Invite An Alien To Live With You Day is celebrated every year on July 21, to remember the four-year-long Pam Dawber and Robin Williams show “Mork & Mindy.” The show is about an alien from the planet Ork named Mork, played by Williams, on a mission to Earth to study human behavior. Mork travels to 1970s Boulder, Colorado after his egg-shaped spacecraft lands there. Here, he meets up with Mindy, played by Dawber, who is a young journalism graduate who lets him live in her house.
The episodes revolve around Williams’ hilarious portrayal of a bumbling alien trying to get a handle on Earth culture along with his frequent dispatches back to his home planet.
History of Invite an Alien to Live with You Day
“Mork & Mindy” is an American television sitcom whose first episode aired on A.B.C. on September 14, 1978. It was created as a spin-off show following a highly successful episode of the comedy show “Happy Days.”
Mork first appears in the season five episode “My Favorite Orkan” of “Happy Days” in February 1978 and is a take on the 1960s sitcom “My Favorite Martian.” This was around the time when “Star Wars” had been released and the show wanted to feature a spaceman to capitalize on the popularity of the film which was — and still is — all the rage.
Williams’ character, Mork attempts to take Richie Cunningham back to his home planet Ork as a specimen but is foiled by Fonzie. In the first broadcast it turned out to be a dream of Richie’s, but when Mork proved so popular, the version was later re-edited to show Mork performing a classic memory wipeout and erasing the experience from everyone’s minds.
The character of Mork was played by the then-unknown Williams who garnered praise and attention for his portrayal of the alien. The now-iconic actor immediately impressed producers and viewers with his undeniable comedic ability.
According to a popular anecdote, when Williams was asked to take a seat at the audition, he sat on his head and producer Garry Marshall cast him on the spot. Marshall later commented that Williams was the only alien who auditioned.
Storylines are usually centered around Mork’s attempts to understand human behavior and American culture, while Mindy helps him adjust to life on Earth.
Invite an Alien to Live with You Day timeline
The release of “Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope” creates a new generation of science fiction lovers.
The first episode of “Mork & Mindy” airs on September 14 on A.B.C.
The sitcom’s last episode airs on May 27, bringing the iconic show to an end.
Williams becomes a household name and even appears on the March 12, 1979, cover of “Time Magazine.”
Invite an Alien to Live with You Day FAQs
Why was Mork & Mindy canceled
While the show became a cultural phenomenon, there was never a clear reason for why it was canceled after 95 episodes in the summer of 1982. One reason could have been plummeting ratings and the new time slot adopted in the last season.
What was Williams’ catchphrase in “Mork & Mindy?”
Mork’s greeting “Nanu Nanu” which accompanied a handshake that included both participants putting their fingers in the Vulcan salute became an instant hit. There was also the popular Orkan profanity “Shazbot!”
Where is the “Mork & Mindy” house?
The famous house is located at 1619 Pine Street, just a few blocks from the Pearl Street Mall. The house belonged to Mindy’s character.
Invite an Alien to Live with You Day Activities
Watch “Mork & Mindy”
Grab a tub of coke and popcorn and binge-watch this hilarious sitcom that’s guaranteed to make you laugh. Done with all the four seasons? Time to watch them again!
Enjoy Robin Williams’ work
Watch the hundreds of amazing TV shows and movies that the award-winning legendary Williams has been a part of. Let’s celebrate this beloved icon’s life.
Have an alien party
Throw an alien-themed party and invite all your family and friends. Dress up as an alien and encourage your friends to wear a wacky outfit. Get creative with the drinks, snacks, and decor!
5 Facts About “Mork & Mindy” That Will Blow Your Mind
The house is a landmark
Mork & Mindy’s residence in the show is a real place in Boulder, Colorado, and is now a popular tourist destination.
Williams and Dawber reunited in 2014
Fans who were starved of the Williams-Dawber duo were in for a treat when the actress made an appearance on Williams’ show “The Crazy Ones” in 2014.
There was supposed to be another season
The fourth season ends with the duo stranded in prehistoric times thanks to time-traveling shoes. Season five planned to add an educational aspect with the two using the shoes to meet important historical figures.
Williams found out about the cancelation late
Williams found out the show was canceled when he read about it in “Variety.”
Inspired by The Dick Van Dyke Show
While “Mork & Mindy” is a spinoff of “Happy Days,” the character in the latter show was inspired by an episode of The Dick Van Dyke show called “It May Look Like a Walnut.”
Why We Love Invite an Alien to Live with You Day
It gave us Robin Williams
The show provided a launchpad for everyone’s favorite actor Robin Williams, who is adored by millions around the world for his comedic abilities and wide range as an actor. When we watch, it’s hard not to see why.
It’s fun
Simply put, “Mork & Mindy” is the kind of show you can watch with your family at the end of a long tiring day because you know it’ll always put a smile on your face. Try it out! It may become your new favorite.
It left a mark on pop culture
Despite only running for four seasons, the show’s language (‘shazbot’ and ‘nanu nanu’) and fashion (the gorgeous rainbow suspenders) left a mark on pop culture for years to come. See what references you can spot that still hold up to today’s pop culture.
Invite an Alien to Live with You Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 21 | Monday |
| 2026 | July 21 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | July 21 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | July 21 | Friday |
| 2029 | July 21 | Saturday |
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