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The Right Stuff Review: New Disney+ Dramatic Series

The Right Stuff is a perfectly cast drama filled series that will have you sucked in from the first few minutes of episode one.

the right stuff poster

The Right Stuff is a new show coming to Disney+ and it sucked me in after the first few minutes of the first episode. It is one of those shows that starts off at the end, and then gives you the “Two Years Earlier” screen. Right then I knew the story we were going to get was going to be filled with drama. And I was exactly right. 

I first heard about The Right Stuff during my interview with Colin O’Donoghue when he was asked what upcoming project to look out for from him. His brief description had me intrigued and the more I heard about it, the more excited I got. This show is about a group of seven military test pilots who are selected to join Project Mercury. They are put through rigorous testing and are competing to be chosen to be the first man in space. 

the right stuff disney+ series

While we do see a lot of all of them, the show focuses mainly on three of them — Gordon Cooper (Colin O’Donoghue), Alan Shephard (Jake McDorman), and John Glenn (Patrick J. Adams). All of them have different family situations. Cooper starts off the series separated with his wife, Shephard cheats on his wife every chance he gets, and Glenn is very committed to his wife.

This creates a lot of drama, not only in their personal lives, but in their work lives as well. Of course, the whole world is watching these guys as each of them competes to become the first man in space. I was worried with that many main characters the plot would be hard to follow, but it isn’t. The show does a great way of spacing their stories apart, while still keeping you interested in each and every one of them. You will love some of the guys, and some of them you will love to hate. 

The Right Stuff is set in the late 1950s / early 1960s and you would immediately know that by looking at the costumes and sets. I think they did a great job with these and they brought me back in time. I was completely fascinated by the hairstyles and clothing choices — honestly I kind of love all the wives’ looks and totally wish I could pull one of them off in 2020. 

the right stuff disney+ series

Overall Thoughts

I have only seen five of the eight episodes and I have to admit, I am dying for more. They have me right where they want me. From what I have seen though, there are no pacing issues, and a really solid plot. This series is based on a novel, so there is some great source material. 

All of the acting in The Right Stuff is spot on. I believe each and everyone of the characters. Like I said above, there are some that I really love to hate. Like Alan Shephard. I kind of hate Alan Shephard. There are several reasons why that I won’t get into, and it isn’t just because he cheats on his wife a whole bunch. Although that doesn’t help. 

The Right Stuff has also made me really interested in Project Mercury, which is a real thing if you were not aware. I have gone ahead and ordered some books so that I can get to know more about it and the men who participated in it. Space has always fascinated me, but now I truly feel invested in the lives of these seven men. 

If you like a good historical drama series, The Right Stuff is for you. Unfortunately Disney+ hasn’t released every episode as a screener yet, but if the last three continue like the first five, I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed in this series. Phenomenal acting, a solid plot, side stories that keep you interested and not distracted, not to mention just how fascinating it is.

I will be waiting on the edge of my seat for the final three episodes.

About The Right Stuff

Astronauts and their families become instant celebrities in a competition that will either kill them or make them immortal in the quest to be a part of Project Mercury.

The Right Stuff hits Disney+ on October 9th!