Watch The Right Stuff

The Right Stuff is a captivating and highly engaging American historical drama television series that aired on Disney+ streaming platform in 2020. The show is based on the bestselling book of the same name by Tom Wolfe that explores the personal lives of America's first astronauts, who were collectively known as the Mercury Seven.

The series is set in the late 1950s and early 1960s, a time when the United States government was determined to lead the space race over the Soviet Union. In a frantic effort to catch up with the Soviets, NASA launches its highly ambitious Project Mercury, which aims to put the first American into space.

The Right Stuff primarily follows the lives of seven test pilots - Alan Shepard (played by Jake McDorman), John Glenn (played by Patrick J. Adams), Gus Grissom (played by Colin O'Donoghue), Scott Carpenter (played by James Lafferty), Wally Schirra (played by Aaron Staton), Deke Slayton (played by Micah Stock) and Gordon Cooper (played by Colin Critchley) - who are chosen to be America's first astronauts.

The show meticulously chronicles the intense competition and political maneuvering among these elite pilots, their families, and the various military branches and government agencies involved in the space race.

The Right Stuff is an engaging and richly textured TV show that brilliantly captures the trials and tribulations of the Mercury Seven astronauts. Each episode vividly portrays the personal experiences, challenges, and setbacks that these pilots faced in their mission to reach space and achieve national glory.

One of the defining features of the show is its meticulous attention to detail in recreating the look and feel of the period. From the costumes to the sets, The Right Stuff perfectly captures the zeitgeist of America's post-war era.

Another standout aspect of the show is its treatment of the Mercury Seven pilots. Although these men were idolized by the public and hailed as heroes, the series presents them as complex and flawed individuals with personal struggles and demons to overcome. The show explores their individual personalities, family lives, and professional rivalries, illuminating the human side of these legendary figures.

In terms of acting, the show boasts a talented ensemble cast, with Patrick J. Adams, Jake McDorman and Colin O'Donoghue delivering particularly outstanding performances. Their portrayal of John Glenn, Alan Shepard, and Gus Grissom respectively, is strikingly nuanced and brings a level of emotional depth to their respective characters that makes them incredibly relatable.

The Right Stuff is a breath of fresh air in the crowded field of historical dramas. Its unique take on the space race provides audiences with a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in American history. The show is meticulously crafted, with each episode providing a richly detailed glimpse into the lives of America's first astronauts.

Overall, The Right Stuff is a captivating and beautifully made TV series that is well worth watching. Its powerful storytelling, exceptional acting, and stunning visuals make it a must-watch for anyone interested in the space race or American history in general. The show's compelling characters and complex relationships ensure that viewers stay invested from episode to episode.

The Right Stuff is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between October 9, 2020 and on Disney+