Maybe, like me, you are a Roku person. And maybe you noticed this new offering, a sci-fi comedy, We Are Not Alone. I’m intrigued. I’m intrigued on two main tracks: first, I genuinely think I’ll like watching this; next, I have a feeling this could be one of those turning points which adds to Roku’s profile as an original content provider, as it moves beyond its original purpose of just making streaming devices. Last year’s Weird: The Al Yankovic Story was a significant step forward for Roku as a serious original content provider.
We Are Not Alone
Picture shows: Joe Thomas as Greggs, Declan Baxter as Stewart, Mike Wozniak as Gordan
Maybe Weird: The Al Yankovic Story was to Roku what The Puffy Chair was to Netflix. You remember The Puffy Chair, don’t you? This was way back in 2005, but still. This was one of the early efforts for Netflix in presenting original content, a significant sign that Netflix was on the right track in its transformation. And now Roku takes another step forward with this sci-fi comedy. This is like PBS, back in the day, importing the latest strange British comedy. Not a great feat in and of itself but not exactly a small feat for Roku either. It is a step in the right direction and it is a gem of a show as this review from Den of Geek can attest.
At some point, Roku will do something bigger, like produce it’s own version of a top-rated show. Roku just needs to keep pushing itself and asking that question, If not now, then when? What is at stake is Roku making good on its promise of breaking out beyond being a company that provides devices to stream content to becoming a leader in content. It even took Apple a while to establish itself in that content making department. I’m rooting for Roku!
Vicki Pepperdine as Trater
We Are Not Alone is, as the press kit states: “set six weeks after the Gu’un aliens have invaded and completely conquered Earth. We Are Not Alone explores the culture clash between humankind and its new masters, who are trying to make sense of a planet so confusing and idiotic that its inhabitants can’t even agree which side of the road to drive on.”
Ben Willbond as Darrenth, Larry Rickard as Cirsh
So, yeah, I recommend that you check it out. I know that all of us Roku followers keep waiting for some worthwhile free content and this is a good-sized bone, maybe even more, as this comedy comes with some credentials, originally from UKTV’s award-winning entertainment channel, Dave. For those of you on the other side of the pond, I’d love to get your take on this! All in all, I have a good feeling about it. Roku will premiere this show as a Roku Original, which debuts this Friday, January 27th on, you guessed it, The Roku Channel.
