The Astronauts

I had no idea what i was getting into when i saw the title, "The Astronauts," but anything about space travel is going to catch my attention.When i saw it was a Nickelodeon show, I was very much prepared for possible over acting and maybe sickeningly too cute kids. That isn't what I got. What I got was an intriguing, but simple premise with a great twist. I was hooked from the first episode. I like that the kids are having to question their parents and not for just rebellious reasons. I can't wait for new episodes next week. Definitely worth your time. I'm in my 50's, btw.

It is a kid's movie, and a very decent one. It was never meant to be a blockbuster but an entertainment show. It ticks all the boxes in my view, as long as you get your expectations straight. If you look at it as a space parody, it is one of the best.

The Astronauts is novel and captivating for a Nickelodeon audience, say ages 6 to 12. Together with Mom and/or Dad it likely makes a bonding entertainment experience. But if watching solely as an adult, depending on your frame of mind it could be quite cheesy.

Nonetheless, I feel this show gives Nickelodeon prime credit for helping bring kids into a more responsible age.

First, apologies to all who left reviews stating "I wish this was an old Nick show instead", or "Nick should stick to cartoons". Very sorry. This show is something else, so to me it seems pointless to criticize this for what it isn't, and was never intended to be.

Second, it's important to understand that this is not what you're used to from Nickelodeon. This show is a joint effort with Ron Howard's Imagine Entertainment, and without a doubt, they know how to make quality storytelling in the realm of space (Apollo 13, Mars). So unsurprisingly, the production quality of the show is outstanding. Truth be told, you would not recognize it as a Nickelodeon show, nor any other kids' show.

Lastly, to echo some others here, yes. The plot requires you to suspend some belief while going along for the ride. My retort to this is, what fictional space/sci-fi show doesn't require this to some extent? My recommendation is to take 1/2 hour out of your life, and watch the first episode with the whole family. I dare to predict that most or all will want to continue the journey.

Apart from a rare few of their comedies I am normally not very impressed with Nickelodeon productions. Too 'happy, colorful, perfect world stuff': children series lack some grit nowadays.

Whit that mindset The Astronauts really surprised me: the kids are not all perfect, their relationships with each other and their parents are strained. The people on the ground have no better idea what to do then they have. The AI genius is a loose cannon and as much a danger as a help. There is real danger, real bravery. And it is not some 2 day trip but a serious deep space mission. Some very good visuals as well: the launch sequence was awesome.

On the flip side: finding a scenario that gets kids launched into space will always a bit convoluted / tricky, but I think the script writers did as well as could be expected.

Sammy reminds me a lot of 'April' in the book series of Mackey Chandler.

All-in-all I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be watching it again. I hope it gets a second series as the story is far from finished.