The essential episodes of ALF

Watch these 15 in order and you've got ALF — each pick states its reason.

  1. 01

    S01E01 · Pilot · September 22, 1986 · 30m

    A.L.F.7.7

    Gordon Shumway, last known survivor from the planet Melmac, crash-lands his spaceship into the Tanner family's suburban garage. Willie dubs him "ALF", short for Alien Life Form. After convincing a military officer that they are not harboring a space creature, the Tanners decide to take ALF in as a member of the family.

  2. 02

    S01E13 · Season 1 peak · January 12, 1987 · 30m

    Mother and Child Reunion8.1

    ALF heads for the garage when Kate's mother pays a visit.

  3. 03

    S02E06 · Season 2 peak · October 26, 1987 · 30m

    Some Enchanted Evening8.4

    ALF becomes the star attraction at the Tanners' Halloween party.

  4. 04

    S02E18 · Top rated · February 15, 1988 · 30m

    Someone to Watch Over Me: Part 28.3

    Neighborhood Watch volunteers quit as the robberies continue. ALF decides to take direct action, causing chaos at the Ochmoneks' house.

  5. 05

    S02E20 · Top rated · February 29, 1988 · 30m

    You Ain't Nothin' But a Hound Dog8.2

    A stray dog makes ALF jealous, so he gives her to the first (and obviously wrong) person who responds to a "found dog" poster.

  6. 06

    S02E22 · Top rated · March 14, 1988 · 30m

    Movin' Out8.2

    The Tanners may need to sell their house because Willie has been promoted to a supervisory position in San Deigo.

  7. 07

    S02E24 · Top rated · March 28, 1988 · 30m

    Tequila8.2

    ALF assists Kate's alcoholic friend realize that she needs help.

  8. 08

    S03E01 · Top rated · October 3, 1988 · 30m

    Stop in the Name of Love8.2

    Lynn breaks up with her boyfriend and becomes depressed. ALF gets a self-help book of love for her and asks her to confide in him. When Lynn reveals she likes a guy, ALF decides to help her get his attention literally by the book. Uh-oh.

  9. 09

    S03E04 · Season 3 peak · October 24, 1988 · 30m

    Tonight, Tonight: Part 18.5

    "And heeeere's Alfie!" ALF hosts The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson instead ofJohnny Carson. Is it a dream? Is it an "What if...?" story?

  10. 10

    S03E05 · Top rated · October 24, 1988 · 30m

    Tonight, Tonight: Part 28.3

    ALF fills in forJohnny Carson on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, alienating regulars and guests alike.

  11. 11

    S03E10 · Top rated · November 28, 1988 · 30m

    My Back Pages8.2

    When Kate and Willie stop ALF's rummage in the attic, they find Willie's movie of Woodstock and want to watch it. When Willie tells ALF what he was like in college, ALF points out that Willie has turned from an idealist to a sell-out.

  12. 12

    S03E13 · Top rated · January 9, 1989 · 30m

    Hide Away8.2

    ALF has ordered a non-refundable satellite dish. Willie carpools with a talkative guy Jim, who manipulates Willie into inviting him for dinner. There's more to Jim than meets the eye.

  13. 13

    S03E14 · Top rated · January 16, 1989 · 30m

    Fight Back8.2

    Willie realizes his car repairman is scamming him and decides to do something about it. While Willie refuses to admit that The System Has Failed, ALF and Jake set out on their own to acquire some hard evidence against the conman.

  14. 14

    S04E05 · Season 4 peak · October 16, 1989 · 30m

    Mind Games8.4

    With ALF feeling bored and useless, Larry advises the Tanners to ask for his opinion on their problems and make him feel more important.

  15. 15

    S04E24 · Series finale · March 24, 1990 · 30m

    Consider Me Gone8.0

    When ALF picks up a signal on the Tanner's radio, he realizes that it is someone trying to get in touch with him through Melmacian code.

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