Willie Tanner, a typical family man, sees his peaceful life turned upside down when an alien creature from the planet Melmac crashes onto his garage roof. This creature, which the Tanner children name ALF, begins living with the family. ALF, whose real name is Gordon Shumway, is not your typical alien; with his unusual antics, arrogance, and charm, he is quite different. While the kids adore ALF, their mother Kate does not want this furry creature in the house, hidden from everyone.