In 1986, Paul Fusco had an idea for a TV series about an alien living in a typical American family. The concept sounded promising to the network and a pilot was recorded. The network was convinced to produce the show, and together with co-creator Tom Patchett and executive producer Bernie Brillstein they shot four seasons and there have been more than 100 episodes. In addition, two animated ALF series were produced, one called "ALF tales" and one named "ALF animated" about ALF's adventures back then when he lived on Melmac.