The series by creator Noah Hawley is described as a spin-off to the original Ridley Scott-directed film, " Alien ," from 1979. The film follows a space crew aboard the starship, Nostromo, who are on their journey back home when they receive a distress call from an alien vessel.

The TV prequel to the Alien movies calls back to the best elements of those original films — including questions about corporate exploitation and technological advancements.