# First Wave (1998)

> A framed former thief and a conspiracy-obsessed partner race to expose an alien invasion guided by Nostradamus prophecies.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/2089

## Facts

- Seasons: 3
- Episodes: 66
- Episode runtime: 45 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: science fiction, action, adventure
- Created by: Chris Brancato
- Network: Syfy
- Cast: Rob LaBelle, Sebastian Spence, Gabrielle Miller, Sarah Strange, A.J. Cook, Katharine Isabelle, Sarah Chalke, Camille Sullivan
- TMDB rating: 7.2/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0160277/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: moderate
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: moderate
- Tone: paranoid, breathless, gritty, suspenseful

## What critics say

Audience reception is positive, with viewers appreciating the fast-moving alien conspiracy premise and its blend of action, mystery and prophecy.

## Synopsis

First Wave (1998-2001) is a Canadian science fiction action series created by Chris Brancato and broadcast on Syfy. Framed for murder and forced into hiding, former thief Cade Foster (Sebastian Spence) teams up with conspiracy theorist Crazy Eddie (Rob LaBelle) to expose the vanguard of an alien invasion. Their investigation is guided by newly discovered prophecies of Nostradamus, which turn every clue into a race against an enemy that hides in plain sight. The series runs three seasons and 66 episodes as one continuing serialized story, with each stretch of episodes built from chases, hidden agendas, and close escapes across ordinary cities. Its tone is paranoid and breathless, a late nineties genre adventure where the heroes are outsiders with little trust in authority. Supporting characters, including Molly Simon (Gabrielle Miller) and Chloe Wells (Sarah Chalke), bring a range of allies and suspects into the chase. Fans of The X-Files, The Fugitive and Roswell will find resonance in its blend of conspiracy, fugitive momentum, and alien menace. The show rewards viewers who enjoy mythology-driven science fiction with a strong action edge and a tight focus on the hunt.

## Shows like First Wave

- [Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars (2004)](https://ember.film/tv/143549)
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- [Travelers (2016)](https://ember.film/tv/59502)
- [Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal (1996)](https://ember.film/tv/9210)
- [Dark Skies (1996)](https://ember.film/tv/149)
- [The Event (2010)](https://ember.film/tv/30125)
- [Taken (2002)](https://ember.film/tv/2308)
- [Debris (2021)](https://ember.film/tv/88727)
- [Salvation (2017)](https://ember.film/tv/61657)
- [Earth: Final Conflict (1997)](https://ember.film/tv/2700)

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