Watch Catch-22

Catch-22 is a Hulu original series based on the classic novel of the same name by Joseph Heller. This six-part miniseries takes place during World War II and follows the story of Captain John Yossarian, a B-25 bombardier in the US Army Air Forces, as he tries to complete his required number of missions in order to go home. However, there's a catch - the number of missions keeps increasing, putting Yossarian and his fellow airmen's lives in constant danger.

The series begins with Yossarian, played by Christopher Abbott, already feeling disillusioned and trapped by the Catch-22 rule, a military regulation that states a pilot can only be grounded if they are considered insane. However, in order to be considered insane, they have to request to be grounded - a logical paradox that keeps the pilots in constant fear and uncertainty.

As Yossarian tries to figure out a way to escape the war and return home, he finds himself constantly thwarted by bureaucracy and those in power who seem more interested in their own self-interests than the lives of the men under their command. The show features a wide range of characters, including Yossarian's superior officers, Major de Coverley (played by Hugh Laurie) and Colonel Cathcart (played by Kyle Chandler), as well as his fellow airmen and the people they encounter during their missions.

The show expertly balances moments of dark comedy with heart-wrenching drama, highlighting the absurdity of war while still showing the humanity of the soldiers involved. The war scenes are visceral and intense, with the show using sound design and cinematography to put the viewer right in the middle of the chaos.

One of the strengths of Catch-22 is its ensemble cast, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles. Abbott is particularly impressive as Yossarian, bringing a vulnerability and intensity to the character that makes the viewer root for him even as he makes questionable choices. Chandler is also excellent as the ambitious and morally dubious Colonel Cathcart, while Daniel David Stewart shines as the perpetually positive and naive Milo Minderbinder.

The show also does an excellent job of exploring the themes of the novel, particularly the inherent contradiction of trying to have any control over your life during war. The Catch-22 rule is the ultimate expression of this theme, showing how the powers that be can hold the lives of soldiers in their hands and toy with them for their own gain.

Overall, Catch-22 is a riveting and thought-provoking look at the horrors of war and the insanity of bureaucracy. The show is expertly crafted, with strong performances from its ensemble cast, stunning visuals, and a pitch-perfect tone that balances humor and pathos. While the subject matter can be heavy at times, the show's exploration of the human condition is ultimately uplifting and inspiring.

Catch-22 is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between May 17, 2019 and on Hulu