Watch The Astronaut Wives Club

The Astronaut Wives Club is a television show that aired on ABC in 2015. It is based on the book of the same name written by Lily Koppel. The show revolves around the lives of seven women who were married to the astronauts of the Mercury 7 program. The Mercury 7 program was the first manned space-flight program in the United States.

The show takes place in the 1960s, a time of rapid change and progress in the United States. The country was in the midst of the Cold War with the Soviet Union and was determined to win the Space Race. The astronauts were the heroes of the nation, admired and respected by everyone. Their wives, however, were largely unknown and their struggles and sacrifices went unnoticed.

The show focuses on the lives of the seven women and their families. They navigated their way through the challenges and opportunities of the astronaut world while also dealing with the societal changes taking place around them. They were dealing with shifting gender roles, racial tensions, and the challenges of being public figures.

The main characters are Louise Shepard, Rene Carpenter, Trudy Cooper, Annie Glenn, Jo Schirra, Betty Grissom, and Marge Slayton. Each character is unique and brings something different to the show. Louise Shepard is the wife of Alan Shepard, the first American in space. She is the quintessential astronaut wife, being the first to wear a spacesuit on a television broadcast. Rene Carpenter is the free spirit of the group, always pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable. Trudy Cooper is a pilot in her own right, breaking through gender barriers to become a licensed pilot. Annie Glenn is the wife of John Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth. She is known for her struggle with stuttering and for being a strong advocate for people with disabilities. Jo Schirra is the quiet one, preferring to stay out of the limelight. Betty Grissom is the wife of Gus Grissom, one of the astronauts killed in the Apollo 1 fire. Marge Slayton is the wife of Deke Slayton, one of the Mercury 7 astronauts who did not fly due to a medical condition.

The show explores the dynamics of the relationships between the women and their husbands. They are forced to share their husbands with the world, with NASA and the government controlling almost every aspect of their lives. They also have to deal with infidelity and other marital problems that come with being in the public eye. Despite their differences, the women grow to become close friends and confidants, supporting each other through the ups and downs of their lives.

In addition to the personal lives of the characters, the show also explores the political and social landscape of the time. The Civil Rights Movement and the assassination of President Kennedy are major events that the characters have to navigate. The show also explores the impact of the space program on American society, from the euphoria of the first successful launches to the tragedy of the Apollo 1 fire.

The show is visually stunning, with costumes and sets that transport the viewer back to the 1960s. The attention to detail is evident in everything from the hair and makeup to the NASA logos on the spacecraft. The performances by the cast are strong, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their respective characters. JoAnna Garcia Swisher, in particular, shines as Betty Grissom, bringing a vulnerability and strength to the character that is both captivating and heart-wrenching.

Overall, The Astronaut Wives Club is a captivating show that provides a glimpse into a fascinating time in American history. It is a celebration of the women who supported the astronauts behind the scenes, while also exploring the broader cultural and political landscape of the 1960s.

The Astronaut Wives Club is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between June 18, 2015 and on ABC