Will the CW's Aliens in America Play it Safe or Produce Thought-Provoking Television?

No, Aliens in America isn't the latest sci fi drama to hit prime time; it is actually a heartwarming comedy on the CW. Aliens in America features a geeky Wisconsin teenager who befriends a Pakistani exchange student. Here is a preview of the CW's Aliens in America.

Aliens in America is being advertised as a kind of family show, complete with mom and dad. The concept of transplanting a Muslim Pakistani teen into the Midwest is a terrific one for this day and age. But will the CW (yes, the CW) tackle the tough issues or play it safe? Perhaps Aliens in America can lead the network in a different direction. Unfortunately, shows like Beauty and the Geek and America's Next Top Model are bound to bring it right back.

Aliens in America will follow Everybody Hates Chris on Monday nights. The pair of comedies on the CW are up against FOX's highly successful drama Prison Break, NBC's new show Chuck, ABC's has-been dance-off Dancing with the Stars, and CBS's pair of comedies, How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory.

The geeky Wisconsin teen will be played by Dan Byrd, while the Pakistani exchange student will be played by Adhir Kalyan. Gilmore Girls' Scott Paterson plays the father, while Caroline in the City's Amy Pietz plays the mother.

Will Aliens in America be a Wonder Years-style coming of age story, or will it be something more? Actor Adhir Kaylan suggests the latter in Entertainment Weekly magazine. He says, "We know sometimes feathers will be ruffled, but hopefully we'll make something that's unique - rather than going for the safe stuff that people will forget ten seconds after they've turned it off." Sounds promising.

While we wonder how a Muslim teen can survive in a Midwest high school in this post-9/11 world, we must also wonder if a sensitive, thoughtful television show can thrive in a largely ignorant, intolerant America. Especially as right-wing presidential candidates continue to spew hatred and fear in daily sound bites over the next thirteen months. Will Aliens in America viewership further divide the nation into red states and blue?

Aliens in America premieres on the CW at 8:30 p.m. on Monday, October 1. If you are in search of a funny, warm-hearted, and hopefully thought-provoking comedy on Monday nights, give Aliens in America a try.