Los Angeles, CA – The highly anticipated TV show, “Masters of the Air,” is set to premiere at the end of January. The Apple TV+ war series tells the story of the 100th Bomb Group, a courageous group of pilots in the Air Force who were nicknamed the “Bloody Hundredth” during World War II. Starring rising stars such as Austin Butler, Callum Turner, and Barry Keoghan, “Masters of the Air” has the potential to become one of the greatest television shows of the year.
For those who enjoy war shows, there are three other series worth adding to your must-watch list. Two of these shows serve as companion pieces to “Masters of the Air,” while the third is based on a well-known satirical novel from the 1960s.
One of the standout war TV shows is “Band of Brothers,” a miniseries produced by HBO in 2001. Co-created by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, who previously collaborated on the highly acclaimed film “Saving Private Ryan,” “Band of Brothers” follows the journey of the 101st Airborne Division’s Easy Company during World War II. From their training at Camp Toccoa to their battles against the Nazis, the series provides a visceral and heroic portrayal of the war. With its memorable ensemble cast and stunning cinematography, “Band of Brothers” is often considered one of the greatest miniseries of the 21st century.
Another compelling series is “The Pacific,” which serves as a companion piece to “Band of Brothers.” Released in 2010, “The Pacific” focuses on the actions of the U.S. Marine Corps against Japan during World War II. The series follows three Marines as they fight for the 1st Marine Division and covers significant events such as the Guadalcanal Campaign and the Battle of Iwo Jima. Like other projects from Hanks and Spielberg, “The Pacific” delivers stunning visuals while capturing the terrifying reality of combat.
For a different take on World War II, “Catch-22” is a must-watch. Based on Joseph Heller’s satirical war novel from 1961, the television series was released on Hulu in 2019. The story revolves around John Yossarian, a bombardier in the U.S. Air Force who desperately wants to avoid the war. However, he finds himself trapped in a catch-22 situation, where he cannot escape his missions despite the toll they take on his mental health. “Catch-22” offers a darkly humorous and unique interpretation of the war.
With “Masters of the Air” set to premiere soon, fans of war shows have plenty of options to explore. Whether it’s the groundbreaking “Band of Brothers,” the intense “The Pacific,” or the satirical “Catch-22,” these series provide different perspectives on the realities of World War II.