Skyward Stories. Top 6 Aviation TV Series
If you're anything like us, you can't resist a good TV series or film that takes you soaring through the skies with thrilling adventures, captivating drama, and heart-pounding action. Luckily, there's been no shortage of aviation-related entertainment hitting the screens lately. We have searched and collected for you TV series featuring top-notch performances from renowned actors and high IMDb ratings.
Masters of the Air
IMDb 7.9/10
Masters of the Air takes you on a gripping journey through World War II.
In this war drama miniseries, U.S. Army Air Force airmen navigate their B-17 "Flying Fortress" bombers from England on perilous missions aimed at dismantling Germany's war machine. Inspired by Donald L. Miller's book, the series delves into the fascinating narrative of the 100th Bomb Group, highlighting the profound brotherhood, unyielding courage, and profound sacrifices made by these valiant individuals. Through its nuanced portrayal, the show adeptly captures the harrowing realities of combat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) faced by these heroes.
The production's historical accuracy is impeccable, providing diverse perspectives and capturing the essence of the era with authenticity. From meticulously crafted uniforms to stunning location shots, every detail reflects the highest standards of quality. For example, for the filming three models of the B-17 bomber were constructed from scratch. Two of them were exact replicas, while the third was made slightly larger to accommodate the filming crew more comfortably inside.
For aviation enthusiasts and aspiring pilots Masters of the Air is a true gem, offering a well-made and historically accurate portrayal of wartime aviation. With masterful direction, compelling scripting, and stellar casting, this series is a testament to the enduring legacy of those who served during World War II.
Hijack
IMDb 7.4/10
Hijack is a high-stakes thriller about the complexities of above-the-ground crisis management.
A plane bound for London from Dubai becomes the scene of a tense hijacking unfolding in real-time over a seven-hour flight, or 7 episodes. Led by the Idris Elba the series offers a gripping portrayal of deal-making, danger, and suspense. Sam Nelson, an experienced corporate negotiator, uses his professional skills to save everyone on board. But will he succeed? This question will keep you hooked from takeoff to landing.
As the drama unfolds at 30,000 feet, viewers are treated to a multifaceted story that explores the complex nature of human behaviour under extreme pressure. This edge-of-your-seat thriller reminded us of Air Force One with Harrison Ford, they are very similar in plot. Still, Hijack is a must-watch series that leaves audiences eagerly anticipating each episode, making it a standout addition to any watchlist.
The producers smartly went for pure adrenaline, ditching complicated spy plots and excessive espionage. Instead, they focused on intense conflicts within a confined space, boosted by Elba's magnetic charisma.
For filming a full-size layout of the passenger "Airbus A330" was built with a fully working cabin. For some scenes, the colouring of the plane, which had previously performed flights in the airline company "Qatar Airways", was replaced by the colouring of the fictional British airline "Kingdom Airlines".
Catch-22
IMDb 7.7/10
A masterful adaptation of Joseph Heller's classic anti-war novel.
The darkly comedic world of The Catch-22 skilfully captures the satire and insanity of the original work. With exceptional direction, stunning settings, a captivating soundtrack, impeccable costumes, and stellar performances, this series brings Heller's vision to life with remarkable accuracy.
Captain John Yossarian, a World War II bombardier stationed on the island of Pianosa, as he navigates the absurdities of war and bureaucracy. Yossarian, determined to preserve his own life, finds himself trapped in a maddening paradox known as 'catch-22,' a situation in which attempts to avoid dangerous missions only further entangles him in the machinations of the military.
Led by Oscar-winner George Clooney as executive producer, this six-episode series delves deep into the complexities of wartime existence, where the line between sanity and insanity blurs in the face of senseless violence and absurd regulations. Yet amidst the chaos, there lies a poignant sense of hope—a reminder that even in the darkest of times, humanity endures.
The Flight Attendant
IMDb 7.1/10
The Flight Attendant offers an engaging blend of suspense, humour, and intrigue.
Cassandra Bowden, an international flight attendant, is a big party, drink and one-night stand. Thanks to her work, the girl travels around the world and does not miss the opportunity to have fun. This time, Cassie couldn’t resist an attractive business class passenger, Alex Sokolov, and the couple had a great time at the Bangkok hotel. In the morning, Cassie finds her lover with his throat cut. Panicking and committing a lot of absurd acts, the girl runs away from the hotel, and after returning to the States and calming down, decides to find out more about Alex.
One of the standout aspects of the show is the performance of Kaley Cuoco as Cassie, the flawed yet relatable lead character with a heart of gold. As she navigates the murky waters of her memory and attempts to unravel the mystery surrounding the murder, Cassie finds herself drawn into a complex web of deception and danger.
Additionally, you will enjoy the show's clever storytelling, which expertly balances dark comedy with pulse-pounding thrills, stylish visuals and sharp dialogue.
Departure
IMDb 6.9/10
"Thousands of flights depart every day... Most arrive safely", – says the show's outline.
Amidst the routine hum of air travel a passenger plane Flight 716 vanishes without a trace over the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. As the world holds its breath, mixed up by the mystery of the disappearance, seasoned aviation investigator Kendra Malley steps into the fray with her team.
The storyline will take you through a labyrinth of motives and mysteriously turned events. In the best detective tradition, we consider passengers and crew members, as well as other possible suspects. And even right until the end, you still didn't know the truth.
Archie Panjabi shines in her role as Kendra Malley, bringing depth and complexity to the character as she deals with the twists and turns of the investigation. In the races against time also runs her seasoned mentor Howard Lawson, played by Oscar winner Christopher Plummer (1929-2021). He finished filming the second season a few days before he passed away.
Despite some mixed reviews, “Departure" earned praise for its gripping storyline, stellar performances, and suspenseful atmosphere.
High Flyers /Hoogvliegers
IMDb 6.7/10
The sky's the limit for three ambitious newcomers.
Rutger, Guus, and Laila embark on an exhilarating journey in the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Enlisting with dreams of becoming fighter pilots, they soon find themselves immersed in a whirlwind of training, camaraderie, and the ultimate test of courage in the Middle East.
This captivating TV series High Flyers, or Hoogvliegers in Dutch, offers an intimate look at the highs and lows of life as an aspiring fighter pilot. We follow them from the excitement of their initial enlistment to the challenges of rigorous training and the adrenaline-fuelled moments of deployment. While the show leans more towards drama than action, its compelling storyline strikes a perfect balance between fiction and reality, drawing audiences into the lives of its characters with heartfelt authenticity.
For those who appreciate character-driven storytelling and the emotional depth of human relationships, High Flyers is a must-watch series that offers a poignant exploration of resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams.
