Watch Defying Gravity

Defying Gravity is a science-fiction drama television series that aired on ABC in 2009. The show is set in the near future and follows the story of eight astronauts from five different countries who embark on a six-year mission called the Antares Project. Their mission is to explore and study the solar system, specifically a group of planets known as the Beta System.

The show starts with the crew launching into space from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They all have their own personal reasons for joining the mission, but they must work together to complete their mission successfully. The crew is led by experienced astronaut Maddux Donner, played by Ron Livingston, who is well-respected by his colleagues and has a complicated past with one of the crew members, Zoe Barnes, played by Laura Harris.

Throughout the show, the crew faces various challenges, from equipment malfunctions to personal conflicts. Adding to the drama, each episode also features flashbacks to the crew's training on Earth, revealing their backstories and motivations for joining the mission. The relationships between the crew members become more complex as they deal with isolation, secrets, and romantic entanglements.

Apart from the interpersonal drama, the series also explores larger themes such as the ethics of space exploration, the impact of long-term space travel on human psychology, and the implications of finding extraterrestrial life.

One of the main challenges the crew faces is a mysterious particle that seems to defy the laws of physics, and becomes known as Beta. This unknown force affects the crew, creating hallucinations and causing them to question their reality. As the series progresses, the true nature of Beta is slowly revealed, and the crew must come to terms with its implications.

The show also features a talented supporting cast, including Christina Cox as Jen Crane, the lead of ground control, who has a complicated romantic history with Donner; Peter Howitt as Dr. Evram Mintz, the mission's chief science officer; Malik Yoba as Ted Shaw, the mission's engineer; Eyal Podell as Dr. Rollie Crane, a geologist and Jen's husband; Ty Olsson as Ajay Sharma, the mission's doctor; Maxim Roy as Claire Dereux, a French astronaut and Rollie's ex-girlfriend; Andrew Airlie as Mike Goss, the mission's director; Florentine Lahme as Nadia Schilling, a German astronaut; Dylan Taylor as Steve Wassenfelder, the mission's pilot; Karen LeBlanc as Eve Shaw, Ted's wife and head of communications; and Zahf Paroo as the Canadian astronaut, Ajay's replacement.

Despite its positive reviews and strong cast, Defying Gravity was cancelled after only one season due to low ratings. However, the show has since gained a cult following among science-fiction fans for its unique blend of interpersonal drama and hard science fiction.

In conclusion, Defying Gravity is a compelling and thought-provoking science-fiction drama that explores themes of human relationships and the human psyche in the midst of space exploration. The show's talented cast and intriguing storyline make for a captivating viewing experience that will keep audiences engaged from start to finish.

Defying Gravity is a series that ran for 1 seasons (13 episodes) between August 2, 2009 and on ABC