V

V opens when fifty enormous spacecraft appear above major cities, their silent presence triggering awe and unease. The Visitors who disembark look human and promise friendship, trade and technological gifts, so most of Earth welcomes them. Gradually shortages, strange behavior and subtle propaganda make a few people suspicious. Julie Parrish, a television reporter, and other ordinary characters including Brian, Daniel and officials begin to connect odd incidents and suspect the Visitors want Earth’s resources. The story shifts between public spectacle and private fear, showing how alliances form and trust frays, while Diana serves as the Visitors' public face too.

Aired in 1983 as a two part miniseries on NBC, V was created by Kenneth Johnson and featured Jane Badler, Faye Grant, Michael Durrell, Peter Nelson and David Packer in leading roles, and its creature design stood out, widely noted.

V's image of supposedly human aliens hiding reptilian anatomy became an enduring visual in 1980s science fiction. The miniseries spawned sequels, a weekly TV run and a 2009 reboot, and it has been referenced often when television addresses propaganda and authoritarian themes, and media manipulation.

Audiences responded well, the miniseries holding a 7.737/10 average from 957 votes. Critics pointed to its tension, special effects and political subtext, noting themes of manipulation, surveillance, collaboration and resistance woven into its action and domestic drama. Its blend of suspense and social critique kept viewers talking.

The production attracted industry recognition for its technical work, earning nominations for makeup, visual effects and other craft categories during awards season, reflecting how its creature design and production values stood out on network television. Those nominations highlighted the effort required to render convincing extraterrestrials on a TV budget.