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Other Space
Genre
Created byPaul Feig
Starring
Composers
  • Orr Rebhun
  • Erica Weis
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes8
Production
Executive producers
  • Paul Feig
  • Owen Ellickson
  • Jessie Henderson
Producers
  • David Glazier
  • David Soldinger
  • Joshua Thurston
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time25–27 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkYahoo! Screen
ReleaseApril 14, 2015 (2015-04-14)

Other Space is an American science fiction comedy television series created by Paul Feig for Yahoo! Screen. Set in the 22nd century, it follows the dysfunctional crew of an exploratory spaceship who become trapped in an unknown universe.

The first season of eight episodes premiered on April 14, 2015. The series was not renewed for a second season due to Yahoo! Screen being shut down the following year. The rights for Other Space were later picked up by DUST, which began streaming the series in August 2020.

Premise

[edit]

Other Space takes place in the year 2105, where a multi-national corporate coalition has created the Universal Mapping Project (UMP) to make scientific inquiries throughout the known universe. Among its exploratory space vessels is the UMP Cruiser, a veteran ship that was once used as the setting for a reality television series. Hoping to reignite public interest in their mission, UMP officials give command of the Cruiser to the young and eager Stewart Lipinski for his first mission. Stewart's older sister Karen is assigned to be his second-in-command, against both of their wishes.

Joining Stewart and Karen on board the Cruiser is Stewart's best friend Michael Newman, who is relegated to third-in-command instead of the second-in-command position he assumed he would receive. Stewart hires his unrequited love interest Tina Shukshin as the navigator of the ship due to his romantic feelings for her. Kent Woolworth, the son of UMP Chairwoman Helen Woolworth, is named science officer, which Kent acknowledges is the result of nepotism. Functions on the Cruiser are monitored by Natasha, the ship's computer and former hospitality bot at a casino. The only experienced member of the crew is engineer Zalian Fletcher, whose cognitive functions have been impaired by prolonged exposure to radiation. Zalian is accompanied by his friend A.R.T., a robot stowaway living on the vessel.

During the crew's maiden voyage, the Cruiser is sucked into a wormhole, trapping them in an unexplored universe. The crew attempts to return home while surviving perils and making new discoveries.[1][2]

Cast and characters

[edit]

Main

[edit]
  • Karan Soni as Stewart Lipinski:
    The captain of the Cruiser. Enthusiastic and optimistic, Stewart desires to keep his crew's morale high and make new discoveries. As he laments in the final episode, he appears to be the only member of the crew eager to explore the universe. He often finds himself in conflict with his older sister Karen due to their clashing personalities and her resentment towards him being named captain over her. He also harbors unrequited feelings for Tina, with his failure to win her love being a recurring theme in the show. Series creator Paul Feig described Stewart as a smarter and intuitive teenage version of himself, with his enthusiasm being his greatest skill.[3] Roni Akurati portrays Stewart as a child.
  • Bess Rous as Karen Lipinski:
    The first officer of the Cruiser. Unlike her younger brother Stewart, Karen is stern, temperamental, and unconcerned with what others think of her. She resents Stewart for constantly getting what she feels she deserves to have, including being the vessel's captain, but also admits that he deserves his successes. Michael believes that she harbors romantic feelings for him, which is proven true when they enter into a relationship. In the last episode, Stewart names her captain when he leaves the ship and the two end up serving as co-captains when he returns. Feig noted that while Karen is an overachiever, she is passed up in favor of her brother due to having "terrible people skills" in contrast to Stewart's "good people skills".[3]
  • Eugene Cordero as Michael Newman:
    The second officer of the Cruiser. He is Stewart's best friend, whom he babysat when they were children. Michael often feels ignored and disrespected by the rest of the crew, which is compounded by humiliations frequently inflicted on him throughout the series. Despite the neglect, he shares a mutual attraction with Karen, leading to a relationship between the two. After he loses his left leg during a mission, he utilizes a cybernetic implant for the remainder of the show. According to Feig, Michael is based on his own friend who had been his babysitter.[3] Sean-Ryan Petersen portrays Michael as a child.
  • Milana Vayntrub as Tina Shukshin:
    The navigator of the Cruiser. Tina is established as being unqualified for the position and was hired because of Stewart's unrequited love for her, although she is the only member of the crew capable of mining extractions. Flighty and possibly unstable, she has a tendency to resort to violence. Tina also cares about her friends and loved ones, however, as demonstrated when she sets up a date between Natasha and Kent. Vayntrub said she was drawn to the show because of her interest in science, being able to engage in improvisational comedy, and the opportunity to work with Feig.[4]
  • Neil Casey as Kent Woolworth:
    The science officer of the Cruiser. The son of UMP Chairwoman Helen Woolworth, Kent was born as an organ donor for his older brother Derek and has spent most of his life nearly-comatose in a chemical bath. Only recently freed from the chemical bath after Derek's death, Kent's upbringing has left him with difficulty understanding basic social conventions and expressing emotions. His anatomy was also altered by his upbringing, causing him to have gills on his neck and no fingerprints, among other unusual features. He gradually falls in love with Natasha and in the finale, transfers his mind into the ship to physically be with her. Feig originally envisioned the role for Martin Starr as a "really dysfunctional nerd whose father married a younger woman and the new wife wanted the kid out of the house", but the character was changed following development of the pilot episode and the casting of Casey.[3]
  • Conor Leslie as Natasha:
    The computer of the Cruiser. Natasha was created as a hospitality bot for the inaugural Hooters Casino Space Shuttle before she was purchased by UMP. She is upbeat and polite, but is also capable of expressing a wide variety of human emotions, including anger and sadness. Among her desires is free will and she is ultimately granted human privileges by Stewart and Karen, although she continues to loyally serve her superiors. During her time on the ship, she develops romantic feelings for Kent and the two enter into a relationship. Feig said that he was inspired by "the idea of the friendly operating system who’s still insecure, like all of us" when writing Natasha.[3]
  • Joel Hodgson as Zalian Fletcher:
    The longtime engineer of the Cruiser. Prolonged exposure to radiation has left him in a permanently-impaired state, but he remains capable at his job and demonstrates resourcefulness when the ship loses power, helping guide Stewart through the crisis. His best friend on board the Cruiser is A.R.T. Feig stated that he always envisioned Hodgson as Zalian, whose casting reunited him with his Mystery Science Theater 3000 co-star Beaulieu.
  • Trace Beaulieu as the voice of A.R.T.:
    A robot stowaway residing on the Cruiser. Appearing as a wisecracking friend and companion of Zalian, A.R.T. is really billionaire inventor Howard Barnes, who transferred his brainwaves into a robotic body. Numerous models of A.R.T. are stored on the ship and if a model is destroyed, a new model containing the memories of the previous model replaces it. As with his Mystery Science Theater 3000 co-star Hodgson, Beaulieu was Feig's original choice for the character.[3] Beaulieu and Sherry O'Connor serve as the puppeteers for A.R.T.

Guest

[edit]
  • Jessica Chaffin as General Hayson: A high-ranking UMP official
  • Björn Gustafsson as Ted Zachariasen: A military officer and Tina's boyfriend
  • Mo Collins as Helen Woolworth: The chairwoman of UMP and Kent's mother
  • Sarah Baker as Alien: A mysterious extraterrestrial who comes into contact with the crew
  • John Milhiser as the voice of Coffee Bot: A robot who provides coffee on the ship. Ian O'Connor serves as the puppeteer for Coffee Bot.
  • Dave Franco as Chad Sampson: A manipulative alien posing as the auxiliary deck officer. Franco went uncredited for the role.

Edgar Blackmon, Kate Comer, and Evan Gaustad portray members of Stewart's crew during a training exercise.

Episodes

[edit]
No. Title Directed by Written by Release date
1"Into the Great Beyond...Beyond"Luke MathenyPaul FeigApril 14, 2015 (2015-04-14)
Stewart is assigned captain of the UMP Cruiser with Karen as his second-in-command, to her displeasure. At the beginning of their first mission, the crew becomes stranded in another universe. Karen calls Stewart's leadership into question and stages a mutiny to become captain. UMP officials enter the ship, claiming the events that transpired were a test that Karen passed. Stewart, however, realizes that an unknown entity is manipulating the crew into seeing their deepest desires and saves them from the entity. Karen acknowledges that Stewart deserves to be captain and Stewart retains her as his second-in-command. The crew is joined by Chad, the auxiliary deck officer.
2"Getting to Know You"Lucia AnielloOwen EllicksonApril 14, 2015 (2015-04-14)
Suspicions arise that one of the crew members may be an alien. Kent is believed to be the intruder when the crew discovers gills on his neck, prompting them to place him in the ship's airlock. Karen realizes that the real alien is Chad, but Chad manipulates the crew into also throwing her and Stewart in the airlock. The three manage to escape and after Kent exposes Chad as being only capable of quoting Matthew McConaughey, Karen ejects him into space.
3"The Death of A.R.T."Lucia AnielloJacob YoungApril 14, 2015 (2015-04-14)
While A.R.T. is on the hull of the ship to fix a problem he caused, Karen accidentally knocks him into space. The crew learns that a planet is forming around the Cruiser, with A.R.T. in its orbit. A.R.T. sacrifices himself by attracting the planet's matter away from the ship to his body. Zalian reveals there are multiple models of A.R.T. on the ship, causing Karen to destroy another model out of frustration. Stewart creates a video message to introduce the Cruiser to any nearby aliens, but forgets to include Michael, fueling Michael's suspicions that he is not valued by the crew.
4"Ted Talks"Robert CohenKaren KilgariffApril 14, 2015 (2015-04-14)
Tina is assigned to retrieve the ship's fuel from near the surface of the new planet, but becomes too distraught to properly operate the machinery when she receives a delayed break-up message from Ted. Karen, Michael, and Natasha throw Tina a "girl's night" in an attempt to cheer her up. The event fails to raise her spirits, but the friendship shown inspires Tina to successfully retrieve the fuel. However, the ship is unable to start because Zalian and A.R.T. neglected to prime and test the thrusters. Karen and Michael enter into a relationship. The crew discovers that more wormholes are appearing in the universe, providing a potential means to return home, while the ship's cameras are taken over by an unknown user.
5"Trouble's Brewing"Adam Nix & Evan NixBen SmithApril 14, 2015 (2015-04-14)
Feeling unappreciated and disrespected, Natasha, Kent, and A.R.T. stage a "robot uprising" against Stewart and Karen. The uprising inadvertently turns violent when the malfunctioning-Coffee Bot holds the siblings at gunpoint, prompting Natasha, Kent, and A.R.T. to work together with Zalian to deactivate Coffee Bot. Afterwards, Kent and Natasha are granted human privileges and A.R.T. is given restrooms access. Meanwhile, Tina and Michael are sent to spend six hours retrieving fuel on the new planet, where time dilation causes hours to become months. They initially form a romantic relationship, but when their return to the Cruiser is delayed by the robot uprising, they succumb to insanity and Tina eats Michael's leg before they are beamed back. A mysterious alien watches the crew's video.
6"Powerless"Matt SohnShelby FeroApril 14, 2015 (2015-04-14)
The Cruiser is caught in an electric space storm that forces power on the ship to be kept to a minimum. Karen tricks Michael, Tina, and A.R.T. into believing the situation is worse than it actually is when they refuse to lower their power usage, but her plan results in Michael and Tina destroying A.R.T. and attempting to shut down Natasha to further conserve power. Kent protects Natasha from Michael and Tina, revealing that he has fallen in love with her. Stewart initially forgoes exiting the storm when he spots a potential sign of an alien ship, but the storm's intensity forces him to leave before he can find anything definitive. A new ripple is discovered that may return the crew to their universe, although Stewart becomes ambivalent about returning without exploring the new universe further.
7"First Contact"Matt SohnMatteo Borghese & Rob TurbovskyApril 14, 2015 (2015-04-14)
After Karen strikes Michael over his affair with Tina, Tina holds a trial to decommission her. The trial ends without a verdict when Michael withdraws his complaint. Natasha is angered when Kent acknowledges that she will not matter to him when they return home, but the two make amends. They also learn that upon returning, Natasha's memory will be wiped. Stewart discovers that the alien is contacting him through his erotic dreams, resulting in the alien providing a frequency to allow it onboard the Cruiser.
8"Finale"Matt SohnOwen EllicksonApril 14, 2015 (2015-04-14)
Tina attempts to set up a first date between Natasha and Kent before Natasha's memory is cleared. The date is unsuccessful, but Kent is able to transfer his mind into the ship and make physical contact with Natasha. After the alien visits the Cruiser, Stewart and Michael choose to go onboard its ship instead of returning home, where they discover that the alien is siphoning their fuel. The loss of fuel prevents the crew from traveling through the new wormhole, but they learn that the wormhole did not lead to Earth. The crew then discovers that they were being filmed as part of a reality television series, prompting them to behave in a monotone manner. The alien reveals her true appearance onboard the Cruiser and states that they are all being hunted by an unidentified presence.

Release

[edit]

The series premiered on April 14, 2015, through Yahoo! Screen, which released the eight episodes of the first season on the same day. The first season moved to DUST on August 1, 2020, with episodes also uploaded to its YouTube and Vimeo channels.[5]

Reception

[edit]

The first season was met with positive reviews from critics upon its premiere. On Rotten Tomatoes it has an approval rating of 85%, based on reviews from 13 critics, with an average rating of 6.33 out of 10. The site consensus reads, "Other Space is a breezy trifle that revels in its low-fi production values and cheeky wonder in the pratfalls of space travel."[6] On Metacritic, the first season has a score of 66 out of 100 based on 6 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[7]

Future

[edit]

In April 2015, creator Paul Feig stated that the future of the show is "up in the air" and that a second season has yet to be ordered by the network.[3] Feig confirmed that he was still waiting for a decision from Yahoo! in September 2015.[8] On October 21, 2015, Yahoo CFO Ken Goldman announced during a Q3 Earnings Phone Call that their original programming lineup last spring resulted in a $42 million writeoff, including Community Season 6 and Sin City Saints.[9]

On January 6, 2016, Feig suggested there may be more episodes of Other Space [10] despite Yahoo! Screen cancelling their service in 2016 due to low viewership and financial writeoffs. On February 21, 2016, Paul Feig posted on his Twitter account: "Desist in losing hope. It will be back if I have to shoot it on my iPhone. But it won't come to that. Hang tough."[11] after the future of the series was called into question when Yahoo! Screen was shut down in late 2015.

On January 31, 2017, it was reported that rights to the series had reverted from Yahoo! back to Paul Feig. Following his reclamation of the rights to the series, Feig released the entire show on Tumblr with the hope that it might garner enough attention to warrant a second season revival on another platform.[12]

In 2020, it was announced the rights for the series were picked up by the streaming service DUST, which began hosting the series on August 1, 2020.[5][13] As of October 2025, the series is not available on DUST's Tubi or YouTube channels.[14]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Other Space

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Other Space is an American television series created by that premiered on April 14, 2015, on Yahoo! Screen. Set in 2105, the show centers on the dysfunctional, inexperienced crew of the United Planetary Motors (UMP) Cruiser, led by Captain Stewart Lipinski (Karan Soni), who are inadvertently transported into an unknown parallel universe during a routine exploratory mission. The series blends workplace comedy with sci-fi tropes, depicting the crew's comedic struggles against alien encounters, temporal anomalies, resource shortages, and internal conflicts as they attempt to return to their home dimension. Consisting of a single season of eight 25–27-minute episodes, it features a ensemble cast including as navigator Tina Shukshin, as first officer Karen Lipinski, as engineer Michael Newman, as scientist Kent Woolworth, as security officer Natasha, and as alien ambassador Zalian Fletcher. The production marked Feig's return to television following , with him serving as an alongside Owen Ellickson and Jessie Henderson. Filmed in , the series drew inspiration from ensemble comedies like and classic sci-fi such as , incorporating guest appearances from alumni like Hodgson and voicing the ship's AI, A.R.T. Yahoo! Screen's original programming initiative aimed to compete in the streaming space, but the platform's closure in late 2015 led to the series' cancellation after one season, despite Feig's subsequent efforts to revive it on other networks. Critically, Other Space received generally positive reviews for its witty dialogue, character-driven humor, and nostalgic sci-fi elements, earning an 83% approval rating from critics on based on 12 reviews. Audience reception was even stronger, with an 89% score, praising its binge-worthy format and relatable ensemble dynamics. Though initially underseen due to limited distribution, the series has since gained a through availability on platforms like and , with Feig expressing interest in potential continuations as recently as 2020.

Overview

Premise

Other Space is a live-action series set in the year 2105, following the young and inexperienced crew of the exploratory spaceship UMP Cruiser as they embark on their maiden voyage for the Universal Mapping Project. Intended as a routine mission to chart uncharted regions of space, the journey quickly goes awry when the vessel is pulled through a , stranding the crew in an unknown parallel universe dubbed "Other Space." In this alien realm, the crew must contend with hostile extraterrestrial encounters, spatial anomalies, and the challenges of survival far from home, all while grappling with internal conflicts stemming from their lack of expertise and clashing personalities. The series centers on archetypal roles such as the reluctant and bickering officers, whose dynamics amplify the chaos of their predicament. The lies in the crew's incompetence, which propels the through a series of mishaps and interpersonal tensions amid genuine sci-fi perils, blending adult-oriented humor with tropes of gone wrong. This setup highlights the humorous absurdities of interstellar adventure, focusing on the crew's efforts to find a way back while adapting to their bizarre new surroundings.

Setting and style

Other Space is set in the year 2105, in the 22nd century, where humanity has formed the Universal Mapping Project (UMP), an international dedicated to exploring and charting the in search of alien life. The series centers on the UMP Cruiser, a starship crewed by an inexperienced team tasked with routine exploratory missions. Upon encountering a , the vessel is thrust into "Other Space," a mysterious alternate dimension characterized by bizarre physics, temporal anomalies, and encounters with alien species. This uncharted region serves as the primary backdrop, amplifying the isolation and unpredictability of the crew's predicament. The show's visual style embraces a low-budget aesthetic, utilizing practical sets and modest CGI effects to evoke a campy, intentionally unpolished sci-fi atmosphere reminiscent of earlier . This approach contrasts with high-production-value blockbusters, instead highlighting the everyday mundanity of space travel through exaggerated, cartoonish ship interiors and effects that prioritize humor over realism. Narratively, Other Space adopts a satirical lens on classic tropes, drawing parallels to series like by subverting expectations of heroic exploration with the mundane struggles of a dysfunctional ensemble. At its core, the comedic style revolves around workplace dynamics aboard the Cruiser, where interpersonal conflicts, incompetence, and sibling rivalries among the crew take precedence over epic threats. This emphasis on character-driven and institutional creates a tone that blends absurd situations with relatable human flaws, often using the alien environment to underscore the crew's personal chaos rather than as a source of high-stakes drama. The result is a lighthearted that critiques the genre's conventions while celebrating the resilience of misfits in extraordinary circumstances.

Production

Development

Other Space was conceived by in the early 2000s, shortly after the cancellation of his debut series in 2000, as part of a development deal with that encouraged him to explore new concepts. Feig initially pitched the project as a single-camera sci-fi comedy about a dysfunctional spaceship crew trapped in a parallel universe, drawing inspiration from ensemble-driven workplace humor seen in shows like , which he had helped adapt for American television. The idea stemmed from Feig's longstanding interest in science fiction tropes reimagined through character-focused comedy, influenced by British series such as , where confined settings amplify interpersonal dynamics. The pilot script was developed for around 2004, but the network requested a multi-camera format, leading to revisions that ultimately stalled the project due to scheduling conflicts and the lack of a paired companion series. Feig retained the rights after the deal lapsed, keeping the script in development limbo for nearly a decade amid his rising film career with hits like Bridesmaids (2011). By 2013, as streaming platforms emerged, Feig revisited the concept, adapting it back to a single-camera style to suit serialized , which aligned with his vision of limited-run akin to British television models. In 2014, Yahoo! Screen greenlit Other Space as an original series with a straight-to-series order for eight episodes, marking Feig's return to television after focusing on features. The decision was driven by Yahoo's push into premium content to compete with and , allowing Feig creative control over the tone—a blend of earnest sci-fi adventure and awkward comedy—without traditional network constraints. Pre-production emphasized Feig's ensemble approach, adapting the interpersonal conflicts from his earlier works like to a futuristic setting, ensuring the narrative centered on misfit characters navigating isolation in space.

Casting and characters

Paul Feig, the creator and director of Other Space, personally oversaw the casting process, collaborating with casting director Allison Jones to select actors with distinctive voices, natural comedic timing, and strong improvisational abilities to suit the show's ensemble-driven humor. Auditions incorporated an improvisational segment where actors personalized scripted monologues, allowing Feig to evaluate their creativity and how they could contribute to the dysfunctional crew dynamic central to the series' premise of a ragtag team. He handpicked performers like , noted for his exceptional improv skills, and sci-fi comedy veterans and from to bring authenticity and genre-savvy wit to the roles. Character development emphasized building relatable archetypes—such as insecure leaders and quirky specialists—grounded in emotional depth to balance the sci-fi satire, drawing from Feig's experience crafting flawed ensembles on shows like . Refinements occurred through on-set live , where actors augmented scripts with spontaneous interactions; for instance, the ship's AI character was performed in real-time via puppeteers and camera feeds to foster organic humor among the cast. Extensive post-production editing integrated these elements, ensuring the characters' witty flaws and interpersonal dynamics enhanced the comedic tension without overshadowing the narrative. A key casting decision was assembling a diverse group of comedians, including performers of varied ethnic backgrounds like and alongside established names such as , to infuse the show's satirical take on tropes with multifaceted perspectives and broad appeal. This approach reflected Feig's commitment to authentic ensemble , prioritizing natural humor over to highlight the crew's satirical misadventures in an alternate .

Production design

The production design for Other Space emphasized a low-fi, quirky aesthetic to underscore the show's comedic tone, drawing inspiration from cult sci-fi like Mystery Science Theater 3000. The sets, constructed in Los Angeles, featured a goofy-looking spaceship with practical interiors that evoked a sense of everyday dysfunction amid interstellar adventure, allowing the ensemble cast to navigate confined spaces for humorous effect. This approach aligned with creator Paul Feig's vision for a relatable, imperfect visual style that avoided high-polish effects in favor of charm and accessibility. Visual elements extended to wardrobe and props, blending Star Trek-inspired futurism with contemporary casualness, such as minimalist uniforms reminiscent of basics, which highlighted the crew's inexperience and amplified the sitcom dynamics. Alien encounters incorporated practical makeup and modest CGI for exaggerated comedic features, including a notable character who communicates solely through interpretive dance, contributing to the series' blend of absurdity and heartfelt exploration. The overall low-budget design choices, produced by Feigco Entertainment and Abominable Pictures, reinforced the narrative's theme of misfits in an unforgiving universe without relying on extravagant spectacle. The sound design supported the comedic timing through precise audio mixing that emphasized punchlines and spatial effects within the ship's confines, with voice work for non-human elements like the ship's computer—voiced by —recorded to enhance satirical robot interactions reminiscent of his roles. The original score, composed by Orr Rebhun, featured playful electronic and orchestral motifs that evoked wonder and whimsy, complementing the sci-fi premise while maintaining a lighthearted pace across the eight episodes. Recording sessions prioritized ensemble chemistry and rhythmic delivery to ensure the humor landed effectively in the single-camera format.

Cast

Main cast

The main cast of Other Space features an ensemble of actors known for their comedic timing, many with backgrounds in sketch comedy, improvisation, and supporting roles in ensemble-driven humor. Karan Soni plays Stewart Lipinski, the socially awkward but enthusiastic captain of the UMP Cruiser, whose arc involves growing from an insecure leader plagued by imposter syndrome into a more confident commander through the crew's misadventures. Soni, an Indian-American actor raised in Illinois, gained early recognition for his lead role in the Amazon series Betas (2013–2014), showcasing his deadpan delivery in tech satire, before starring in films like Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) and later portraying Dopinder in the Deadpool franchise, highlighting his versatility in awkward, relatable comedy. Bess Rous portrays Karen Lipinski, Stewart's competitive and sarcastic older sister serving as first officer, whose personality drives much of the sibling rivalry and provides sharp-witted banter amid the chaos, evolving from a reluctant supporter to a key strategic ally. Rous, a stage-trained actress with roots in New York theater, originated roles in productions like Sarah Treem's The How and the Why (2011) opposite Mercedes Ruehl, and transitioned to television with recurring parts in Under the Dome (2015), where her dry humor shone in ensemble dynamics. Eugene Cordero plays Michael Newman, the laid-back ship's doctor and Stewart's childhood friend, characterized by his sarcastic quips and unhurried demeanor that often masks deeper loyalty, with an arc centered on confronting his unrequited feelings while becoming the crew's emotional anchor. Cordero, a Detroit native with improv experience from The Groundlings, broke out in comedic supporting roles on House of Lies (2012–2016) and later earned acclaim for voicing Ensign Sam Rutherford in Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020–2024), emphasizing his skill in blending humor with heartfelt moments. Milana Vayntrub portrays Tina Shukshin, the quirky and volatile navigator prone to impulsive decisions and a surprising affinity for combat, whose development involves channeling her chaotic energy into protective instincts for the team. Vayntrub, an Uzbekistan-born actress who immigrated to the U.S. as a child, honed her comedic chops through improv and web series like , before gaining widespread fame as AT&T's "Lily" in commercials and voicing in Marvel projects, known for her energetic, self-deprecating style. Neil Casey plays Kent Woolworth, the idealistic yet socially inept science officer with a robotic speaking style stemming from his unusual upbringing as an organ donor for his sister, evolving from a detached observer to an integral problem-solver embracing human connections. Casey, a Wilmington, Delaware native and Emmy-nominated writer for Saturday Night Live (2007–2008), brought his improvisational background from Upright Citizens Brigade to roles in Ghostbusters (2016) and Making History (2017), where his precise, understated comedy enhanced ensemble interplay. Conor Leslie portrays Natasha, the no-nonsense helmsman focused on precise navigation, whose cool-headed professionalism contrasts the crew's antics, leading to an arc of opening up emotionally and forming unexpected bonds. Leslie, an Alaskan-raised actress with theater training, debuted in dramatic roles like Klondike (2014) before showcasing comedic range in The Man in the High Castle (2015–2018) and as Donna Troy in Titans (2018–2023), transitioning effectively to roles with her clear, authoritative tone. Trace Beaulieu voices A.R.T., the ship's sarcastic AI computer with a dry, world-weary wit reminiscent of his iconic puppet roles, serving as the crew's omniscient yet snarky guide without a personal arc but providing consistent through observational humor. , a Minnesota-based performer famous for voicing and playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter on (1988–1996), drew on his riffing expertise for this role, later contributing to revivals like and writing satirical works. Joel Hodgson plays Zalian Fletcher, the laid-back, dim-witted alien engineer with a hippie vibe, whose oblivious optimism and technical mishaps highlight themes of unlikely teamwork, growing slightly more competent while retaining his endearing cluelessness. Hodgson, the creator of Mystery Science Theater 3000, brought his inventive humor from prop-building and sketch writing to this role, following guest spots in Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000) and influencing sci-fi comedy through his foundational work in fan-driven satire.

Guest stars

The guest cast for Other Space featured several comedians and actors in one-off or limited appearances, contributing distinctive comedic elements and narrative surprises to the series' sci-fi ensemble. These roles often injected fresh dynamics into episodes, enhancing the humor through exaggerated personalities or unexpected developments while supporting the core crew's misadventures. played Chad Sampson, a charming but duplicitous alien disguised as the ship's auxiliary deck officer, appearing uncredited in the first two episodes. His portrayal added a layer of intrigue and satirical humor via Chad's manipulative schemes, culminating in a reveal that heightened early tensions before his swift exit. Mo Collins portrayed Helen Woolworth, the authoritative chairwoman of the United Planetary Positions (UMP) and mother to main character Kent Woolworth, in two episodes. Collins' performance brought sharp, no-nonsense wit to family-related subplots, amplifying the show's interpersonal comedy without shifting the primary space exploration focus. Jessica Chaffin played General Hayson, a stern high-ranking UMP official, in the series premiere. Her delivery infused bureaucratic absurdity and commanding presence, providing a humorous contrast to the crew's incompetence and underscoring the military origins of their mission. John Milhiser voiced Coffee Bot, a malfunctioning assistant, in the fifth episode "Trouble's Brewing." The character's glitchy, overly literal responses delivered humor around everyday shipboard annoyances, offering light relief amid escalating crises. portrayed Ted Zachariasen, a bumbling and brief romantic interest for engineer , appearing in select episodes. Gustafsson's portrayal contributed awkward, comedy to romantic interludes, twisting interpersonal tensions for comedic effect while keeping the spotlight on the crew's survival challenges.

Episodes

Season structure

Other Space features a single season of eight episodes, produced from 2014 to 2015 and premiered in full on , 2015. Each episode has a runtime of approximately 25 minutes, aligning with the standard format for half-hour comedy programs. The season employs a structure of self-contained adventures, where the dysfunctional crew of the UMP Cruiser encounters various space hazards and interpersonal conflicts, while pursuing an overarching goal of escaping the uncharted "Other Space" region accessed through a malfunction. Episodes progressively build crew dynamics, such as sibling tensions between Stewart Lipinski and his second-in-command Karen, alongside incremental revelations about the mysterious , blending episodic with serialized progression. As Yahoo Screen's inaugural original scripted series ordered for a fixed run of eight episodes, the production incorporated limited-series elements to facilitate contained narrative closure within a comedic sci-fi framework.

Episode summaries

EpisodeTitleAir DateDirectorWriter(s)Summary
1Into the Great Beyond... BeyondApril 14, 2015Luke MathenyPaul Feig, Karen Kilgariff, Matteo BorgheseThe inexperienced crew of the U.M.P. Cruiser, led by new captain Stewart Lipinski and his sister Karen, embarks on a historic exploratory mission but is thrust into a parallel universe via a wormhole malfunction, setting the stage for their survival challenges and highlighting initial crew tensions through comedic errors in navigation and command.
2Getting to Know YouApril 14, 2015Lucia AnielloOwen EllicksonIn an effort to build camaraderie, Stewart organizes a bonding activity that spirals into suspicion when the crew suspects an alien impostor among them, emphasizing themes of trust and paranoia in isolated group dynamics with sci-fi twists on social games.
3The Death of A.R.T.April 14, 2015Lucia AnielloJacob Young, Karen KilgariffThe ship's AI, A.R.T., suffers critical damage during a broadcast attempt, leaving the crew vulnerable as a nearby cosmic event looms, focusing on their dependence on technology and the emergence of human ingenuity amid humorous malfunctions.
4Ted TalksApril 14, 2015Robert CohenKaren Kilgariff, Matteo Borghese, Rob TurbovskyTina deals with a breakup message from Earth while the ship contends with a pervasive spyware infestation, exploring personal emotional vulnerabilities and digital security threats in a confined spaceship environment through satirical tech gags.
5Trouble's BrewingApril 14, 2015Adam Nix, Evan NixBen Smith, Karen Kilgariff, Matteo BorgheseA routine away mission for Michael and Tina encounters severe time distortion, stranding them longer than expected, as a rogue appliance incites rebellion among the ship's automatons, underscoring time relativity humor and escalating crew hierarchies.
6PowerlessApril 14, 2015Matt SohnShelby Fero, Karen Kilgariff, Matteo BorgheseTrapped in an electrical storm, Karen enforces strict power rationing amid crew resistance, while Stewart trains in ship operations, illustrating leadership conflicts and resource scarcity in a sci-fi survival comedy lens.
7First ContactApril 14, 2015Matt SohnMatteo Borghese, Rob TurbovskyStewart experiences visions potentially from an alien source, prompting investigation into first contact protocols, alongside internal disciplinary issues, delving into interspecies communication dreams and bureaucratic absurdities.
8FinaleApril 14, 2015Matt SohnOwen Ellickson, Karen Kilgariff, Matteo BorgheseThe crew achieves breakthrough communication with an alien entity named Aya and uncovers a portal back to their universe, forcing pivotal choices about return versus exploration, culminating in themes of personal growth and team unity through high-stakes decisions.
Each episode in Other Space leverages the crew's dysfunctional interactions to amplify sci-fi tropes, such as wormhole mishaps in the premiere underscoring sibling rivalry, or the impostor game in "Getting to Know You" satirizing paranoia in tight-knit groups. "The Death of A.R.T." spotlights technology's fragility via the AI's downtime, forcing untested human roles, while "Ted Talks" uses a breakup and spyware to mock privacy invasions in digital-age space travel. The time-dilation gag in "Trouble's Brewing" heightens romantic subplots and automation fears, and "Powerless" critiques authority through rationing disputes during the storm. "First Contact" employs dream sequences for alien intrigue, blending wonder with HR comedy, leading to the finale's resolution where encounters with Aya resolve arcs of isolation and discovery.

Release and distribution

Initial release

Other Space premiered on April 14, 2015, on Yahoo! Screen, where all eight episodes of the series were made available simultaneously, adopting a binge-release model typical of streaming platforms at the time. The marketing campaign featured trailers that emphasized creator and director Paul Feig's track record with acclaimed comedies such as and . These promotions aligned with Yahoo's broader initiative to position Yahoo Screen as a destination for original video content, including tie-ins with the platform's expansion into comedy series. This debut formed part of Yahoo's strategy to invest in exclusive streaming originals on Yahoo Screen prior to the service's closure in January 2016.

Home media and streaming

Following the shutdown of Yahoo Screen in January 2016, Other Space has not received any official physical home media releases, such as DVD or Blu-ray editions. As of November 2025, the series is unavailable for digital purchase or rental on major platforms including and Amazon. The post-cancellation streaming history of Other Space has been marked by intermittent availability on niche platforms. After the Yahoo closure, episodes were hosted on for a period. In July 2020, the rights were acquired by , a free ad-supported sci-fi streaming service, which relaunched the full season exclusively on its platform. DUST initially distributed the show through its app, website, and partners like and , allowing free access to all eight episodes. However, as of November 2025, Other Space has been removed from DUST's and channels, and it remains absent from major streaming services such as , , or Prime Video, with the last documented free access ending on in July 2022. Despite this obscurity and lack of mainstream distribution, the series maintains a small but dedicated .

Reception

Critical response

Other Space garnered generally positive critical reception, with an aggregate score of 83% on based on 12 reviews. The site's critics consensus describes the series as "a breezy trifle that revels in its low-fi production values and cheeky wonder in the pratfalls of space travel." On , it holds a score of 66 out of 100 from six critics, signifying "generally favorable" reviews. Critics frequently praised the show's humor and voice performances, attributing much of its appeal to creator Paul Feig's comedic sensibilities. The A.V. Club commended Feig's direction in its episode reviews, calling Other Space a "delightful sci-fi comedy" that effectively captures the awkward dynamics of a ragtag crew. Similarly, highlighted the series for unearthing "plenty of belly laughs" through sharp writing and ensemble chemistry. The described it as a "sweet, nutty confection" blending , romantic tension, and institutional satire in a sci-fi setting. However, some reviews critiqued the series for uneven pacing. noted that while intermittently amusing, the sketch-comedy style grows wearying over the full season, with familiar tropes failing to sustain momentum. acknowledged the humor's strengths but pointed to the low-budget visuals occasionally limiting the scope. Common themes in the criticism included appreciation for the satirical take on sci-fi conventions, such as incompetent explorers navigating alien encounters and temporal anomalies. Critics like those at Time magazine lauded how the series uses space as a backdrop for personal and interpersonal conflicts, evoking a playful parody of genre staples. Yet, many observed that its release on the Yahoo Screen platform hampered visibility and broader impact, contributing to its under-the-radar status despite critical merits.

Audience and legacy

Upon its release in 2015, Other Space achieved limited viewership as part of Yahoo Screen's original programming slate, which attracted only 15 million unique monthly visitors by late that year—a 34% drop from the prior year—amid broader struggles to build an audience for video content. The platform's mismatch with user expectations, where visitors primarily sought news, , or sports rather than entertainment streaming, further hampered engagement for shows like Other Space. The series concluded after one season due to the collapse of Yahoo Screen, which Yahoo shuttered in early 2016 after incurring a $42 million write-down on underperforming originals including Other Space, , and . This financial shortfall stemmed from insufficient investment in content—totaling far less than competitors like Netflix's $6 billion annual spend—and an inability to scale against established players such as and . As of November 2025, no revival or additional seasons have been announced or produced. Audience reception has been positive, with an 89% approval rating on . Despite its short run, Other Space has cultivated a small , often praised by fans of workplace comedies like and sci-fi parodies such as , with its escapist humor resonating through word-of-mouth promotion. Creator has actively championed the series post-cancellation, describing it as his "greatest disappointment" while highlighting its forward-thinking elements, like normalized among characters, and expressing hope for future opportunities. The show's legacy endures as an early streaming experiment by Feig, predating his larger successes and illustrating the risks of nascent platforms like Yahoo Screen in the mid-2010s. Its availability on select free streaming services, such as in prior years, has sustained this niche fandom by enabling and discovery among enthusiasts, though access remains fragmented as of 2025.

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