael Glouberman
*Gregg Mettler
*Tim Ryder
*[[Aron Abrams]]
}}
| composer             = {{Plain list|
*[[Ben Vaughn]] (seasons 1–4)
*Ben Vaughn & [[Jeff Sudakin]] (seasons 5–6)
}}
| camera               = [[Film]]; [[Multiple-camera setup|Multi-camera]]
| runtime              = 22 minutes
| company              = [[The Carsey-Werner Company]]
| network              = [[NBC]]
| first_aired          = {{start date|1996|1|9}}
| last_aired           = {{End date|2001|05|22}} 
}}

'''''3rd Rock from the Sun''''' is an American television [[sitcom]] created by [[Bonnie and Terry Turner]], which originally aired from January 9, 1996, to May 22, 2001, on [[NBC]]. The show is about four [[Extraterrestrial life|extraterrestrials]] who are on an expedition to Earth, the third planet from the Sun, which they consider to be a very insignificant planet. The extraterrestrials pose as a human family to observe the behavior of human beings.

The show premiered three years after the film ''[[Coneheads (film)|Coneheads]]'', which was also written by the Turners, and featured a similar premise of extraterrestrials arriving on Earth and assimilating into American society.

== Overview ==
The premise of the show revolves around an extraterrestrial research expedition hailing from a planet in a [[barred spiral galaxy]] on the [[Cepheus (constellation)|Cepheus]]-[[Draco (constellation)|Draco]] border attempting to live as a normal human family in the fictional city of Rutherford, [[Ohio]], said to be {{convert|52|mi|km|abbr=on}} outside of [[Cleveland]], where they live in an [[attic apartment]]. The show's humor is principally derived from the aliens' attempts to study [[human society]] and understand the [[human condition]], while living as humans on Earth, reflecting on human life from the perspective of aliens. Most of the episodes are named after the protagonist, Dick. In later episodes, they have become more accustomed to Earth and are often more interested in their human lives than in their mission.

The show also takes humor from its mirroring of all human anthropological expeditions and their assumptions of superiority to the "natives", as well as their inability to distinguish themselves from the natives. Dr. [[Mary Albright]] ([[Jane Curtin]]) is a professor of [[anthropology]] at fictional Pendelton State University, and many of the issues with which the four aliens struggle appear in her conversation and work. Furthermore, these four alien researchers end up looking approximately like joyriders as they get drawn increasingly further into human life.

[[Dick Solomon]] ([[John Lithgow]]), the High Commander and leader of the expedition, is the family provider and a [[physics]] professor at Pendelton (with Lithgow's eldest son [[Ian Lithgow|Ian]] playing Leon, one of his less-successful students). Information officer and oldest member of the crew [[Tommy Solomon (3rd Rock from the Sun)|Tommy]] ([[Joseph Gordon-Levitt]]) has been given the body of a [[teenager]] and is forced to enroll in high school (later college), leaving security officer [[Sally Solomon|Sally]] ([[Kristen Johnston]]) and "the one with the transmitter in his head", [[Harry Solomon|Harry]] ([[French Stewart]]), to spend their lives as 20-somethings hanging out at home and bouncing through short-term jobs. The show also involves their relationships with humans, mostly their love interests.

The family often communicates through Harry with their off-world (and usually unseen) boss, the [[Big Giant Head]], who when he finally visits Earth, is played by [[William Shatner]]. Harry unexpectedly (and often in inconvenient circumstances) stands up, his arms stiff (acting as the antenna), and proclaims: "Incoming message from the Big Giant Head!"

== Cast ==
{{main|List of 3rd Rock from the Sun characters}}

=== Main characters ===
[[File:3rdrockcast.jpg|thumb|200px|From left to right: John Lithgow as Dick, Joseph Gordon-Levitt (top) as Tommy, Jane Curtin (bottom) as Mary, Kristen Johnston as Sally, and French Stewart as Harry]]

* [[John Lithgow]] as [[Dick Solomon]]
* [[Kristen Johnston]] as [[Sally Solomon]]
* [[French Stewart]] as [[Harry Solomon]]
* [[Joseph Gordon-Levitt]] as [[Tommy Solomon (3rd Rock from the Sun)|Tommy Solomon]]
* [[Jane Curtin]] as [[Dr. Mary Albright|Mary Albright]]
* [[Simbi Khali]] as [[List of 3rd Rock from the Sun characters#Nina Campbell|Nina Campbell]] (seasons 3–6, recurring previously)
* [[Elmarie Wendel]] as [[Mamie Dubcek]] (seasons 3–6, recurring previously)
* [[Wayne Knight]] as Officer [[Don Orville]] (seasons 3–6, recurring previously)

=== Recurring characters ===
* [[David DeLuise]] as Bug Pollone, one of Dick's students
* [[Ian Lithgow]] as Leon, one of Dick's students
* [[Danielle Nicolet]] as Caryn, one of Dick's students
* [[Chris Hogan (actor)|Chris Hogan]] as Aubrey Pitman, one of Dick's students
* [[Ileen Getz]] as Dr. Judith Draper, professor at Pendelton and colleague of Mary
* [[Shay Astar]] as August Leffler, Tommy's first girlfriend (seasons 1–3, sparsely appears in seasons 3 and 4)
* [[Larisa Oleynik]] as Alissa Strudwick, Tommy's second girlfriend (seasons 4–6)
* Ron West as Dr. Vincent Strudwick, Alissa's father and rival to Dick (seasons 2–6)
* [[William Shatner]] as The [[Big Giant Head]], the aliens' boss
* [[Jan Hooks]] as Vicki Dubcek, daughter of Ms. Dubcek, Harry's on-and-off girlfriend and later the wife of the Big Giant Head and the mother of his child
* [[John Cleese]] as Dr. Liam Neesam, a professor who briefly has a relationship with Mary, and is later revealed to be an evil alien (seasons 3 and 6)
* [[Chyna]] as Janice, a muscular female police officer who is briefly Harry's girlfriend
* [[Michael Milhoan]] as Coach Strickland, a high school physical education teacher at Tommy's high school

== Production ==

=== Theme music ===
The show's opening theme music, composed by [[Ben Vaughn]], was originally a 1950s-style rock-and-roll instrumental piece for the first four seasons; the theme was extended slightly in season three, when Simbi Khali, Elmarie Wendel, and Wayne Knight were officially made series regulars and added to the opening credits. During season one, [[James Earl Jones]] provided a voice introduction describing the crew. For Christmas episodes, jingle bells were added to the theme. The only major change to the theme was in season five, when the original Ben Vaughn version was replaced by a big band cover of the theme, performed by the group [[Big Bad Voodoo Daddy]], and was only used during that season. For the sixth and final season, the original theme returned and a modern jazz underline version of the theme was used for two episodes.

=== Title sequence ===
The opening title sequence, which was produced by the London graphic design firm SVC Television, opens with computerized shots of planets and celestial bodies, some either with the planets dancing or moving in warp speed. It opens and closes with a shot of Earth (which at the open is where the show's title logo appears, after a sunburst appears on the side of Earth). For the sixth and final season only, the typeface of the cast and creators' names was altered.

== Episodes ==
{{Main|List of 3rd Rock from the Sun episodes}}
{{:List of 3rd Rock from the Sun episodes}}

== Broadcast ==

=== Syndication ===
In the United States, the series is distributed for syndication by Carsey-Werner Distribution, and entered broadcast syndication in September 1999, where it continued until the fall of 2004, when the show moved into limited-run barter syndication, where it remained until 2016; [[The Program Exchange]] handled distribution for Carsey-Werner.<ref>[http://www.programexchange.com/detail.aspx?c_id=2&p_id=29 3rd Rock from the Sun] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702104555/http://www.programexchange.com/detail.aspx?c_id=2&p_id=29 |date=July 2, 2015 }} at The Program Exchange. Retrieved July 1, 2015.</ref> [[Freeform (TV channel)|ABC Family]] aired reruns between 2002 and 2006. Reruns of the series aired on [[TV Land]] from 2008 through 2010. In the fall of 2010, [[ReelzChannel]] began airing the series. The series made its debut on digital broadcast network [[Laff (TV network)|Laff]] on July 16, 2018, until May 16, 2021, when it moved to [[IFC (American TV channel)|IFC]]. It aired on [[Cozi TV]] from July 18, 2021, to July 6, 2024.

In Italy, this series aired on [[Italia 1]] under the name ''[[:it:Una famiglia del terzo tipo|Una famiglia del terzo tipo]]'' (''A family of the third kind'') in 1999.

This series rerun is now also aired on Malaysia's national broadcast TV channel [[TV2 (Malaysia)|RTM's TV2]] in the 12:30 am time slot on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

In the United Kingdom, the series originally aired on [[BBC Two]] from 1996 to 2002,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/t/thirdrockfromthe_7776300.shtml|title=BBC - Comedy - Guide - 3rd Rock From The Sun|date=January 14, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050114185411/http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/t/thirdrockfromthe_7776300.shtml |archive-date=January 14, 2005 }}</ref> and [[ITV2]] later reran the entire series from 2005 to 2006. It has since rerun on  [[Comedy Central]],  [[Channel 4 (UK)|Channel 4]],<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/3rd-rock-from-the-sun| title=3rd Rock from the Sun| publisher=[[channel4.com]]| access-date=May 14, 2014}}</ref> and [[5Star]].

In the fall of 2011, Canada's [[TVTropolis]] cable channel began airing the show, and featured a long weekend marathon run of episodes.

=== Streaming ===
[[Netflix]] made the complete series available online in March 2011. It was removed several months later in the fall of 2011, but returned on March 15, 2015,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geeksofdoom.com/2015/02/28/new-to-netflix-march-2015|title=New To Netflix March 2015: Patch Adams, Mad Men, Archer|work=Geeks of Doom|date=February 28, 2015 }}</ref> and was removed again exactly two years later. The series also was available to stream on [[Hulu]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=3rd Rock from the Sun|url=http://www.hulu.com/3rd-rock-from-the-sun|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121212414/http://www.hulu.com/3rd-rock-from-the-sun|archive-date=November 21, 2011|access-date=January 4, 2021|website=[[Hulu]]}}</ref>

The series was available to stream in the United States on [[Amazon Prime Video]], [[FilmRise]], [[Tubi]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=3rd Rock From the Sun|url=https://tubitv.com/series/2993/3rd-rock-from-the-sun|access-date=January 4, 2021|website=[[Tubi]]|language=en}}</ref> [[Pluto TV]], [[Crackle (streaming service)|Crackle]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=3rd Rock from the Sub|url=https://www.crackle.com/watch/5679|access-date=January 4, 2021|website=[[Crackle (streaming service)|Crackle]]}}</ref> [[Vudu]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=3rd Rock from the Sun|url=https://www.vudu.com/content/movies/details/3rd-Rock-From-The-Sun-Season-1/948811|access-date=January 4, 2021|website=[[Vudu]]}}</ref> [[Amazon Freevee|IMDb TV]]<ref>{{Citation|title=3rd Rock from the Sun|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115082/episodes?season=1|access-date=January 4, 2021}}</ref> and [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=3rd Rock from the Sun|url=https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/3rd-rock-from-the-sun/6217208426458025112/seasons/1|access-date=January 4, 2021|website=[[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]]|language=en-US}}</ref> but as of late 2023 is only available on [[Hoopla (digital media service)|Hoopla]] and through TV providers carrying [[IFC (American TV channel)|IFC]] on demand.

In the UK, as of 2024, the full series is available on [[Sky Go]] and [[Channel 4]].<ref>[https://www.justwatch.com/uk/tv-series/3rd-rock-from-the-sun 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996)] Just Watch</ref>

In Australia, as of 2024, the full series is available on [[Stan (company)|Stan]].

===Home media===
[[Anchor Bay Entertainment]] released all six seasons of ''3rd Rock from the Sun'' on DVD for the first time in 2005–2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdempire.com/Exec/v4_item.asp?item_id=689381 |title=3rd Rock From The Sun: Season 1 DVD @ DVD Empire |publisher=Dvdempire.com |date=July 26, 2005 |access-date=December 15, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdempire.com/Exec/v4_item.asp?item_id=743652 |title=3rd Rock From The Sun: Season 2 DVD @ DVD Empire |publisher=Dvdempire.com |date=October 25, 2005 |access-date=December 15, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdempire.com/Exec/v4_item.asp?item_id=885900 |title=3rd Rock From The Sun: Season 3 DVD @ DVD Empire |publisher=Dvdempire.com |date=February 21, 2006 |access-date=December 15, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdempire.com/Exec/v4_item.asp?item_id=1047163 |title=3rd Rock From The Sun: Season 4 DVD @ DVD Empire |publisher=Dvdempire.com |date=February 5, 2006 |access-date=December 15, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdempire.com/Exec/v4_item.asp?item_id=1170955 |title=3rd Rock From The Sun: Season 5 DVD @ DVD Empire |publisher=Dvdempire.com |date=August 15, 2006 |access-date=December 15, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdempire.com/Exec/v4_item.asp?item_id=1209474 |title=3rd Rock From The Sun: Season 6 DVD @ DVD Empire |publisher=Dvdempire.com |date=November 14, 2006 |access-date=December 15, 2011}}</ref> Seasons 1 & 2 contain the edited, syndicated versions of the episodes instead of the original broadcast versions. As of 2010, these releases have been discontinued and are out of print. On these DVDs, the bloopers segments (on the last disc of each season) are in 16:9 format, indicating the series may have been filmed in 16:9 format.

On May 4, 2011, Mill Creek Entertainment announced they had acquired the rights to re-release the series on DVD in Region 1.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.millcreekent.com/media/pdf/May%202011%20CarseyWerner%20Press%20Release%20-%20FINAL.pdf |title=Carsey Werner Press Release |access-date=October 7, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928162526/https://www.millcreekent.com/media/pdf/May%202011%20CarseyWerner%20Press%20Release%20-%20FINAL.pdf |archive-date=September 28, 2013 }}</ref> They have subsequently re-released seasons 1–4. These releases contain the unedited, original broadcast versions of the episodes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/3rd-Rock-Sun-Seasons-1-and-2/15590 |title=3rd Rock from the Sun DVD news: Announcement for 3rd Rock from the Sun – The Complete Season 1 and 3rd Rock from the Sun – The Complete Season 2 |publisher=TVShowsOnDVD.com |access-date=December 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201030948/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/3rd-Rock-Sun-Seasons-1-and-2/15590 |archive-date=February 1, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/3rd-Rock-Sun-Seasons-3-and-4/16573 |title=3rd Rock from the Sun DVD news: Announcement for The Complete Season 3 and The Complete Season 4 |publisher=TVShowsOnDVD.com |access-date=December 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219070223/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/3rd-Rock-Sun-Seasons-3-and-4/16573 |archive-date=December 19, 2012 }}</ref>
Seasons 5 and 6 were re-released on January 8, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sitcomsonline.com/3rdrockfromthesunseason5millcreekdvdreview.html|title=3rd Rock from the Sun – The Complete Season Five (Mill Creek) DVD Review – Sitcoms Online|website=sitcomsonline.com|access-date=November 12, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/3rd-Rock-Sun-Seasons-5-and-6/17713 |title=3rd Rock from the Sun DVD news: Announcement for 3rd Rock from the Sun – Season 5 AND Season 6 |publisher=TVShowsOnDVD.com |date=May 25, 2007 |access-date=December 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213045350/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/3rd-Rock-Sun-Seasons-5-and-6/17713 |archive-date=December 13, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sitcomsonline.com/3rdrockfromthesunseason6millcreekdvdreview.html|title=3rd Rock from the Sun – The Complete Season Six (Mill Creek) DVD Review – Sitcoms Online|website=sitcomsonline.com|access-date=November 12, 2017}}</ref>

On May 14, 2013, Mill Creek released ''3rd Rock from the Sun – The Complete Series'' on DVD in Region 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/3rd-Rock-Sun-The-Complete-Series/18204|title=3rd Rock from the Sun DVD news: Announcement for 3rd Rock from the Sun - The Complete Series - TVShowsOnDVD.com|work=tvshowsondvd.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320220922/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/3rd-Rock-Sun-The-Complete-Series/18204|archive-date=March 20, 2013}}</ref>

Network DVD released all six seasons on DVD in the UK. While seasons 1–4 feature unedited versions of the episodes, seasons five and six feature syndicated, edited episodes. Network re-released the series in 2008 in an individual set and a complete collection.

[[Magna Home Entertainment]] released all six seasons on DVD in Australia between 2005 and 2007.  These releases have been discontinued and are now out of print. [[Beyond International|Beyond Home Entertainment]] re-released the entire series in 2010.

{| class="wikitable"
|+Original sets
|-
! rowspan="2"|Season 
! colspan="3"|Release date
! rowspan="2"|Features
|-
! [[DVD region code#1|Region 1]]<br />{{small|([[Anchor Bay Entertainment|Anchor Bay]])}}
! [[DVD region code#2|Region 2]]<br />{{small|(Network)}}
! [[DVD region code#4|Region 4]]<br />{{small|([[Magna Home Entertainment|Magna]])}}
|-
| Season 1
| July 26, 2005<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock from the Sun - Season 1| url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review/16795| website=dvdtalk.com| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
| May 17, 2004
| November 9, 2005<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun Season 1 [3 Discs] [Region 4]| url=https://www.fishpond.com.au/Movies/3rd-Rock-From-Sun-Season-1-Lithgow-John/9315842027483| website=fishpond.com.au| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
| {{Hidden|{{align|left|}}|

* 20 episodes
* 4 discs {{small|(Region 1 & 2)}}
* 3 discs {{small|(Region 4)}}
* 4:3 aspect ratio
* English: Dolby Digital 2.0
* [[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]] rating: 12
* [[Australian Classification Board|ACB]] rating: PG
* '''Special features:''' 
** blooper reel
** behind-the-scenes
** cast interviews:<br />John Lithgow, Kristen Johnston,<br />French Stewart,<br />Joseph Gordon-Levitt,<br /> Jane Curtain, Simbi Khali,<br />Elmarie Wendel, Wayne Knight
***(John Lithgow and Simbi Khali feature only in the interviews on the Region 2 release)
** Season One highlights {{small|(Region 1 & 2 only)}}
** TV spots {{small|(Region 1 only)}}
** 16-page collectable booklet {{small|(Region 1 only)}}
** DVD-ROM: Teleplays {{small|(Region 1 only)}}
** Episodic promos {{small|(Region 2 only)}}
* (''no subtitles'')
}}
|-
| Season 2
| October 25, 2005<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From the Sun Season 2| url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review/18364| website=dvdtalk.com| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
| June 21, 2004
| November 9, 2005<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun Season 2 [4 Discs] [Region 4]| url=https://www.fishpond.com.au/Movies/3rd-Rock-From-Sun-Season-2-Lithgow-John/9315842027490| website=fishpond.com.au| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
| {{Hidden|{{align|left|}}|

* 26 episodes
* 4 discs 
* 4:3 aspect ratio
* English: Dolby Digital 2.0
* [[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]] rating: PG
* [[Australian Classification Board|ACB]] rating: PG
* '''Special features:'''
** Bloopers
** Season Two Highlights {{small|(Region 1 & 4 only)}}
** John Lithgow interview {{small|(Region 1 & 4 only)}}
** TV Spots
** 1 pair of 3D glasses {{small|(Region 1 only)}}
** 2 pairs of 3D glasses {{small|(Region 2 & 4 only)}}
* Alternate season ending
* Behind the scenes of 3D episode
* 3D episode bloopers
* Booklet {{small|(not listed on cover)}}
* Episodic promos {{small|(Region 2 only)}}
* Best of Sally {{small|(Region 4 only)}}
* (''no subtitles'')
}}
|-
| Season 3
| February 21, 2006<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 3| url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review/20385| website=dvdtalk.com| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
| August 30, 2004
| February 9, 2006<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun Season 3 [3 Discs] [Region 4]| url=https://www.fishpond.com.au/Movies/3rd-Rock-From-Sun-Season-3-Lithgow-John/9315842028459| website=fishpond.com.au| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
| {{Hidden|{{align|left|}}|

* 27 episodes
* 4 discs 
* 4:3 aspect ratio
* English: Dolby Digital 2.0
* [[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]] rating: PG
* [[Australian Classification Board|ACB]] rating: PG
* '''Special features:'''
** Bloopers {{small|(Region 1 & 2 only)}}
** French Stewart interview {{small|(Region 1 & 2 only)}}
** "Wild About Harry" – favorite Harry moments {{small|(Region 1 & 2 only)}}
** Interviews with cast – The Superest 2-Part Episode Ever! {{small|(Region 1 & 2 only)}}
** Audio Commentaries {{small|(Region 1 & 2 only)}}
** Season Three highlights {{small|(Region 1 & 2 only)}}
** TV Spots {{small|(Region 1 & 2 only)}}
** 16-page booklet {{small|(Region 1 & 4 only)}}
* Episodic promos {{small|(Region 2 only)}}
* (''no subtitles'')
}}
|-
| Season 4
| May 2, 2006<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun: Season 4| url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review/21309| website=dvdtalk.com| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
| October 25, 2004
| July 5, 2006<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun Season 4 [3 Discs] [Region 4]| url=https://www.fishpond.com.au/Movies/3rd-Rock-From-Sun-Season-4/9315842029616| website=fishpond.com.au| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
| {{Hidden|{{align|left|}}|

* 24 episodes
* 4 discs 
* 4:3 aspect ratio
* English: Dolby Digital 2.0
* [[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]] rating: PG
* [[Australian Classification Board|ACB]] rating: PG
* '''Special features:'''
** Bloopers
** Season Four highlights
** Jane Curtin interview: Mary is Just Albright With Me {{small|(Region 1 only)}}
** 16-page collectible booklet
** Cast interviews: Kristen Johnston,<br />Wayne Knight and Jane Curtin {{small|(Region 2 only)}}
* Episodic promos {{small|(Region 2 only)}}
* (''No subtitles'')
* (''No special features on Region 4'')
* 
}}
|-
| Season 5
| August 15, 2006<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun: Season 5| url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review/23587| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
| January 24, 2005
| February 7, 2007<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun Season 5 [3 Discs] [Region 4]| url=https://www.fishpond.com.au/Movies/3rd-Rock-From-Sun-Season-5/9315842031718| website=fishpond.com.au| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
| {{Hidden|{{align|left|}}|

* 22 episodes
* 4 discs 
* 4:3 aspect ratio
* English: Dolby Digital 2.0
* [[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]] rating: PG
* [[Australian Classification Board|ACB]] rating: PG
* '''Special features:'''
** Bloopers
** 16-page collectable booklet {{small|(Region 1 only)}}
** Cast interviews: French Stewart,<br />Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Elmarie Wendel {{small|(Region 2 only)}}
** Episodic promos {{small|(Region 2 only)}}
* Episodic promos {{small|(Region 2 only)}}
* (''No subtitles'')
* (''No special features on Region 4'')
}}
|-
| Season 6
| November 14, 2006<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock from the Sun: Season 6| url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review/25359| website=dvdtalk.com| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
| January 24, 2005
| February 7, 2007<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun Season 6 [3 Discs] [Region 4]| url=https://www.fishpond.com.au/Movies/3rd-Rock-From-Sun-Season-6/9315842031725| website=fishpond.com.au| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
| {{Hidden|{{align|left|}}|

* 20 episodes
* 4 discs {{small|(Region 1)}}
* 2 discs {{small|(Region 2)}}
* 3 discs {{small|(Region 4)}}
* 4:3 aspect ratio
* English: Dolby Digital 2.0
* [[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]] rating: 12
* [[Australian Classification Board|ACB]] rating: PG
* '''Special features:'''
** 3rd Rock: Six Season of Memories {{small|(Region 1 only)}}
** Final episode alternate ending
** Alternate show ending introduction (2 parts) {{small|(Region 1 only)}}
** Cast interviews {{small|(Region 2 only)}}
** Stills galleries {{small|(Region 2 only)}}
** Episodic promos, TV spots and radio spots {{small|(Region 2 only)}}
* Episodic promos {{small|(Region 2 only)}}
* (''No subtitles'')
* (''No special features on Region 4'')
}}
|-
| Seasons 1–6
| {{N/a}}
| October 25, 2004<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun - Complete [DVD]| url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00030ERJW| website=amazon.co.uk| date=October 25, 2004| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
| {{N/a}}
| {{Hidden|{{align|left|}}|

* 139 episodes
* 18 discs 
* 4:3 aspect ratio
* English: Dolby Digital 2.0
* [[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]] rating: 12
* (''See individual sets for special features'')
* (''No subtitles'')
}}
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+Redistribution sets
|-
! rowspan="2"|Season 
! colspan="3"|Release date
|-
! [[DVD region code#1|Region 1]]<br />{{small|(Mill Creek)}}
! [[DVD region code#2|Region 2]]<br />{{small|(Network)}}
! [[DVD region code#4|Region 4]]<br />{{small|([[Beyond International|Beyond Home]])}}
|-
| Season 1
| September 13, 2011<ref name="R1">{{cite web| title=3rd Rock from the Sun (TV Series) DVDs and Blu-rays| url=https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/4904/3rd-Rock-from-the-Sun-TV-Series-1996-2001.html| website=dvdreleasedates.com| access-date=August 21, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831154731/https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/4904/3rd-Rock-from-the-Sun-TV-Series-1996-2001.html| archive-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
| November 3, 2008
| November 15, 2010<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun Season 1| url=https://www.booktopia.com.au/3rd-rock-from-the-sun-season-1/dvd/9318500035844.html| website=[[Booktopia]]| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
|-
| Season 2
| September 13, 2011<ref name="R1" />
| November 3, 2008
| November 15, 2010<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun Season 2| url=https://www.booktopia.com.au/3rd-rock-from-the-sun/dvd/9318500035851.html| website=[[Booktopia]]| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
|-
| Season 3
| April 3, 2012<ref name="R1" />
| November 3, 2008
| November 15, 2010<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun Season 3| url=https://www.booktopia.com.au/3rd-rock-from-the-sun/dvd/9318500035868.html| website=[[Booktopia]]| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
|-
| Season 4
| April 3, 2012<ref name="R1" />
| November 3, 2008
| November 15, 2010<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun Season 4| url=https://www.booktopia.com.au/3rd-rock-from-the-sun/dvd/9318500035875.html| website=[[Booktopia]]| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
|-
| Season 5
| January 8, 2013<ref name="R1" />
| November 3, 2008
| November 15, 2010<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun Season 5| url=https://www.booktopia.com.au/3rd-rock-from-the-sun/dvd/9318500035882.html| website=[[Booktopia]]| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
|-
| Season 6
| January 8, 2013<ref name="R1" />
| November 3, 2008
| November 15, 2010<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun Season 6| url=https://www.booktopia.com.au/3rd-rock-from-the-sun-season-6/dvd/9318500035899.html| website=[[Booktopia]]| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3"|Seasons 1–6
| rowspan="3"| May 14, 2013<ref name="R1" />
| rowspan="3"| November 3, 2008
| November 18, 2010<ref>{{cite web| title=3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN: COMPLETE COLLECTION| url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/tv/3rd-rock-from-the-sun-complete-collection/585956| website=[[JB Hi-Fi]]| access-date=August 31, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224090409/http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/tv/3rd-rock-from-the-sun-complete-collection/585956| archive-date=December 24, 2010}}</ref>
|-
| 8 June 2012<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun - Complete Series (Seasons 1 - 6) | url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/tv/3rd-rock-from-the-sun-complete-collection/585956| website=[[JB Hi-Fi]]| access-date=August 31, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022034816/http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/tv/3rd-rock-from-the-sun-complete-collection/585956| archive-date=October 22, 2012}}</ref>('''†''')
|-
| April 1, 2015<ref>{{cite web| title=3rd Rock From The Sun The Complete Series Collection (Limited Release)| url=https://www.booktopia.com.au/3rd-rock-from-the-sun/dvd/9318500060112.html| website=[[Booktopia]]| access-date=August 31, 2023}}</ref>('''‡''')
|}

'''†''' – denotes a reissued set<br />
'''‡''' – denotes a limited edition set

== Reception ==

=== Nielsen rankings ===
{{Further|Nielsen ratings}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
! style="padding: 0 8px;" colspan="2"| Season
! style="padding: 0 8px;"| TV season
! style="padding: 0 8px;"| Rank
|-
 |style="background: #eb7a14;"|
 |'''[[List of 3rd Rock from the Sun episodes#Season 1 (1996)|1]]'''
 | 1995–1996
 |22<ref>"[http://www.classictvhits.com/tvratings/1995.htm 1995–1996 TV Ratings] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109205105/http://www.classictvhits.com/tvratings/1995.htm |date=November 9, 2009 }} Retrieved July 25, 2008.</ref>
|-
 |style="background: #ba3339;"|
 |'''[[List of 3rd Rock from the Sun episodes#Season 2 (1996-97)|2]]'''
 | 1996–1997
 |28<ref>"[http://www.classictvhits.com/tvratings/1996.htm 1996–1997 TV Ratings] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106211716/http://www.classictvhits.com/tvratings/1996.htm |date=January 6, 2010 }} Retrieved July 25, 2008.</ref>
|-
 |style="background: #74bc3f;"|
 |'''[[List of 3rd Rock from the Sun episodes#Season 3 (1997-98)|3]]'''
 | 1997–1998
 |44<ref>"[http://www.chez.com/fbibler/tvstats/recent_data/1997-98.html 1997–1998 TV Ratings] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070524004137/http://www.chez.com/fbibler/tvstats/recent_data/1997-98.html |date=May 24, 2007 }} Retrieved July 25, 2008.</ref>
|-
 |style="background: #9b378d;"|
 |'''[[List of 3rd Rock from the Sun episodes#Season 4 (1998-99)|4]]'''
 | 1998–1999
 |77<ref>"[http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/4616/ew0604.html 1998–1999 TV Ratings] Retrieved July 24, 2008. [https://web.archive.org/web/20091020115727/http://geocities.com/Hollywood/4616/ew0604.html Archived] October 22, 2009.</ref>
|-
 |style="background: #09c2de;"|
 |'''[[List of 3rd Rock from the Sun episodes#Season 5 (1999-2000)|5]]'''
 | 1999–2000
 |82<ref>"[https://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=chart_pass&charttype=chart_topshows99&dept=TV Top TV Shows for 1999–2000 Season]</ref>
|-
 |style="background: #d81676;"|
 |'''[[List of 3rd Rock from the Sun episodes#Season 6 (2000-01)|6]]'''
 | 2000–2001
 |89<ref>"[http://www.chez.com/fbibler/tvstats/recent_data/2000-01.html 2000–2001 TV Ratings] Retrieved July 24, 2008.</ref>
|}

=== Awards and nominations ===
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by 3rd Rock from the Sun}}
[[File:John Lithgow 8 by David Shankbone.jpg|thumb|[[John Lithgow]]]]

In 1997, ''3rd Rock'' won the most [[Primetime Emmy Award]]s (five from eight nominations) for a television series:

* 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001&nbsp;— Outstanding Lead Actor&nbsp;— Comedy Series&nbsp;— John Lithgow
* 1997, 1998, 1999&nbsp;— Outstanding Supporting Actress&nbsp;— Comedy Series&nbsp;— Kristen Johnston
* 1996, 1997&nbsp;— Outstanding Hairstyling for a Series&nbsp;— Pixie Schwartz
* 1996&nbsp;— Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series&nbsp;— James Burrows
* 1998&nbsp;— Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series&nbsp;— Terry Hughes
* 1997&nbsp;— Outstanding Special Visual Effects&nbsp;— Glen Bennett, Visual Effects Artists; Patrick Shearn, Visual Effects Supervisor; Chris Staves, Visual Effects Artists
* 1997, 1999, 2000&nbsp;— Outstanding Sound Mixing&nbsp;— Comedy Series
* 1998&nbsp;— Outstanding Sound Mixing&nbsp;— Comedy Series&nbsp;— "A Nightmare on Dick Street"
* 1997, 1998&nbsp;— Outstanding Costume Design&nbsp;— Series&nbsp;— Melina Root
* 1997, 1998&nbsp;— Outstanding Comedy Series
* 1997&nbsp;— Outstanding Choreography&nbsp;— [[Marguerite Derricks]]
* 1998&nbsp;— Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series&nbsp;— Jan Hooks as Vicki Dubcek
* 1998&nbsp;— Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series&nbsp;— John Cleese as Dr. Neesam
* 1999, 2000&nbsp;— Outstanding Multicamera Picture Editing for a Series
* 1999&nbsp;— Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series&nbsp;— [[Kathy Bates]] as Charlotte Everly and [[Laurie Metcalf]] as Jennifer
* 1999&nbsp;— Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series&nbsp;— William Shatner as the Big Giant Head
* 2000&nbsp;— Outstanding Cinematography for a Multicamera Series

John Lithgow received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for each year the show was broadcast, winning the Emmy in 1996, 1997, and 1999. Accepting the 1999 award, he said, "Many wonderful things have happened to me in my life, but the two best are ''3rd Rock'' and my dear family."<ref name="emmy">{{cite web|url=http://www.emmys.org/awards/awardsearch.php |title=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences |publisher=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences |access-date=September 18, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912031233/http://www.emmys.org/awards/awardsearch.php |archive-date=September 12, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

'''[[Golden Globe Awards]]'''
* 1997&nbsp;— Best Actor in a Television Comedy or Musical&nbsp;— John Lithgow
[[Screen Actors Guild Awards]]
* 1996, 1997&nbsp;— Best Male Actor&nbsp;— Comedy Series&nbsp;— John Lithgow

== Other media ==
A tie-in book, ''3rd Rock from the Sun: The Official Report on Earth'', was released in 1997. It is essentially a report of the Solomons' findings during their stay on Earth. Primarily a source of humor, the book includes such features as "What to do if you encounter Jell-O", a fan biography of [[Katie Couric]] written by Harry, and Sally's version of a ''[[Cosmopolitan magazine|Cosmo]]'' quiz. Portions of the book are included in the booklets inside each season set of the series.

Despite the report's being set within the fictional world of ''3rd Rock'', a foreword written by John Lithgow himself is included in which he explains how he was abducted by the ''3rd Rock'' producers and forced to work on their production. A Post-it note is attached to the foreword, apparently written by Dick Solomon, stating  he does not know why the foreword is there, but that Lithgow is an Earth actor who appeared in "[[Cliffhanger (film)|some helicopter movie]]".

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{wikiquote}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/199612223175216/http://www.3rdrock.com/ Official Website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20010215160704/http://www.carseywerner.net/3rd_eng.htm ''3rd Rock from the Sun'' @ Carsey Werner]
*[http://www.carseywerner.com/shows_about.php?showid=3 Carsey Werner - 3rd Rock from the Sun] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924105822/http://www.carseywerner.com/shows_about.php?showid=3 |date=September 24, 2018 }}
*{{IMDb title|0115082}}
*{{epguides|3rdRockFromtheSun}}

{{3rd Rock from the Sun}}
{{GoldenGlobeTVComedy 1990-2009}}

{{Portal bar|Science fiction|Television|United States|1990s}}

[[Category:3rd Rock from the Sun| ]]
[[Category:1996 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:2001 American television series endings]]
[[Category:1990s American college television series]]
[[Category:2000s American college television series]]
[[Category:1990s American comic science fiction television series]]
[[Category:2000s American comic science fiction television series]]
[[Category:1990s American multi-camera sitcoms]]
[[Category:2000s American multi-camera sitcoms]]
[[Category:1990s American satirical television series]]
[[Category:2000s American satirical television series]]
[[Category:Best Musical or Comedy Series Golden Globe winners]]
[[Category:American English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Primetime Emmy Award–winning television series]]
[[Category:Television series about alien visitations]]
[[Category:Television series about extraterrestrial life]]
[[Category:Television series by Carsey-Werner Productions]]
[[Category:Television shows set in Ohio]]
[[Category:Television series about families]]
[[Category:Television series created by Bonnie and Terry Turner]]
[[Category:Television series about educators]]
[[Category:Television series about higher education]]
[[Category:NBC sitcoms]]