A race to Space Force

I watched the first episode of Netflix’s new series Space Force, whose first season premiered May 29, 2020. Space Force is a sitcom on the premise of sci-fi, in which Steve Carrel plays General Mark Naikd is in charge of commandeering the first ever launch for Space Force, a new military branch of the US Government. What precedes and eventually succeeds is a wonderful blend of dry wit and physical comedy.

The cast—a wonderful assortment of actors even I can recognize—was a pretty on-point fit for this style of sitcom, especially considering that Steve Carrell from The Office and Lisa Kudrow from Friends play the leading Space Force General husband and imprisoned wife respectively. Also appearing in the show is Diana Silvers (who was both in Ma and Booksmart), Ben Schwartz (from Parks and Rec), Jane Lynch, Patrick Warburton, and more!

Space Force is more comedy than sci-fi, which I have zero reason to complain about, especially because the humor is more so reflected on the wacky characters in this office space (get it?). It was definitely an interesting concept for a sitcom, with more focus on cinematography than similar mockumentaries and more hints for a story-progression than common sci-fi cartoons. The mesh of supposedly cliché styles, I feel, could work for this show. I liked the fast-paced, rapid-fire humor and running gags, I liked the very well-done cutaway about a button cover, I liked the subtle physical comedy and progressive humor. I feel the show has potential.

And in the absence of high, or even clear, expectations, Space Force has intrigued me. I would encourage avid Netflix users—or anyone with Netflix and the time—to check it out. Especially if they have a taste for the dry humor of a lighthearted comedy.