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{{Short description|2011 American science fiction television series}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = FALLING SKIES TITLE CARD.PNG
| caption              = Series Title Card
| genre                = {{ubl|[[Science fiction]]|[[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|Post-apocalyptic]]|[[Drama (film and television)|Drama]]}}
| creator              = [[Robert Rodat]]
| developer            =
| writer               = 
| director             = 
| starring             = {{ubl|[[Noah Wyle]]|[[Moon Bloodgood]]|[[Drew Roy]]|[[Jessy Schram]]|[[Maxim Knight]]|[[Seychelle Gabriel]]|[[Peter Shinkoda]]|[[Mpho Koaho]]|[[Connor Jessup]]|[[Will Patton]]|[[Sarah Carter]]|[[Colin Cunningham]]|[[Doug Jones (actor)|Doug Jones]]|[[Scarlett Byrne]]}}
| theme_music_composer = 
| composer             = Noah Sorota
| country              = United States
| language             = English
| num_seasons          = 5
| num_episodes         = 52
| list_episodes        = List of Falling Skies episodes
| executive_producer   = {{ubl|[[Steven Spielberg]]|Darryl Frank|Justin Falvey|Robert Rodat|[[Graham Yost]]|[[Greg Beeman]]|[[Remi Aubuchon]]|[[David Eick]]}}
| producer             = {{ubl|John Ryan|Noah Wyle|Darren King|Grace Gilroy}}
| editor               = {{ubl|Donn Aron|Jon Koslowsky|Robin Russell}}
| location             = {{plainlist|
* [[Hamilton, Ontario]] (season 1)
* [[Oshawa]], Ontario (season 1)
* [[Toronto]], Ontario (season 1)
* [[Vancouver]], British Columbia (season 2)
}}
| cinematography       = {{ubl|Christopher Faloona|Nate Goodman|Barry Donlevy}}
| camera               = [[Single-camera setup|Single camera]]
| runtime              = 40–43 minutes
| company              = {{Plainlist|
* [[DreamWorks Television]] (2011–2013)
* [[Amblin Entertainment|Amblin Television]] (2014–2015)
* Invasion Productions
* [[TNT (American TV network)|TNT]] Original Productions
}}
| channel              = [[TNT (American TV network)|TNT]]
| first_aired          = {{start date|2011|6|19}}
| last_aired           = {{end date|2015|8|30}} 
}}
'''''Falling Skies''''' is an American [[science fiction]] television series set in a [[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|post-apocalyptic]] era, created by [[Robert Rodat]] and [[Executive producer#Motion pictures and television|executive produced]] by [[Steven Spielberg]]. The series stars [[Noah Wyle]] as [[Tom Mason (Falling Skies)|Tom Mason]], a former history professor who becomes the second-in-command of the 2nd [[Massachusetts]] Militia Regiment, a [[paramilitary]] group of remnant [[United States Armed Forces|US military]] personnel, military veterans, civilians and various fighters fleeing [[Boston]], US, following an [[alien invasion]] that devastated Earth.

The series, a production of [[DreamWorks Television]]—and from 2014 to 2015, being a production from Spielberg's [[Amblin Entertainment|Amblin Television]]—was broadcast in the United States on the cable channel [[TNT (American TV network)|TNT]], and in Canada on [[Super Channel (Canadian TV channel)|Super Channel]] (first-run broadcasts) and on [[CTV Sci-Fi Channel|Space]] (second-run broadcasts on a one-year delay). The series premiered on June 19, 2011. On July 18, 2014, TNT renewed the show for a 10-episode fifth and final season, which started on June 28, 2015, and concluded on August 30, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2015/04/02/tv-calendar-tnt-premiere-dates-summer-2015/|title=TNT Sets Summer Dates for Last Ship, Major Crimes, Jennifer Beals Drama, Falling Skies' Final Run and More|work=TV Line|date=April 2, 2015|access-date=April 2, 2015|archive-date=August 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826124119/https://tvline.com/2015/04/02/tv-calendar-tnt-premiere-dates-summer-2015/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/07/18/the-last-ship-major-crimes-falling-skies-renewed-by-tnt/284156/ |title='The Last Ship', 'Major Crimes' & 'Falling Skies' Renewed by TNT |work=TV by the Numbers |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=July 18, 2014 |access-date=July 18, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720203615/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/07/18/the-last-ship-major-crimes-falling-skies-renewed-by-tnt/284156/ |archive-date=July 20, 2014 }}</ref>

== Series overview ==
{{main|List of Falling Skies episodes}}

''Falling Skies'' begins 6 months after an [[Extraterrestrials in fiction|alien invasion of Earth]], where in the early days, the invaders neutralized the world's power grid and technology, defeated and largely destroyed all the world's militaries, and killed over 90 percent of the human population by destroying all of the world's major cities and capitals.

{{Anchor|AlienSpecies}}The aliens include mechanical attack [[Uncrewed vehicle|drones]] called "[[Mecha|mechs]]"; a species of six-legged beings known as "Skitters" that appear to control the mechs; and a mysterious species known as the Overlords, or "[[Espheni]]", the latter presumably the actual engineers and masterminds behind the invasion and Skitters' masters.

The aliens' objectives are not explained until the fourth season. They plan to extract [[helium-3]] from Earth's moon to power their technology and to use humanity as an enslaved frontline military force in their war against another alien race. To do this, the invaders round up children between the ages of 8 and 18 where each will be attached with a biomechanical mind control harness to their spines. Forcibly removing it generally kills the child, but midway through the first season, a surgical method is developed that allows a harness to be safely removed, leaving in place the "spikes" that connected the harness to the spinal column. The fifth season reveals through an Espheni communication device, with which Ben can interact by touching it, due to having the spikes, that a being is the Overlords' superior, known as "the Queen". In the series finale, the Queen explains that the invasion upon which the entire series is based is the result of a prior Espheni attempt to invade Earth, the only habitable planet in this galaxy, thus of immeasurable strategic importance. Her beloved daughter led that invasion 1550 years ago, but the Espheni underestimated humanity and the invasion was stopped. The Queen's daughter was killed and eaten, so the Queen swore to wipe out humanity in revenge.

The story follows a group of survivors who band together to fight back. They call themselves the "2nd Mass", an allusion to the [[2nd Massachusetts Regiment|historical regiment]] from the [[Continental Army]]. The group is led by retired [[United States Army]] Colonel Dan Weaver. [[Boston University]] history professor Tom Mason is second-in-command and must put his extensive knowledge of military history into practice while searching for his son Ben.<ref name=official>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/falling-skies.html|title=Falling Skies – Official website|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System|access-date=June 8, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610005949/http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/falling-skies.html|archive-date=June 10, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/blogs/popcornbiz/Spielbergs-Falling-Skies-Will-Be-Dark-and-Gritty-But-Uplifting-119614639.html|title=Falling Skies Star Drew Roy: This Series Will Be 'Dark and Gritty, But Uplifting'|date=April 12, 2011|first=Scott|last=Huver|work=nbcnewyork.com|access-date=May 3, 2011|archive-date=July 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728131437/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/blogs/popcornbiz/Spielbergs-Falling-Skies-Will-Be-Dark-and-Gritty-But-Uplifting-119614639.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the end of the second season, a new alien race known as the Volm are introduced. Led by a Volm nicknamed Cochise by Tom Mason, the Volm are another species whom the Espheni conquered in their galactic expansion, and who want to destroy the Espheni in revenge. While more Volm forces arrive at the end of the third season, an attack on the Volm across the galaxy causes all but Cochise and a small team of Volm to abandon the Earth. Cochise and his soldiers continue to aid humanity in their war with the Espheni despite the lack of support from their superiors, notably Cochise's father.

In the fourth season, a devastating Espheni counterattack relegates humanity to Espheni-controlled ghettos across the planet. Meanwhile, Tom's half-Espheni daughter Alexis continues to grow and develop psychic powers due to her heritage. After the 2nd Mass eventually escapes the ghettos, another attack severely depletes its numbers. Learning of a power core on the Moon that controls all Espheni technology, Tom and Alexis launch an attack on the power core using a captured Espheni [[spacecraft]]. Alexis sacrifices herself to destroy the power core and Tom is left lost in space, but the Espheni war machine is left crippled with the loss of their air support and mechanized servants.

In the fifth season, Tom is rescued by the Espheni's ancient enemy, the Dornia, who guide him into finding his inner warrior to defeat the Espheni once and for all. Returned to Earth, Tom rallies humanity into a global resistance that will march on major Espheni bases all over the world. Tom leads the militias in the United States in a march on the Espheni base in [[Washington, DC]]. With the help of an Espheni communications device, humanity learns that the Espheni serve a previously unknown queen who comes to planets when victory is assured and the Espheni are moving from invasion to occupation. Indeed, while in Washington, Tom spots signs of the Espheni moving in on Earth. Tracking the queen to the ruins of the [[Lincoln Memorial]], Tom confronts her alone, and she informs him of the true reason for the invasion. Tom manages to infect the Espheni Queen with a Dornia [[bioweapon]], killing her, and spreading the bioweapon throughout the Espheni species. The Espheni are destroyed and the Earth is freed. Months later, humanity is united, rebuilding Earth and making plans to elect a new leader. When Tom is offered the leadership position, he refuses it.

== Cast ==

===Main===
{{See also|List of Falling Skies characters}}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Actor
! rowspan="2"| Character
! colspan="5" class="unsortable"| Seasons
|-
! class="unsortable" style="width:10%;" | [[Falling Skies (season 1)|1]]
! class="unsortable" style="width:10%;" | [[Falling Skies (season 2)|2]]
! class="unsortable" style="width:10%;" | [[Falling Skies (season 3)|3]]
! class="unsortable" style="width:10%;" | [[Falling Skies (season 4)|4]]
! class="unsortable" style="width:10%;" | [[Falling Skies (season 5)|5]]
|-
| [[Noah Wyle]]
| [[Tom Mason (Falling Skies)|Tom Mason]]
| colspan="5" style="background:#dfd; text-align:center;" {{CMain}}
|-
| [[Moon Bloodgood]]
| [[Anne Glass|Anne Glass-Mason]]
| colspan="5" style="background:#dfd; text-align:center;" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
| [[Drew Roy]]
| Hal Mason
| colspan="5" style="background:#dfd; text-align:center;" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
|[[Jessy Schram]]
| Karen Nadler
| style="background:#dfd; text-align:center;" {{CMain|Main}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#fdd; text-align:center;" {{CRecurring}}
| style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " {{CGuest}}
| style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " {{CNone}}
|-
|[[Maxim Knight]]
| Matt Mason
| colspan="5" style="background:#dfd; text-align:center;" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
|[[Seychelle Gabriel]]
| Lourdes Delgado
| colspan="4" style="background:#dfd; text-align:center;" {{CMain|Main}}
| colspan="1" style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " {{CNone}}
|-
|[[Peter Shinkoda]]
| Dai
| colspan="2" style="background:#dfd; text-align:center;" {{CMain|Main}}
| style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " {{CGuest|Guest}}
| colspan="2" style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " {{CNone}}
|-
|[[Mpho Koaho]]
| Anthony
| colspan="5" style="background:#dfd; text-align:center;" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
| [[Connor Jessup]]
| Ben Mason
| colspan="5" style="background:#dfd; text-align:center;" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
|[[Will Patton]]
| Dan Weaver
| colspan="5" style="background:#dfd; text-align:center;" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
|[[Sarah Carter]]
| Maggie
| colspan="5" style="background:#dfd; text-align:center;" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
| [[Colin Cunningham]]
| John Pope
| colspan="5" style="background:#dfd; text-align:center;" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
| [[Doug Jones (actor)|Doug Jones]]
| Cochise
| colspan="2" style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " {{CNone}}
| colspan="3" style="background:#dfd; text-align:center;" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
| [[Scarlett Byrne]]
| Alexis "Lexi" Glass-Mason
| colspan="3" style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " {{CNone}}
| style="background:#dfd; text-align:center;" {{CMain|Main}}
| style="background: #ececec; color: grey; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " {{CGuest|Guest}}
|}

===Recurring===
{{Castlist|
* [[Dale Dye]] as Colonel/General Jim Porter (seasons 1–3)<ref name="mm-dale-dye">{{cite news |last1=Gencarelli |first1=Mike |title=Interview with Dale Dye |url=http://www.mediamikes.com/2011/06/interview-with-dale-dye/ |newspaper=Mediamikes |access-date=7 September 2014 |date=16 June 2011}}</ref>
* [[Megan Danso]] as Deni (seasons 3–5)
* [[Bruce Gray]] as Uncle Scott (season 1)
* [[Martin Roach]] as Mike Thompson (season 1)
* Lynne Deragon as Kate Gordon (season 1)
* Melissa Kramer as Sarah (season 1)
* [[Steven Weber (actor)|Steven Weber]] as Dr. Michael Harris (season 1)
* Dylan Authors as Jimmy Boland (seasons 1–2)
* Daniyah Ysrail as Rick Thompson (seasons 1–2)
* [[Ryan Robbins]] as Tector Murphy, one of the [[Berserker (Falling Skies)|Berserkers]] (season 2–4)
* [[Luciana Carro]] as Crazy Lee, one of the Berserkers (seasons 2–3)
* Brad Kelly as Lyle, one of the Berserkers (seasons 2–4)
* Billy Wickman as Boon, one of the Berserkers (season 2)
* [[Terry O'Quinn]] as Arthur Manchester (seasons 2–3)
* [[Matt Frewer]] as General Bressler (seasons 2–3)
* [[Laci J. Mailey]] as Jeanne Weaver (seasons 2–4)
* [[Brandon Jay McLaren]] as Jamil Dexter (season 2)
* [[Gloria Reuben]] as Marina Peralta (season 3)
* [[Robert Sean Leonard]] as Dr. Roger Kadar (seasons 3–4)
* John H. Mayer as Waschak-Cha'ab (seasons 3–5)
* [[Dakota Daulby]] as Kent Matthews (season 4)
* [[Desiree Ross]] as Mira (season 4)
* [[Robert Clotworthy]] as the Monk (season 4)
* [[Mark Gibbon]] as Scorch (season 4)
* [[Mira Sorvino]] as Sara (seasons 4–5)
* [[Treva Etienne]] as Dingaan Botha (season 4–5)
* [[John DeSantis]] as Shaq (season 4–5)
* [[Catalina Sandino Moreno]] as Isabella (season 5)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/10/catalina-sandino-moreno-cast-falling-skies-tnt-854119// |title=Catalina Sandino Moreno Joins 'Falling Skies' On TNT |work=Deadline Hollywood |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=October 20, 2014 |access-date=October 20, 2014 |archive-date=October 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021070639/http://deadline.com/2014/10/catalina-sandino-moreno-cast-falling-skies-tnt-854119/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}

== Production ==

===Conception===
Development officially began in 2009, when TNT announced that it had ordered a [[television pilot|pilot]] for an untitled alien invasion project.<ref name=premiere>{{Cite web | url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/03/10/tnt-announces-summer-schedule-franklin-bash-falling-skies-rizzoli-isles-and-more/85317| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110313051953/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/03/10/tnt-announces-summer-schedule-franklin-bash-falling-skies-rizzoli-isles-and-more/85317| url-status=dead| archive-date= March 13, 2011| title=TNT Announces Summer Schedule| date=March 10, 2011| last=Seidman| first=Robert| work=TV by the Numbers| access-date=March 10, 2011}}</ref> ''Falling Skies'' was created by Robert Rodat. Rodat wrote the pilot episode from an idea co-conceived with Spielberg.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2009/05/20/tnt-tbs-and-trutv-showcase-upcoming-series-and-unveil-impressive-development-slate-at-2009-upfront-31427/20090520turner01/| title=Tnt, TBS and TruTV Showcase Upcoming Series and Unveil Impressive Development Slate at 2009 Upfront| date=May 20, 2009| work=The Futon Critic| access-date=January 7, 2011| archive-date=September 2, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902133752/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2009/05/20/tnt-tbs-and-trutv-showcase-upcoming-series-and-unveil-impressive-development-slate-at-2009-upfront-31427/20090520turner01/| url-status=live}}</ref> Originally, ''Falling Skies'' was called ''Concord'', referencing the [[battles of Lexington and Concord]] and Tom Mason's former profession as a history professor.<ref name=Rudolph>{{cite web| url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/Steven-Spielberg-Talks-1034672.aspx| title=Steven Spielberg Talks Falling Skies and Upcoming TV Projects| last=Rudolph| first=Ileane| date=June 28, 2011| work=TV Guide| access-date=March 17, 2012| archive-date=February 6, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206080706/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Steven-Spielberg-Talks-1034672.aspx| url-status=live}}</ref> Spielberg then came up with the title ''Falling Skies''. "I felt that this was a very interesting postapocalyptic story with a 21st-century [spin on the] spirit of '76. I came up – out of the blue one day – with the name ''Falling Skies'', which is basically what happens to the planet after this invasion. What is unique about this particular series is that the story starts after a successful conquest of the world," he stated.<ref name=Rudolph/>

Spielberg was attracted to the project due to its themes of survival. "I've always been interested in how we survive and how resourceful we are as Americans. How would the survivors feed the children? How do they resupply themselves militarily in order to defend and even take back what they have lost?" he added.<ref name="Rudolph" /> Like much of Spielberg's work, such as ''[[The Pacific (miniseries)|The Pacific]]'' and ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial]]'', ''Falling Skies''' running theme is family and brotherhood. He explained, "It's a theme I harken back to a lot because it's something I believe in. It's something I have the closest experience with. [Laughs] They say write what you know, and with seven children and three sisters... I tend to always come back to the family as a touchstone for audiences to get into these rather bizarre stories."<ref name="Rudolph" />

While writing the pilot, Rodat dedicated a five-page montage to the alien invasion, but decided not to go through with it as it had been done before in films such as ''[[War of the Worlds (2005 film)|War of the Worlds]]''. "I wrote a few drafts of it and I looked at and say, 'Ay-yay-yay, I've seen this before. There's no emotion to this. It feels like one of those montages,'" he said.<ref name=Topel>{{cite web| url=http://www.screenjunkies.com/tv/tv-news/falling-skies-creator-robert-rodat-talks-alien-invasions-working-with-spielberg/| title='Falling Skies' Creator Robert Rodat Talks Alien Invasions, Working With Spielberg| last=Tobel| first=Fred| date=June 15, 2011| access-date=February 17, 2012| archive-date=August 11, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811083339/http://www.screenjunkies.com/tv/tv-news/falling-skies-creator-robert-rodat-talks-alien-invasions-working-with-spielberg/| url-status=live}}</ref> Rodat came up with the idea of having the children in the series "harnessed by aliens". "When we were working out the initial stuff, the thing that excited [Spielberg] was the idea that adults are killed if they're a threat, and kids are captured for whatever reason and changed or altered. The harness was a logical outgrowth of that. Then what we'll explore is what the harnessing does to the kid over the course of the show but that also is something that's going to have to unveil itself gradually," he stated. Spielberg previously explored the idea of enslaved children in the 1984 film ''[[Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom]]''.<ref name="Topel"/>

Series lead Noah Wyle emphasized Spielberg's presence on set by stating, "Anytime he gives an anointment to a project, it steps up the pedigree."<ref name="Goldberg"/> He continued, "[His] fingerprints are all over this. He shaped the script, cast the pilot, watched all the dailies, made the editing suggestions, worked on the post and on the aliens and spaceships."<ref name= "Goldberg">{{cite news| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/falling-skies-star-noah-wyle-203181| title=''Falling Skies''{{'}} Star Noah Wyle on Steven Spielberg's Crafting of Series| last=Goldberg| first=Lesley| date=June 19, 2011| work=The Hollywood Reporter| access-date=April 17, 2020| archive-date=August 1, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801115724/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/falling-skies-star-noah-wyle-203181| url-status=live}}</ref>

Colin Cunningham, who plays outlaw John Pope, said, "You'd show up and think, 'This is not a TV show; this is something else that we're doing," noting that Spielberg was very hands-on for the pilot. "Its scope is massive. Anytime you hear the word Spielberg, you know it's not going to be crap; you know it'll be quality and there will be some money behind it."<ref name="Goldberg"/> Mark Verheiden, who was the showrunner for the first season, stated, "It's great to know you have a world-class filmmaker backing up what you're trying to do who is supportive and helping design the great stuff."<ref name="Goldberg"/>

=== Casting ===
[[File:Noah-Wyle-2010.jpg|thumb|upright|Wyle at the 2010 [[San Diego Comic-Con]] promoting the series]]

Casting announcements began in June 2009 with Noah Wyle as the lead.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2009/06/26/noah-wyle-to-lead-resistance-against-alien-invasion-in-new-tnt-pilot-from-dreamworks-television-and-executive-producers-steven-spielberg-justin-falvey-darryl-frank-and-robert-rodat-31818/20090626tnt01/|title=Noah Wyle to Lead Resistance Against Alien Invasion in New TNT Pilot from Dreamworks Television and Executive Producers Steven Spielberg, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank and Robert Rodat|date=June 26, 2009|work=The Futon Critic|access-date=February 4, 2012|archive-date=September 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902133752/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2009/06/26/noah-wyle-to-lead-resistance-against-alien-invasion-in-new-tnt-pilot-from-dreamworks-television-and-executive-producers-steven-spielberg-justin-falvey-darryl-frank-and-robert-rodat-31818/20090626tnt01/|url-status=live}}</ref> Wyle, who worked with TNT on ''[[The Librarian (franchise)|The Librarian]]'' films, was sent scripts for various shows on their network. He said part of the reason he chose the part was to gain credibility from his children. "With the birth of my kids, I started to really look at my career through their eyes more than my own, so that does dictate choice, steering me toward certain things and away from other things," he said.<ref name=wyle>{{Cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110616/ap_en_ot/us_ap_on_tv_falling_skies_wyle |title=Noah Wyle stars in a drama about an alien invasion |date=June 16, 2011 |first=Frazier |last=Moore |access-date=June 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110620074652/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110616/ap_en_ot/us_ap_on_tv_falling_skies_wyle |archive-date=June 20, 2011 }}</ref>

He also decided to do it as he could relate with his character, stating, "I identified with Tom's devotion to his sons, and admired his sense of social duty." Spielberg wanted Wyle for the role because he knew him from his previous series ''[[ER (TV series)|ER]]'', which Spielberg's company produced. He had wanted Wyle to appear in his 1998 film ''Saving Private Ryan'', but Wyle was unavailable due to scheduling conflicts.<ref name="Rudolph" /> Spielberg stated that he was determined to work with him again.<ref name="Rudolph" />

{{Quote box |quoted=true |salign=right |width=240px |align=left | quote = One of the things that was most attractive about it was shooting 10 episodes as opposed to 24, which affords me a bit of quality-of-life and allows me to have a presence in my kids' lives. But in terms of quality of writing, this was great writing. Mark Verheiden's a great writer. I enjoy this kind of storytelling just as much as all of those years on ''ER''. | source = – Noah Wyle, on why he chose the role<ref name="Sepinwall">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/the-fien-print/posts/hitfix-interview-noah-wyle-talks-falling-skies|title=HitFix Interview: Noah Wyle talks 'Falling Skies'|date=June 18, 2011|work=HitFix|last=Sepinwall|first=Alan|access-date=May 18, 2012|archive-date=July 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704192045/http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/the-fien-print/posts/hitfix-interview-noah-wyle-talks-falling-skies|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

In July 2009, Moon Bloodgood was cast as Anne Glass, Jessy Schram was cast as Karen Nadler, Seychelle Gabriel was cast as Lourdes, and Maxim Knight was cast as Matt Mason.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2009/07/27/development-update-monday-july-27-32125/8223/| title=Development Update: Monday, July 27| date=July 27, 2009| work=The Futon Critic| access-date=February 4, 2012| archive-date=September 2, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902133753/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2009/07/27/development-update-monday-july-27-32125/8223/| url-status=live}}</ref> Bloodgood, the female lead, did not have to audition for the role. She received the script and was offered the role.<ref name="Collider">{{Cite web | url=https://collider.com/moon-bloodgood-interview-falling-skies/96868/| title=Moon Bloodgood Exclusive Interview : Falling Skies| date=June 16, 2011| work=Collider| access-date=May 15, 2012| archive-date=July 9, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709015251/http://collider.com/moon-bloodgood-interview-falling-skies/96868/| url-status=dead}}</ref> Bloodgood was drawn to the role because of Spielberg and Rodat's involvement.<ref name="Crave">{{Cite web | url=http://www.craveonline.com/tv/interviews/172211-moon-bloodgood-on-falling-skies| title=Moon Bloodgood on 'Falling Skies'| date=August 5, 2011| work=Crave Online| last=Marnell| first=Blair| access-date=May 15, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811111931/http://www.craveonline.com/tv/interviews/172211-moon-bloodgood-on-falling-skies| archive-date=August 11, 2014| url-status=dead}}</ref> She stated: "Well certainly when you get handed a script and they tell you it's Bob Rodat and Steven Spielberg, you're immediately drawn to it. It's got your attention. I was a little cautious about wanting to do science fiction again. But it was more of a drama story, more of a family story. I liked that and I wanted to work with Spielberg." Bloodgood added that portraying a doctor excited her. "I liked the idea of playing a doctor and deviating from something I had done already," she said.<ref name="Crave" />

In August 2009, Drew Roy was cast as Hal Mason, and Peter Shinkoda was cast as Dai.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2009/08/10/development-update-monday-august-10-32330/8255/| title=Development Update: Monday, August 10| date=August 10, 2009| work=The Futon Critic| access-date=February 4, 2012| archive-date=September 2, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902133753/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2009/08/10/development-update-monday-august-10-32330/8255/| url-status=live}}</ref> Drew Roy's agent received the script and the pair joked that Roy might get the role. "This one came to me through my agent, just like everything else. We even joked about the fact that it was a Steven Spielberg project. We were like, 'Oh yeah, I might have a chance.' We were just joking."<ref name="Collider 2">{{Cite web | url=https://collider.com/drew-roy-interview-falling-skies/97263/| title=Drew Roy Exclusive Interview : Falling Skies| date=June 26, 2011| work=Collider| access-date=May 18, 2012| archive-date=June 22, 2012| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120622020519/http://collider.com/drew-roy-interview-falling-skies/97263| url-status=dead}}</ref> He auditioned four times for the part. "The whole process went on for quite some time, and then towards the end, it was down to me and one other guy, and we were literally waiting for the word from Steven Spielberg 'cause he had to watch the two audition tapes and give the okay. That, in and of itself, had me like, 'Okay, even if I don't get it, that's just cool.' Fortunately, it went my way."<ref name="Collider 2" />

=== Filming ===
[[File:Rivervieweastlawn.jpg|thumb|upright|The Riverview Hospital [[mental health facility]] in [[Coquitlam, Canada]] was used to film several episodes of the second season.]]

The pilot was filmed in 2009 in [[Oshawa]], Ontario, and the rest of the season was shot from July to November of the following year<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.redeyechicago.com/entertainment/tv/redeye-noah-wyle-bringing-falling-skies-to-chicago-20110527,0,2462217.story| title=Noah Wyle bringing 'Falling Skies' to Chicago| date=May 27, 2011| first=Curt| last=Wagner| access-date=May 27, 2011| archive-date=September 16, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916120434/http://www.redeyechicago.com/entertainment/tv/redeye-noah-wyle-bringing-falling-skies-to-chicago-20110527,0,2462217.story| url-status=live}}</ref> in [[Hamilton, Ontario|Hamilton]]<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.thespec.com/whatson/article/558703--spielberg-series-shot-in-hamilton-debuts-wednesday| archive-url=https://archive.today/20121208152038/http://www.thespec.com/whatson/article/558703--spielberg-series-shot-in-hamilton-debuts-wednesday| url-status=dead| archive-date=December 8, 2012| title=Spielberg series shot on Hamilton debuts Wednesday| date=July 11, 2011| last=Yeo| first=Debra| work=The Hamilton Spectator| access-date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> and [[Toronto]].<ref name=Variety>{{Cite news | url= https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117945457?refCatId=32 | title=Falling Skies |date=June 16, 2011 |last=Lowry |first=Brian |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110621041203/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117945457?refCatId=32 |archive-date=June 21, 2011 |access-date=June 18, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Noah's arc |first=Amy |last=Amatangelo |date=June 19, 2011 |newspaper=[[Boston Herald]] |url=http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/general/view.bg?articleid=1346401&srvc=rss |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006044739/http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/general/view.bg?articleid=1346401&srvc=rss |url-status=live }}</ref>

TNT announced production had begun on the second season on October 24, 2011.<ref>{{cite web | title=TNT's 'Falling Skies' Second Season Production Under Way|first=Bill |last=Gorman|date=October 24, 2011 |work=TV by the Numbers |url = http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/10/24/tnts-falling-skies-second-season-production-under-way/108239/|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111026184243/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/10/24/tnts-falling-skies-second-season-production-under-way/108239/|url-status = dead|archive-date = October 26, 2011}}</ref> Filming took place in [[Vancouver]] and at the [[Riverview Hospital (Coquitlam)|Riverview Hospital]] in [[Coquitlam]], British Columbia, from October 2011 to March 2012.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://filmingvancouver.blogspot.com/| title=BC Film Commission List – Feb 14, 2012| work=British Columbia Film Commission| date=February 14, 2012| access-date=February 19, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114095057/http://filmingvancouver.blogspot.com/| archive-date=November 14, 2012| url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Principal photography]] for the [[Falling Skies (season 3)|third season]] commenced on August 22, 2012,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/08/will-patton-doesnt-want-to-play-a-fat-cop.html| title=Will Patton on Falling Skies, Avoiding Airports, and Not Wanting to Play 'Fat Cops'| work=Vulture| last=Vineyard| first=Jennifer| date=August 1, 2012| access-date=August 1, 2012| archive-date=August 2, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802190810/http://www.vulture.com/2012/08/will-patton-doesnt-want-to-play-a-fat-cop.html| url-status=live}}</ref> and concluded in December.<ref name=TIBS_fs>{{cite web| last1=Prentice| first1=Robert| title='Falling Skies' Season 3 Wraps Production; Plus new photos| url=http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2012/12/falling-skies-season-3-wraps-production-plus-new-photos/| website=TIBS| date=20 December 2012| publisher=ThreeIfBySpace| access-date=12 September 2014| archive-date=12 September 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912225148/http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2012/12/falling-skies-season-3-wraps-production-plus-new-photos/| url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Production team ===
Rodat and Spielberg serve as executive producers on the project. [[Graham Yost]], Justin Falvey, and Darryl Frank are also executive producers. Yost had previously worked with Spielberg on the HBO miniseries ''The Pacific''. [[Mark Verheiden]] is a co-executive producer and the series showrunner. Verheiden had worked as a writer and producer on ''[[Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series)|Battlestar Galactica]]''. [[Greg Beeman]] is also a co-executive producer. [[Melinda Hsu Taylor]] is a supervising producer for the series; she previously worked on ''[[Lost (2004 TV series)|Lost]]''. John Ryan is the on-set producer. [[Remi Aubuchon]] was hired as the showrunner for the second season in May 2011 before the first-season premiere.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://seriable.com/falling-skies-looking-to-invade-season-2-remi-aubuchon-showrunner/| title=Falling Skies Looking To Invade Season 2, Remi Aubuchon Showrunner| date=May 11, 2011| access-date=February 4, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727161401/http://seriable.com/falling-skies-looking-to-invade-season-2-remi-aubuchon-showrunner/| archive-date=July 27, 2014| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2011/05/10/development-update-tuesday-may-10-815521/9261/| title=Development Update: Tuesday, May 10| date=May 10, 2011| work=The Futon Critic| access-date=February 4, 2012| archive-date=September 2, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902133753/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2011/05/10/development-update-tuesday-may-10-815521/9261/| url-status=live}}</ref> [[Noah Wyle]] became a producer for the second season.

== Distribution ==

=== Broadcast ===
The series premiered on June 19, 2011, and was broadcast on the cable television channel TNT in the United States. It also premiered internationally in more than 75 countries that same year.<ref name=worldwide>{{Cite press release | url=http://news.turner.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=5719| title=TNT and Turner Broadcasting System International, Inc. Announce Worldwide Launch of Epic Alien Invasion Series FALLING SKIES, Debuting in More Than 75 Countries| date=June 9, 2011| publisher=Turner Broadcasting System| access-date=June 9, 2011}}</ref>

=== Online promotion ===
[[File:Falling-skies-poster.JPG|thumb|upright|Promotional poster]]

For the first season, character videos were made available online.<ref name=official/> The videos explore the main characters of the series. As part of the promotional campaign, a vehicle, with the TNT logo and called ''Falling Skies Technical'', was released as a free gift in the social networking game ''[[Mafia Wars]]'' on June 14, 2011.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.mafiawarslootlady.com/2011/06/falling-skies-promo-new-free-gift.html| title=Falling Skies Promo: New Free Gift| last=Patterson| first=Jennifer| date=June 13, 2011| access-date=March 18, 2012| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308080210/http://www.mafiawarslootlady.com/2011/06/falling-skies-promo-new-free-gift.html| archive-date=March 8, 2016}}</ref> Following the second-season premiere on June 17, 2012, a live after-show titled ''2nd Watch'' hosted by [[Wil Wheaton]] premiered. The series aired after encore presentations of ''Falling Skies'' on TNT's official site.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/06/06/tnt-to-launch-post-episode-webisodes-for-dallas-and-falling-skies/137074/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608232542/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/06/06/tnt-to-launch-post-episode-webisodes-for-dallas-and-falling-skies/137074/| url-status=dead| archive-date=June 8, 2012| title=TNT to Launch Post-Episode Webisodes for 'Dallas' and 'Falling Skies'| date=June 6, 2012| last=Kondolojy| first=Amanda| work=TV by the Numbers| access-date=June 6, 2011}}</ref> Wheaton discussed the latest episode with actors and producers of the series.

=== Blu-ray and DVD releases ===
The first season was released on DVD and Blu-ray on June 5, 2012, in North America,<ref name="Lambert">{{cite web | url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Falling-Skies-Season-1-Press-Release/16586| title=Falling Skies – Press Release Announcing Date, Details, Box for Spielberg's Show with Noah Wyle| date=February 27, 2012| work=TV Shows on DVD| last=Lambert| first=David| access-date=February 27, 2012| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301072445/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Falling-Skies-Season-1-Press-Release/16586| archive-date=March 1, 2012}}</ref> on July 2, 2012, in the United Kingdom<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0050O7VAI/ref=s9_bbs_gw_d0_g74_ir01?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0SWWEBQNTSTX7VGXMTKT&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294| title=Falling Skies – Season 1 [DVD]| work=Amazon.co.uk| access-date=April 24, 2012| archive-date=December 11, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211140308/http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0050O7VAI/ref=s9_bbs_gw_d0_g74_ir01?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0SWWEBQNTSTX7VGXMTKT&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294| url-status=live}}</ref> and on August 29, 2012, in Australia,<ref name="region4b">{{Cite web | url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/falling-skies-season-1/dp/6112318| title=Falling Skies: Season 1| work=Ezy DVD| access-date= March 27, 2012| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414143057/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/blu-ray/falling-skies-season-1/dp/6112318| archive-date= April 14, 2012}}</ref> and on DVD only in [[South Africa]] on August 27, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.exclus1ves.co.za/films/Falling-Skies-~-Season-1-ActorNoah-Wyle~ActorMoon-Bloodgood~ActorDrew-Roy/000000000200000000001000000000000000000000000006003805909565 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224201559/http://www.exclus1ves.co.za/films/Falling-Skies-~-Season-1-ActorNoah-Wyle~ActorMoon-Bloodgood~ActorDrew-Roy/000000000200000000001000000000000000000000000006003805909565 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 24, 2012 |title=Falling Skies: Season 1 |work= Exclus1ve Books |access-date=August 29, 2012 }}</ref> In addition to all the episodes of the first season, extras include an extended version of the pilot episode, audio commentary on the pilot episode, a season-two preview, the 2011 [[San Diego Comic-Con]] panel, deleted scenes, character profiles, international promos, behind-the-scenes featurettes including the "Making of Skitter", "Harness Makeup Tips", and "Director One on One". A collectible trading card was released exclusively to Blu-ray.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ie.bluray.ign.com/articles/121/1219562p1.html| title=Falling Skies Lands on Blu-ray| date=February 27, 2012| work=IGN| last=Shaffer| first=R.L.| access-date=April 16, 2012}}</ref>

=== Comic books ===
In September 2010, [[Dark Horse Comics]], in partnership with DreamWorks Television and TNT, released the first issue in a four-part [[digital comic]] online limited series entitled ''Falling Skies''. Written by Paul Tobin with art by Juan Ferreyra, the series details events taking place before the first season of the television show, but after the alien invasion and victory. These issues were later compiled into a single trade paperback volume entitled ''Falling Skies Volume 1'', which was released in June 2011. On June 15, 2011, Dark Horse announced that due to higher-than-anticipated orders, the graphic novel had completely sold out.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/452/falling-skies-gives-sold-out-performance| title=Falling Skies Gives Sold-Out Performance!| date=June 15, 2011| work=darkhorse.com| access-date=June 20, 2012| archive-date=August 12, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812023741/http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/452/falling-skies-gives-sold-out-performance| url-status=live}}</ref> It remained in publication {{as of|June 2012|lc=on}}.

In April 2012, Dark Horse began releasing a second eight-issue limited series entitled ''Falling Skies: The Battle of Fitchburg'', with Paul Tobin returning as writer and Juan Ferreyra returning as series artist.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://tntnewsroom.com/falling-skies-dark-horse-digital-and-tnt-partner-for-season-two-falling-skies-comic/| title=Falling Skies : Dark Horse Digital and TNT Partner for Season : Two Falling Skies Comic |date=April 13, 2012| first=Chrissie| last=Eckhardt| work=tntnewsroom.com| access-date=June 20, 2012| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417074233/http://tntnewsroom.com/falling-skies-dark-horse-digital-and-tnt-partner-for-season-two-falling-skies-comic/|archive-date=April 17, 2012}}</ref> The digital comic was made available through both Dark Horse Comics and TNT via their respective websites. The story takes place chronologically between the first and second seasons of the television show and details a costly engagement occurring between the skitters and the 2nd Massachusetts Militia Regiment when the aliens surround the human forces at [[Fitchburg, Massachusetts]]. While not vital to the story of the television series, TNT and Dark Horse have stated that ''Falling Skies: The Battle of Fitchburg'' provides insight into the events leading up to the second season, and elaborates on how the characters got to where they are when the new season opens. As a companion to the comic, TNT released an audio series featuring the character John Pope, offering additional insight into the events detailed in the comic series.

=== Video game ===
''Falling Skies: The Game'' was developed by [[Torus Games]] and published by Little Orbit<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.gamepressure.com/games/falling-skies-the-game/z53d59| title=Information page for Falling Skies: The Game as listed on Gamepressure.com| access-date=2019-12-09| archive-date=2019-12-09| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209132134/https://www.gamepressure.com/games/falling-skies-the-game/z53d59| url-status=live}}</ref> as a [[Turn-based tactics|turn-based tactical]] [[video game]] inspired by ''[[XCOM: Enemy Unknown]]'' and it was released for the [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], and [[Gaming computer|PC]], on September 30, 2014, and then the [[Wii U]] via the [[Nintendo eShop]] on October 30, 2014.

The game received mostly poor to negative reviews across all platforms due to slow gameplay, poor balancing in its mechanics, uninspired characters, and a weak story.

== Reception ==

=== Critical reception ===
{{Television critical response
| seasonT           = Series
| rotten_tomatoes1  = 79% (38 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |title=''Falling Skies'': Season 1 (2011) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/falling_skies/s01 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=July 20, 2024}}</ref>
| metacritic1       = 70 (27 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |title=''Falling Skies'': Season 1 (2011) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/falling-skies/season-1 |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=July 20, 2024}}</ref>
| rotten_tomatoes2  = 81% (21 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |title=''Falling Skies'': Season 2 (2012) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/falling_skies/s02 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=July 20, 2024}}</ref>
| metacritic2       = 64 (9 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |title=''Falling Skies'': Season 2 (2012) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/falling-skies/season-2 |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=July 20, 2024}}</ref>
| rotten_tomatoes3  = 77% (13 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |title=''Falling Skies'': Season 3 (2013) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/falling_skies/s03 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=July 20, 2024}}</ref>
| metacritic3       = 65 (4 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |title=''Falling Skies'': Season 3 (2013) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/falling-skies/season-3 |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=July 20, 2024}}</ref>
| rotten_tomatoes4  = 88% (8 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |title=''Falling Skies'': Season 4 (2014) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/falling_skies/s04 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=July 20, 2024}}</ref>
| metacritic4       = {{center|—}}
| rotten_tomatoes5  = 70% (10 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |title=''Falling Skies'': Season 5 (2015) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/falling_skies/s05 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=July 20, 2024}}</ref>
| metacritic5       = {{center|—}}
}}

For the [[Falling Skies (season 1)|first season]], the series had a mostly positive reception. Tim Goodman of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' wrote "...{{Nbsp}}the entertainment value and suspense of ''Falling Skies'' is paced just right. You get the sense that we'll get those answers eventually. And yet, you want to devour the next episode immediately."<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/falling-skies-tv-review-196959| title=Falling Skies: TV Review| date=June 11, 2011| last=Goodman| first=Tim| work=The Hollywood Reporter| access-date=June 16, 2011}}</ref> Thomas Conner of the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' called it "...{{Nbsp}}a trustworthy family drama but with aliens". He continued, "It's [[Jericho (2006 TV series)|''Jericho'']] meets [[V (TV series)|''V'']], with the good from both and the bad discarded. It'll raise the summer-TV bar significantly."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/television/5961383-421/falling-skies-a-trustworthy-family-drama--with-aliens.html| title='Falling Skies' a trustworthy family drama but with aliens| date=June 14, 2011| last=Conner| first=Thomas| work=Chicago Sun-Times| access-date=June 16, 2011| archive-date=June 17, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617203416/http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/television/5961383-421/falling-skies-a-trustworthy-family-drama--with-aliens.html| url-status=live}}</ref> Ken Tucker from ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' gave the series a B+ and wrote that a "gradually developed, but decisive conviction makes ''Falling Skies'' an engaging, if derivative, chunk of dystopian sci-fi". He continued, "...{{Nbsp}}''Falling Skies'' rises above any one performance; it's the spectacle of humans versus aliens that draws you in."<ref>{{cite magazine | url= https://ew.com/article/2011/06/15/falling-skies/| title=Falling Skies (2011)| date=June 15, 2011| last=Tucker| first=Ken| magazine=Entertainment Weekly| access-date=June 16, 2011| archive-date=June 20, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110620015522/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20502930,00.html| url-status=live}}</ref> In the ''Boston Herald'', Mark A. Perigard gave the series a B grade, writing, "Don't look now, but ''Falling Skies'' could be a summer obsession."<ref>{{cite web| url=http://bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/reviews/view/2011_0616falling_rocks_spielbergs_hub-set_alien_thriller_blasts_off/| date=June 16, 2011| last=Perigard| first=Mark| title=Steven Spielberg's Hub-set alien thriller blasts off| work=The Boston Herald| access-date=June 16, 2011| archive-date=June 22, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622040346/http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/reviews/view/2011_0616falling_rocks_spielbergs_hub-set_alien_thriller_blasts_off/| url-status=live}}{{subscription required}}</ref> Brian Lowry from ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' gave the series a mixed review, stating that he enjoyed the action sequences, but that "the soapier elements mostly fall flat" and called the series "painfully old-fashioned".<ref name=Variety/>

The [[Falling Skies (season 2)|second season]] had positive reviews. Some critics praised it as being stronger than the first season. Maureen Ryan of ''The Huffington Post'' compared the second season to the first by saying, "Season 2 is a different animal, a much leaner and meaner machine that allows sentiment to be present but unexpressed and depicts a darker world in which innocence is a luxury that no one can truly afford."<ref name="Ryan">{{Cite news| title='Falling Skies' Review: Sci-Fi Drama Kicks More Alien Butt In Season 2| url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/maureen-ryan/falling-skies-review_b_1597025.html| work=The Huffington Post| last=Ryan| first=Maureen| date=June 15, 2012| access-date=June 19, 2012| archive-date=June 18, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618054036/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maureen-ryan/falling-skies-review_b_1597025.html| url-status=live}}</ref> Chuck Barney declared, "Sunday's explosive two-hour opener boldly delivers on the promise by TNT producers to rev up both the pace and the firepower in Season 2."<ref name="Barney">{{Cite web| title=Chuck Barney: 'Falling Skies' is TV's version of the summer blockbuster| url=http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_20833188/chuck-barney-falling-skies-is-tvs-version-summer| work=Mercury News| last=Barney| first=Chuck| date=June 13, 2012| access-date=June 19, 2012| archive-date=March 4, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090544/http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_20833188/chuck-barney-falling-skies-is-tvs-version-summer| url-status=live}}</ref> ''Screen Rant's'' Anthony Ocasio lauded the [[Worlds Apart (Falling Skies)|season premiere]]. "While further episodes will reveal more, the type of character development, intriguing storylines and exciting action that will be contained in ''Falling Skies'' season 2, there's no doubt that TNT's hit drama will likely become an epic adventure, spanning many seasons," he said.<ref name="Ocasio">{{Cite web| title='Falling Skies' Season 2 Premiere Review & Discussion| url=https://screenrant.com/falling-skies-season-2-premiere-review-aco-180388/| work=Screen Rant| last=Ocasio| first=Anthony| date=June 18, 2012| access-date=June 19, 2012| archive-date=June 20, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620093914/http://screenrant.com/falling-skies-season-2-premiere-review-aco-180388/| url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Ratings ===
The two-hour premiere of ''Falling Skies'' was watched by 5.9 million viewers, making it cable television's biggest series launch of the year, with more than 2.6 million adults 18–49 and 3.2 million adults 25–54.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/20/tnts-falling-skies-premieres-to-5-9-million-viewers-cables-1-series-launch-of-the-year/96039/#comment-870036| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622043204/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/20/tnts-falling-skies-premieres-to-5-9-million-viewers-cables-1-series-launch-of-the-year/96039/#comment-870036| url-status=dead| archive-date=June 22, 2011| title=TNT's 'Falling Skies' Premieres to 5.9 Million Viewers, Cable's #1 Series Launch of the Year| date=June 20, 2011| last=Seidman| first=Robert| work=TV by the Numbers| access-date=June 20, 2011}}</ref><ref name="1a2">{{cite web | url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/21/sunday-cable-ratings-falling-skies-game-of-thrones-the-killing-in-plain-sight-law-order-ci-the-glades-and-much-more/96119/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624184644/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/21/sunday-cable-ratings-falling-skies-game-of-thrones-the-killing-in-plain-sight-law-order-ci-the-glades-and-much-more/96119/| url-status=dead| archive-date=June 24, 2011| title=Sunday Cable Ratings: 'Falling Skies,' 'Game of Thrones', 'The Killing,' 'In Plain Sight,' 'Law & Order: CI,' 'The Glades' and Much More| last=Seidman| first=Robert| work=TV by the Numbers| date=June 21, 2011| access-date=June 21, 2011}}</ref> The [[What Hides Beneath|eighth episode]] was watched by 4.31 million viewers and scored a 1.5 ratings share among adults 18–49 and ''Falling Skies'' became TNT's highest-rated series in target demos.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/08/02/sunday-cable-ratings-true-blood-shark-week-falling-skies-in-plain-sight-breaking-bad-leverage-much-more/99356/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910053526/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/08/02/sunday-cable-ratings-true-blood-shark-week-falling-skies-in-plain-sight-breaking-bad-leverage-much-more/99356/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 10, 2011 |title=Sunday Cable Ratings: 'True Blood,' Shark Week, 'Falling Skies,' 'In Plain Sight,' 'Breaking Bad,' 'Leverage,' & Much More |work=TV by the Numbers |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=August 2, 2011 |access-date=August 2, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/08/02/falling-skies-rises-is-tnts-highest-rated-show-in-target-demos/99450/| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110910165226/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/08/02/falling-skies-rises-is-tnts-highest-rated-show-in-target-demos/99450/| url-status=dead| archive-date=September 10, 2011| title='Falling Skies' Rises, Is TNT's Highest-Rated Show in Target Demos| work=TV by the Numbers |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=August 2, 2011 |access-date=February 4, 2011}}</ref> The first-season finale had 5.6 million viewers, the highest-rated episode since the series premiere, with 2.5 million viewers in the 18–49 demographic.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/08/08/falling-skies-averages-5-6-million-viewers-in-finale-most-since-premiere/99848/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914131550/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/08/08/falling-skies-averages-5-6-million-viewers-in-finale-most-since-premiere/99848/| url-status=dead| archive-date=September 14, 2011| title='Falling Skies' Averages 5.6 Million Viewers in Season Finale; Most Since Premiere| date=August 8, 2011| last=Seidman| first= Robert| work=TV by the Numbers| access-date=August 8, 2011}}</ref> The first season tied with the [[FX (TV channel)|FX]] series ''[[American Horror Story]]'' as the biggest new cable series of the year among adults 18–49.<ref name="VanDerWerff">{{cite web | url=https://www.avclub.com/american-horror-story-to-completely-ditch-season-one-ch-1798229031| title=American Horror Story to completely ditch season one characters, story, do something new in season two| last=VanDerWerff| first=Emily| work=The A.V. Club| date=22 December 2011 |access-date=October 6, 2019}}</ref> In the UK, it premiered on nonterrestrial channel [[Fox (UK and Ireland)|FX]], with 420,000 viewers.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s159/falling-skies/news/a328550/falling-skies-launches-with-420k-on-fx.html| title='Falling Skies' launches with 420k on FX| last=July 6, 2011| work=[[Digital Spy]]| date=6 July 2011| access-date=July 7, 2011| archive-date=February 16, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216110855/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s159/falling-skies/news/a328550/falling-skies-launches-with-420k-on-fx.html| url-status=live}}</ref>

===Awards and nominations===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Association
! Category
! Nominated
! Result
|-
| rowspan="1"|  2011
| rowspan="1"|  [[1st Critics' Choice Television Awards]]<ref>{{cite web| url=https://deadline.com/2011/06/critics-choice-awards-honors-8-new-shows-138754/| title=Critics' Choice Awards Honors 8 New Shows| date=June 9, 2011| work=Deadline Hollywood| last=Andreeva| first=Nellie| access-date=February 19, 2012| archive-date=June 27, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110627082600/http://www.deadline.com/2011/06/critics-choice-awards-honors-8-new-shows/| url-status=live}}</ref>
|[[Critics' Choice Television Award for Most Exciting New Series|Most Exciting New Series]]
|''Falling Skies''
| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="6"|  2012
| rowspan="2"| [[10th Visual Effects Society Awards]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.goldderby.com/cms/view/139# |title=Visual Effects Society Awards 2011: Complete List of Winners |work=GoldDerby |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216123036/http://www.goldderby.com/cms/view/139/ |archive-date=February 16, 2015 }}</ref>
| Outstanding Visual Effects in a Broadcast Series
| Rob Biagi, Curt Miller, Andrew Orloff, Sean Tompkins
| {{nom}}
|-
| Outstanding Models in a Broadcast Program or Commercial
| Jon Chesson, Steve Graves, Michael Kirylo, Renaud Talon
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[38th Saturn Awards]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://collider.com/saturn-award-nominations-2012/148931/| title=Saturn Award Nominations Announced; HUGO and Harry Potter Lead with 10 Nominations Each| work=Collider.com| last=Goldberg| first=Matt| date=February 29, 2012| access-date=March 1, 2012| archive-date=November 15, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115210541/http://collider.com/saturn-award-nominations-2012/148931/| url-status=dead}}</ref>
| [[Saturn Award for Best Television Presentation|Best Presentation on Television (10 Episodes or Less)]]
| ''Falling Skies''
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Saturn Award for Best Actor on Television|Best Actor on Television]]
| Noah Wyle
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[64th Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects|Outstanding Special Visual Effects]]
| ''Falling Skies''
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[33rd Young Artist Awards]]
| [[33rd Young Artist Awards#Best Performance in a TV Series - Supporting Young Actor|Best Performance in a TV Series – Supporting Young Actor]]
| [[Maxim Knight]]
| {{won}}
|-
|rowspan=3|2013
|rowspan=3|[[34th Young Artist Awards]]<ref name="Young Artist Awards 34">{{cite web | url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms34.html| title=34th Annual Young Artist Awards| access-date=2013-03-31| work=YoungArtistAwards.org| archive-date=2013-04-03| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403013454/http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms34.html| url-status=dead}}</ref>
|[[34th Young Artist Awards#Best Performance in a TV Series - Supporting Young Actor|Best Performance in a TV Series – Supporting Young Actor]]
|[[Maxim Knight]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[34th Young Artist Awards#Best Performance in a TV Series - Guest Starring Young Actress 14-16|Best Performance in a TV Series – Guest Starring Young Actress 14–16]]
|[[Laine MacNeil]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[34th Young Artist Awards#Best Performance in a TV Series - Guest Starring Young Actress 11-13|Best Performance in a TV Series – Guest Starring Young Actress 11–13]]
|Olivia Steele Falconer
|{{nom}}
|-
|2014
|[[35th Young Artist Awards]]<ref name="YAA35">{{cite web | url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms35.html| title=35th Annual Young Artist Awards| access-date=April 14, 2014| work=[[Young Artist Awards]]| archive-date=July 20, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720070434/http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms35.html| url-status=dead}}</ref>
|[[35th Young Artist Awards#Best Performance in a TV Series - Supporting Young Actor|Best Performance in a TV Series – Supporting Young Actor]]
|[[Maxim Knight]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|2015
|[[41st Saturn Awards]]
|[[Saturn Award for Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series|Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series]]
|''Falling Skies''
|{{nom}}
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|http://www.fallingskies.com}}
* {{IMDb title}}

{{Falling Skies}}
{{TNTShows}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Falling Skies}}
[[Category:Falling Skies| ]]
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