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IMDbPro

Hard Time on Planet Earth

  • TV Series
  • 19891989
  • 1h
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
385
YOUR RATING
Hard Time on Planet Earth (1989)
  • Action
  • Adventure
  • Comedy
Jesse, an alien exiled to Earth, finds himself in Los Angeles. His only companion is a floating, orb-shaped robotic parole officer named Control. Doomed to stay on Earth until Jesse can show... Read allJesse, an alien exiled to Earth, finds himself in Los Angeles. His only companion is a floating, orb-shaped robotic parole officer named Control. Doomed to stay on Earth until Jesse can show compassion, Control helps him lead as normal a life as possible, but not knowing Earthly ... Read allJesse, an alien exiled to Earth, finds himself in Los Angeles. His only companion is a floating, orb-shaped robotic parole officer named Control. Doomed to stay on Earth until Jesse can show compassion, Control helps him lead as normal a life as possible, but not knowing Earthly ways Jesse often finds himself in trouble.
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
385
YOUR RATING
  • Creators
    • Jim Thomas
    • John Thomas
  • Stars
    • Martin Kove
    • Danny Mann
    • Brad Koepenick
Top credits
  • Creators
    • Jim Thomas
    • John Thomas
  • Stars
    • Martin Kove
    • Danny Mann
    • Brad Koepenick
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 8User reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 nominations

    Episodes13

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-rated
    1 Season
    1989

    Photos14

    Martin Kove in Hard Time on Planet Earth (1989)
    Hard Time on Planet Earth (1989)
    Martin Kove in Hard Time on Planet Earth (1989)
    Martin Kove in Hard Time on Planet Earth (1989)
    Martin Kove and Rebecca Staab in Hard Time on Planet Earth (1989)
    Martin Kove and Scott Jaeck in Hard Time on Planet Earth (1989)
    Sandahl Bergman in Hard Time on Planet Earth (1989)
    Martin Kove in Hard Time on Planet Earth (1989)
    Hard Time on Planet Earth (1989)
    Martin Kove in Hard Time on Planet Earth (1989)
    Martin Kove in Hard Time on Planet Earth (1989)
    Martin Kove in Hard Time on Planet Earth (1989)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Martin Kove
    Martin Kove
    • Jesseas Jesse
    13 episodes13 eps • 1989
    Danny Mann
    Danny Mann
    • Controlas Control…
    13 episodes13 eps • 1989
    Brad Koepenick
    Brad Koepenick
    • Bill Webberas Bill Webber…
    2 episodes2 eps • 1989
    Kent Stoddard
    • Bellmanas Bellman
    2 episodes2 eps • 1989
    Barry Dennen
    Barry Dennen
    • Hotel Clerkas Hotel Clerk
    2 episodes2 eps • 1989
    Catherine Paolone
    Catherine Paolone
    • Mrs. Rosettias Mrs. Rosetti
    2 episodes2 eps • 1989
    Timothy Blake
    • Ms. Yardleyas Ms. Yardley
    2 episodes2 eps • 1989
    Shane Ralston
    • Freakas Freak…
    2 episodes2 eps • 1989
    Rebecca Staab
    Rebecca Staab
    • Donnaas Donna
    1 episode1 ep • 1989
    Conchata Ferrell
    Conchata Ferrell
    • Annieas Annie
    1 episode1 ep • 1989
    Sandahl Bergman
    Sandahl Bergman
    • Danielle Spenceras Danielle Spencer
    1 episode1 ep • 1989
    Sam McMurray
    Sam McMurray
    • Dr. Cyrus Jordanas Dr. Cyrus Jordan
    1 episode1 ep • 1989
    Robin Riker
    Robin Riker
    • Sullivanas Sullivan
    1 episode1 ep • 1989
    Jamie Rose
    Jamie Rose
    • Dr. Laura Rowlandsas Dr. Laura Rowlands
    1 episode1 ep • 1989
    Marita Geraghty
    Marita Geraghty
    • Karenas Karen
    1 episode1 ep • 1989
    Larry B. Scott
    Larry B. Scott
    • Corporal Curtis Tillmanas Corporal Curtis Tillman
    1 episode1 ep • 1989
    Gordon Jump
    Gordon Jump
    • Wally Banksas Wally Banks
    1 episode1 ep • 1989
    Grainger Hines
    Grainger Hines
    • Travis Bradyas Travis Brady
    1 episode1 ep • 1989
    • Creators
      • Jim Thomas
      • John Thomas
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Control provided comic relief to the series, usually by assessing the events with the catchphrase "Negative Outcome. Not Good".
    • Quotes

      [repeated line]

      Control: Negative outcome. Not good.

    • Connections
      Referenced in Minty Comedic Arts: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Karate Kid 3 (2020)

    User reviews8

    Review
    Top review
    Loved it then. Love it now.
    I was 13 years old when "Hard Time" first appeared on the air. It's understandable that it didn't do so well with the viewing audience in the late '80s. I, however, wasn't a member of that demographic and loved the show.

    The special effects used to create Control, main character Jesse's floating, orange, orb-like companion, seemed so cutting edge back in "the day." Looking at the Incredibles or Shrek today, the little guy seems to pale in comparison.

    The show tends to consist of Jesse running around in his leather jacket, blue jeans and white sneakers, jumping long distances, tearing up things and throwing people when he brushes with authorities. He often uses violence. I guess he was just learning how to adapt to life on planet earth, huh?

    I'm strangely drawn to the show today, 16 years after it was cancelled. What's the appeal? I have no clue what it could be besides pure reminiscence.

    I have all 13 episodes on DVD, which I bought on goldmonkey.com. They were copied from a less-than-spectacular videocassette. Some even include commercials that weren't cut during the original taping.
    helpful•11
    1
    • hagiadzo1
    • Apr 27, 2005

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 1, 1989 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • A la tierra
    • Filming locations
      • Walt Disney Studios, 500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Demos-Bard/Shanachie Productions
      • Touchstone Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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