Watch Apollo's Moon Shot

Apollo's Moon Shot is a six-part documentary series narrated by Emmy-nominated actor, Tim Daly, released by the Smithsonian Channel in 2019. The show details the history and events leading up to the United States' efforts to land a man on the moon, starting with the space race against the Soviet Union.

Each episode runs about an hour in length and covers a specific period of time. The first episode, for example, focuses on the rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War and how the space race was born from that competition. It also introduces key players such as President John F. Kennedy, who sets the goal of landing a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s.

The second episode delves into the early days of NASA, the establishment of the Mercury and Gemini programs, and the first man to orbit the Earth - Yuri Gagarin of the Soviet Union. Along with highlighting NASA's progress and setbacks during these earlier programs, the episode also explores the challenges of space travel, such as radiation exposure and the effects of prolonged weightlessness.

The third episode focuses on the Apollo 1 disaster of 1967, during which three astronauts died in a fire during a launch pad test. The tragedy and its aftermath had a significant impact on the Apollo program and the overall NASA culture, leading to increased safety measures and a renewed commitment to succeeding in the mission of landing a man on the moon.

Episodes four and five cover the Apollo 8 and Apollo 11 missions, respectively. Apollo 8 was significant in that it marked the first time humans left Earth orbit and orbited the moon in preparation for a future lunar landing. Apollo 11, of course, is the iconic mission that achieved President Kennedy's goal and made Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin the first humans to walk on the moon.

The final episode of the series explores the legacy of the Apollo program - how it impacted scientific research, inspired future technological advancement, and affected society at large. The show also addresses the question of where we go from here - whether we should focus on returning to the moon or set our sights on Mars and beyond.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to footage of launches, interviews with experts and astronauts, and a wealth of archival material - many of which have been unseen before. The show doesn't shy away from the challenges and risks involved in the Apollo program, nor does it fail to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of those who made it a reality.

Overall, Apollo's Moon Shot is an engaging and informative documentary series that gives viewers a comprehensive overview of the historic Apollo program. Whether you're a longtime space enthusiast or a newcomer to the subject, this series offers something for everyone interested in the story of the race to the moon.

Apollo's Moon Shot is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between June 16, 2019 and on Smithsonian Channel