How 'ALF' Really Ended: The Ultimate Cliffhanger
For many fans of the beloved 1986-1990 television series, ALF, knowing exactly how the show ended was never quite clear. The popular show, which followed the extraterrestrial ALF and his encounters with a suburban American family, ended on a highly anticipated yet ultimately unresolved note. Let's dive into the real ending of ALF and explore the various attempts to reboot the show over the years.
The Original Series (1986-1990)
The original series of ALF aired from 1986 to 1990 on NBC. It was well-loved for its comedic premise and relatable characters. However, the show's final episode left viewers with a cliffhanger that many have never forgotten.
According to reports, the final episode ended with ALF making contact with his home planet after years of trying. However, government agents intercepted the transmission, and the military captured ALF just as he was about to leave. This left the show's fans, particularly those who adored ALF, with a sense of melancholy and unfulfilled expectations.
Follow-Up Content (1996-2004)
The ALF franchise didn't end there. In 1996, the character made a brief appearance in a TV movie titled Project ALF, which aired on ABC. While the movie was intended to be a follow-up to the original cliffhanger, it did not feature the original cast, except for the creator and voice of ALF, Paul Fusco.
In 2004, TV Land aired a talk show titled ALF's Hit Talk Show. Although it only lasted seven episodes, it marked the final content involving ALF outside of guest appearances on other shows. Fans of the original series could catch glimpses of ALF on programs like Mr. Robot and Young Sheldon, but the talk show represented the last official appearances of ALF.
ReBoots and Rumors (2012-Present)
Despite the original series ending on an unresolved note, fan interest in ALF continued to thrive. Numerous attempts to produce new movies and TV series featuring ALF failed to get off the ground. In 2012, there were reports of a new live-action/CGI ALF movie, with Paul Fusco providing the voice of a CGI version of ALF. However, this never materialized.
In 2018, there were rumors of a new ALF series being developed for HBO Max. However, as of late 2021, there has been no official update on the project.
While the future of ALF as a show remains uncertain, the character continues to make appearances in various TV shows, films, and streaming content. Fans of ALF can still enjoy its legacy through these mediums.
Conclusion
For those who fell in love with ALF, the most memorable way the show ALF ended wasn't in a sitcom finale but in a cliffhanger that tugged at the heartstrings of viewers. The final scene, with ALF captured by the military just as he was about to say goodbye to his friends and return to his home planet, remains a poignant moment in television history.
Though the show ended on a down note, the legacy of ALF lives on, continuing to bring laughter and joy to new generations of fans.