Watch Chasing the Moon

Chasing the Moon is a remarkable and compelling six-part documentary series by PBS that covers the story of the Apollo 11 mission - the groundbreaking journey of humankind that landed the first humans on the moon. The series takes the viewers through a journey of an era in American history dominated by Cold War competition and the decade-long struggle to achieve the profound feat of landing on the moon that changed the course of history.

The series not only covers the story of the mission and its objectives but also explores how it happened, what influenced it, and the people who made it possible. It is an incredibly relevant exploration of the social, political, and cultural challenges of the time and the efforts of the team that made this historic moment possible. The series goes deep into the lives of those who were involved in the mission, including the astronauts, engineers, politicians, and even the families of the astronauts.

Chasing the Moon is one of the most comprehensive documentaries about the Apollo 11 mission, and it tells the tale of the triumph of human spirit and effort over seemingly impossible odds. The archival footage and the series of interviews with the key players of the mission make the series authentic and give the viewer a sense of being in the moment. The documentary brings alive this historic moment, and the audience is left with a greater appreciation of what was accomplished then and the significance of the mission to our world today.

The first episode, titled "A Place Beyond the Sky," sets the stage for the series by exploring the origins of the space race, the political aspirations for the mission, and the technological advances that made the mission possible. It also highlights the personalities of the key players involved, including the astronauts themselves, their wives, and the teams that worked tirelessly to make the journey possible.

The second episode, "Earthrise," takes the viewer on a virtual journey to the moon, covering the final moments of the mission from the orbit of the earth to the lunar landing itself. It is an emotionally charged episode that captures the magic of the moment when man first set foot on the moon. The episode highlights the unrelenting diligence and dedication of the entire team as they overcome last minute technical issues, face unforeseen challenges, and take the first steps towards history.

The third episode, "Magnificent Desolation," explores the aftermath of the moon landing and the challenges that the astronauts and the country faced after returning to earth. The episode shows how the weight of their accomplishment was felt by the astronauts and how it led to a collective sense of national pride.

The fourth episode, "1969," explores the year of the moon landing and how it was a defining moment in American history. The episode tries to convey a sense of the social upheavals that were taking place at the time, including the Vietnam War, civil rights movement, the women's liberation movement, and the counterculture, and how the moon landing was a shining beacon of hope.

The fifth episode, "The Space Race," delves into the broader context of the geopolitical climate and how the space race was symbolic of the ideological rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States. It speaks to the political challenges of the time and investigates how the mission lent support to America's ambitions and convictions.

Finally, the sixth and last episode, "Saving the Crew," is an eye-opening episode about the preparations for the Apollo 13 mission and the life-threatening accident that almost jeopardized the astronaut's lives. The episode draws reference from the disaster to showcase how the Apollo program evolved, and what lessons were learnt along the way.

Overall, Chasing the Moon is an educational, informative, and fascinating series that offers a fresh perspective of a key moment in the history of the United States and the world. The attention to detail, the insights, and the evocative cinematography leave a lasting impression on the viewer. It is a show that ignites the imagination and inspires one to believe that all things are possible if one sets the sights on the goal.

Chasing the Moon is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between July 8, 2019 and on PBS