Mahershala Ali Starred In This Forgotten Sci-Fi TV Show That's Worth Revisiting

Mahershala Ali, who is now a celebrated two-time Oscar winner, once played a significant role in a forgotten sci-fi television series called The 4400. The show, which aired on the USA Network, starred Ali as Richard Tyler, a Korean War pilot who was mysteriously abducted in the 1950s and reappeared 40 years later with four hundred and ninety-nine other people. The series followed Richard and the other returnees as they tried to make sense of their situation and the strange abilities they possessed.

The 4400 premiered on July 11, 2004, and initially had a strong following, with its season 1 finale being the highest-rated show on cable in August 2004. Despite its initial success, the show didn't maintain the same popularity as other science fiction shows from the same era, such as Lost and Heroes. However, The 4400 has developed a dedicated cult following over the years, with fans appreciating its intricate storytelling and ensemble cast.

In 2021, The CW gave The 4400 a reboot, but the series only lasted one season. Despite its brief run, Ali had already made his mark in Hollywood, appearing in shows like Luke Cage and winning awards for his roles in films such as Moonlight and Green Book. The actor recounted in a SAG-AFTRA Foundation interview how he had to renegotiate his contract after Season 3 of The 4400, which initially caused him some anxiety when he learned he had been cast in David Fincher's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. However, the news of the film role helped alleviate his concerns.