Masters of the Air just hit the skies as the biggest series debut on Apple TV+ ever. Austin Butler’s performance really lifted this WWII drama, pulling in more viewers in its first weekend than any other Apple TV+ show has managed in a whole season. It even outpaced the Godzilla spin-off, Monarch, in viewership.
Now, some folks might say it’s not quite on the same level as the legendary Band of Brothers, but its gripping story and top-notch acting have still grabbed attention all around the globe, proving it’s a heavyweight in the streaming world. With its compelling narrative and stellar performances, Masters of the Air has firmly established itself as a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and streaming enthusiasts alike.
Masters Of The Air Leads Apple TV+ Despite Band Of Brothers Superiority
Masters of the Air might not have the same fame as Band of Brothers, but it’s making waves on Apple TV+. The show kicked off with a bang, pulling in more viewers in its opening weekend than any other series on the platform’s first season.
While the exact numbers aren’t out there, it’s beating out big hitters like Hijack, The Morning Show, and Severance.
What’s even more impressive is the spike in viewership across all of Apple TV+ after Masters of the Air premiered. As per Variety Worldwide, there was a 65% increase compared to the previous week, and the platform saw growth in over 100 territories.
The show’s currently rolling out new episodes, with the sixth one airing on Friday, Feb. 23, and the finale is coming on March 15.
Behind the scenes, heavy hitters like Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman are pulling the strings as executive producers. There’s a whole team working to bring this WWII drama to life, including folks from Amblin Television and Playtone.
The series features Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle, Nate Mann, Rafferty Law, Barry Keoghan, Josiah Cross, Branden Cook, and Ncuti Gatwa.
Now, Masters of the Air might not have the same status as Band of Brothers, but it’s still outperforming other shows like the Godzilla spin-off Monarch. While Monarch dives into a world of monsters and secrets, Masters of the Air holds its own, even if it’s not quite hitting the same heights as its predecessor.
Why Masters Of The Air Falls Short Compared To Band Of Brothers
Masters of the Air faces a tough challenge trying to live up to the legendary status of the Band of Brothers. It’s not about being better or worse; it’s more about differences in how the stories are told and their historical impact.
So, Masters of the Air is a war drama diving into the real-life tale of the U.S. Army Air Forces’ 100th Bombardment Group, inspired by Donald L. Miller’s book. With actors like Butler and a compelling narrative, it’s got its own thing going.
Now, rewind to 2000, when Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg dropped Band of Brothers. That series, centered on the Easy Company, is still considered their TV masterpiece. The thing is, the stories are like apples and oranges.
Band of Brothers covers easy company from their military induction to discovering concentration camps, while Masters of the Air focuses on a different set of characters and a unique timeline during World War II.
So, no need to compare them head-to-head. Masters of the Air isn’t trying to outdo Band of Brothers; it’s carving its own niche. Sure, both share the WWII backdrop and massive casts, but their tales, characters, and visuals stand worlds apart.
