If last summer’s Alien: Romulus left you restless for more face-hugging thrills, Noah Hawley’s new TV prequel Alien: Earth is arriving like a very bad surprise at your local airlock. The series — set two years before the events of Ridley Scott’s original Alien — launches with a two-episode premiere and promises a weekly drip of Xenomorph chaos after that.

When it airs (and how the drops work)

Alien: Earth premiered on Tuesday, August 12, at 8 pm ET on FX in the U.S., and the debut rolled out as a double-episode premiere. After those first two episodes, new installments arrive weekly — the kind of old-fashioned schedule that still works great when a thriller wants to make water-cooler moments happen.

Where to stream it in the U.S.

If you live in the United States, your two best bets are:

• Hulu — Episodes are available to stream on Hulu for U.S. subscribers; FX and Hulu are the official U.S. homes for the show. You can watch on demand through Hulu once the episodes air.
• FX (live cable / network) — The show airs on FX at the scheduled time, so any live-TV service that carries FX will let you watch it as it broadcasts. FX’s official show page is already running extras and behind-the-scenes material if you want context.

If you prefer to get the live broadcast through an internet-based cable alternative, FX shows up on services like Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling (Blue) and DirecTV’s streaming packages — pick the one that best matches the rest of your TV needs and budget.

Can you watch it free?

Short answer: maybe — legally, for a short time.

• Hulu free trials: Hulu still offers free trial options to new and eligible returning subscribers, though the exact length and availability can change by promotion and by market. If you’re eligible, you could sign up, watch the double premiere, and cancel before billing. Check Hulu’s trial terms on their help pages before you sign up.
• Live-TV trials: Some live-TV streaming services occasionally offer trial periods or promotional first-month pricing — DirecTV, for example, has advertised promotional pricing for the first month in some offers (terms vary). If you’re juggling options and only want to watch the premiere(s), trials and introductory deals are the practical play. Always read the fine print (automatic renewals, regional restrictions).

How much will it cost after the trial?

Pricing moves fast, but here’s a snapshot from the official bundle and plan pages at the time of publication:

• Hulu (standalone): Hulu’s plans vary (with-ads and no-ads tiers). Check Hulu’s pricing page for the current monthly cost in your region.
• Disney + Hulu bundles: The “Duo” bundles that pair Hulu and Disney+ (and the “Trio” that adds ESPN+) are still offered and often save money versus buying the services separately — bundle pricing and the division between ad-supported and ad-free tiers are listed on Hulu’s bundle pages. If you use Disney+ internationally or want crossover perks, bundles are worth checking.

International viewers

If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll likely find Alien: Earth on Disney+ in many territories; Disney+ is carrying the series internationally, with release windows that can differ by market (for example, some countries see new episodes the day after the U.S. premiere). If you’re traveling or live abroad, check your local Disney+ schedule.

The cast mixes familiar faces and rising stars: Sydney Chandler leads as Wendy, with Timothy Olyphant, Alex Lawther, Essie Davis, Adarsh Gourav and Babou Ceesay among the ensemble. Noah Hawley (of Fargo and Legion fame) is the creator and executive producer — his name signals a leaning toward off-kilter, character-driven weirdness rather than straight franchise fan service. FX and Hulu’s official show pages list the full credits and extras.

How to watch tonight

1. If you already have Hulu, open the app/website and search Alien: Earth — the premiere should be available after FX’s broadcast.
2. If you don’t, consider a Hulu free trial (if eligible) to watch the first two episodes, then cancel if you only want the premiere. Double-check trial length and billing date on Hulu’s help page.
3. Prefer live TV? Use your streaming live-TV service (Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling Blue, DirecTV) and tune to FX at 8 pm ET.
4. Outside the U.S.? Look for Disney+ in your country and check local release times.

Hawley’s work typically rewards patience: expect stylish world-building, tense character work, and some genuinely disturbing creature moments. The series’ release cadence — a double premiere followed by weekly drops — is built to keep conversation going, so if you like being part of the cultural moment, it’s worth watching as it airs rather than binging later.