--- title: "Masters of the Air" year: 2024 kind: "series" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/masters-of-the-air" fi1m_id: "masters-of-the-air" imdb_id: "tt2640044" tmdb_id: 46518 wikidata_id: "Q72638293" fi1m_score: 66 critics_score: 68 critics_reviews: 18 published: "2026-09-24T11:33:20.181463+00:00" updated: "2026-09-24T11:33:20.725506+00:00" region: "HU" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Masters of the Air (2024) Created by John Orloff · NMHH 18 · Drama, War & Politics ## Identity Masters of the Air - **Canonical:** https://film.one/tv/masters-of-the-air - **Type:** Series - **Fi1m ID:** masters-of-the-air - **IMDb ID:** tt2640044 - **TMDB ID:** 46518 - **Wikidata ID:** Q72638293 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2640044/, https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/46518, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q72638293 **Fi1m score: 66** · Critics 68 from 18 reviews *In a sentence:* The cockpits are terrifying, though several of the men inside could still use an introduction > *Masters of the Air* makes aerial combat frighteningly immediate, but struggles to make its crowded cast equally distinct. The repetitive storytelling and reverent tone make this a qualified recommendation for those particularly drawn to war drama. ## Synopsis Maj. Gale ‘Buck’ Cleven (Austin Butler) and Maj. John ‘Bucky’ Egan (Callum Turner) face repeated combat missions alongside fellow airman Harry Crosby (Anthony Boyle). Their immediate task is to carry out each assignment and return alive, working in confined cockpits while enemy fire threatens the aircraft around them. Away from the fighting, friendships and the strain of service occupy men whose next assignment will send them back into the air. This nine-episode war drama follows the airmen through combat and the psychological demands that extend beyond each mission. ## Review *Masters of the Air* is worth considering for its frightening aerial combat, though the drama between missions is much less dependable. Across nine episodes, creator John Orloff asks us to live with airmen whose work repeatedly puts them in mortal danger. The attacks make that danger painfully clear, but the series struggles to give everyone caught in them a distinct personality. We would recommend it chiefly to those already interested in war drama, with patience for an ensemble that takes too long to settle. The cockpit sequences are the reason to stay. Cinematographers Adam Arkapaw, David Franco, Richard Rutkowski and Jac Fitzgerald convey confinement even during action taking place in open sky. We were frightened by the fighting inside those cramped, bloodied compartments, where the men have so little space in which to react. The close quarters and forceful sound give the combat an immediate physical threat that survives the occasional distracting gloss of the images. Austin Butler and Callum Turner give the crowded ensemble an initial point of focus as Maj. Gale ‘Buck’ Cleven and Maj. John ‘Bucky’ Egan. Both have the presence to hold our attention before the writing has properly established the friendship. That is useful, but the series relies on it for too long, asking us to supply affection that the early episodes have not quite earned. Anthony Boyle, as Harry Crosby, helps, although even a capable cast cannot make every supporting airman memorable. The editing is shared by Billy Rich, Markus Czyzewski, Mark Sanger, Carmen Morrow, Saar Klein and Spencer Averick. The combat has urgency, but the repeated missions give the larger story a rhythm that becomes predictable. The opening episodes introduce more people than the writing can distinguish, so we are still placing faces when scenes require concern. A little less haste between attacks would have helped us recognise who is flying into the next one. Chris Seagers’s production design helps enormously: the cockpits feel like working spaces that have become dangerous to occupy. Their cramped construction contributes more to the tension than the broader views of aircraft in flight. There are nevertheless stretches where the handsome presentation makes war look more attractive than the drama appears to intend. Blake Neely’s music adds to the reverence, and we sometimes wished for less encouragement to admire men whose courage is already clear. The series becomes more affecting when it spends time on the psychological suffering beyond combat. It is easier to care about the airmen once their suffering has consequences beyond the next mission. The familiar war-drama task of making a group of uniforms into separate people begins to feel properly addressed, though some supporting characters remain indistinct. We wanted more of that attention earlier, when the sight of men under fire was doing so much of the emotional work. We would not choose this for an unsparing examination of wartime morality. The respectful tone seldom permits much questioning of heroism, even when the fighting itself is appalling. If aerial combat is what draws you to a war drama, allow for a slower acquaintance with the men. *Fi1m score 66, published 24 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics respond positively to Masters of the Air, with praise clustering around its aerial combat rather than its storytelling. The reviews repeatedly single out the claustrophobic cockpits, tense flying sequences and convincing sense of danger; even several detractors find the combat harrowing. The ensemble also earns praise, while the more enthusiastic assessments find emotional weight in the airmen’s lives beyond their missions and the psychological suffering that follows them home. Opinion varies widely on whether the drama gives those men enough depth. The AV Club praises its humanising attention to their lives and trauma, while Digital Spy finds thin characterisation and a glib treatment of casualties. Elsewhere, reservations centre on repetitive missions, overcrowded opening episodes and supporting roles that barely develop. Several critics also question the glossy or triumphalist presentation of war, leaving broad agreement about the combat scenes but considerably less about the series around them. ## Straight answers **Is Masters of the Air worth watching?** *Masters of the Air* is worth considering for war-drama enthusiasts drawn to frightening aerial combat; we score it 66 out of 100. The cramped cockpit sequences make the danger immediate, but across nine episodes the missions become repetitive and too many airmen remain difficult to distinguish. **How long is Masters of the Air, and what is it rated?** *Masters of the Air* is rated 18 by the NMHH in Hungary. It is a drama and war & politics series. **Where can I watch Masters of the Air in Hungary?** *Masters of the Air* is streaming on Apple TV in Hungary. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How violent or frightening is Masters of the Air, and is it suitable for children?** *Masters of the Air* carries a UK 15 certificate and is not suitable for children under 15, with frightening aerial combat in cramped, bloodied cockpits. We found the confinement and forceful sound particularly unsettling; the series also explores psychological suffering beyond combat, making it a demanding choice for squeamish viewers. **How does Masters of the Air compare to Twelve O'Clock High?** *Masters of the Air* delivers immediate cockpit terror, but we recommend [*Twelve O'Clock High*](https://film.one/film/twelve-oclock-high) for its more patient treatment of aircrew strain and command. The series struggles to distinguish its crowded ensemble, while the harder, more talkative film gives character greater attention, though its grainy combat footage does not always match. **What should I watch after Masters of the Air?** After *Masters of the Air*, try [*Twelve O'Clock High*](https://film.one/film/twelve-oclock-high) (1949, Fi1m 83): Aircrew strain receives the patient character work this series sometimes rushes past. Then [*Das Boot*](https://film.one/film/das-boot) (1981, Fi1m 89): A confined fighting space, with fear and exhaustion wearing down the crew. ### Reviews we read (18) - **Radio Times**, James Hibbs (90/100, inferred): Hibbs presents the series as exceptional television and a remarkable achievement. The standfirst singles out its unprecedented impact on the small screen. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/masters-of-the-air-review/) - **The AV Club**, Kayleigh Dray (90/100, inferred): The review strongly recommends the miniseries as a brutal, beautiful and powerful depiction of war. It especially praises the show for humanizing the real airmen and exploring their lives and traumas beyond combat. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/masters-of-the-air-review-apple-tv-plus-world-war-ii-1851170056) - **Evening Standard**, Nick Howells (4/5): Howells finds the series highly watchable, with its aerial action making it soar. He praises the nerve-shredding cinematography but finds the characters too one-dimensional. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/masters-of-the-air-review-apple-tv-austin-butler-barry-keoghan-ncuti-gatwa-b1133977.html) - **The Independent**, Nick Hilton (4/5): Hilton finds the series compelling overall, though its glossy presentation sometimes glamorises war. He praises the ensemble and the pulse-quickening aerial action, while wishing for a more naturalistic approach. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/masters-of-the-air-review-apple-episode-1-b2485215.html) - **Empire**, John Nugent (75/100, inferred): The review finds the series stirring and gripping, despite some quibbles and a triumphalist American perspective. It particularly praises the tense, confidently staged flying sequences and the emotional scale of the ensemble drama. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/tv/reviews/masters-of-the-air/) - **Variety**, Aramide Tinubu (75/100, inferred): Tinubu finds the series massive, beautifully rendered, and a powerful account of war’s human cost, though its opening episodes are overcrowded and disorienting. She especially praises its later focus on soldiers’ psychological suffering and the Tuskegee Airmen. [Read](https://variety.com/2024/tv/reviews/masters-of-the-air-review-apple-tv-1235867952/) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Daniel Fienberg (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the series flawed but often very good, with a rousing overall achievement. The claustrophobic cockpit combat and immersive sound design stand out, while repetitive structure and underwritten supporting roles draw criticism. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/masters-of-the-air-review-austin-butler-barry-keoghan-callum-turner-1235805462/) - **The Guardian**, Barbara Ellen (★★★): Ellen finds the series mixed, with weak characterisation and a syrupy, jingoistic tone, but says it is worth watching for its aerial combat scenes. She praises the battle sequences for placing viewers inside the pilots’ blood-spattered cockpits and conveying their terror. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/jan/28/master-of-the-air-review-steven-spielberg-tom-hanks-apple-tv-miners-strike-1984-the-battle-for-britain-expats-nicole-kidman-david-and-jays-touring-toolshed-david-jason-jay-blades) - **IndieWire**, Ben Travers (C): Travers finds the series a visually impressive but shapeless and ultimately disappointing war epic. He praises its immersive aerial combat and cinematography, while faulting its underdeveloped characters and repetitive storytelling. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/shows/masters-of-the-air-review-apple-tv-series-1234947438/) - **The i Paper**, Emily Baker (30/100, inferred): Baker finds the series a disappointing, old-fashioned drama that lacks the nuance of modern prestige television. She praises the acting and immersive world-building, but criticizes its formulaic missions and muddled dialogue. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/masters-of-the-air-review-first-tv-disappointment-2024-2873951) - **Vulture**, Nicholas Quah (30/100, inferred): Quah finds the series thrilling in the air but dramatically undercooked and less nuanced than its predecessors. He especially praises the claustrophobic combat sequences, while criticizing the shallow characterization and treatment of wartime complexity. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/masters-of-the-air-review-austin-butler-apple-wwii-series.html) - **Collider**, Tania Hussain (9/10): Hussain gives the series an enthusiastic verdict, calling it a must-watch war story with emotional depth. She particularly praises its immersive, state-of-the-art aerial battle scenes and the strong ensemble performances. [Read](https://collider.com/masters-of-the-air-review/) - **Den of Geek**, Alec Bojalad (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the episode exceptionally terrifying and destructive, saying it surpasses earlier installments in its depiction of war. They single out the devastating aerial carnage and the losses among the 100th Bomb Group. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/masters-of-the-air-so-thats-why-they-call-it-the-bloody-100th/) - **NME** (85/100, inferred): The critic calls the series an essential, stylish follow-up that feels like a major television event. They particularly praise its weighty aerial action and the performances of its leading cast. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/tv-reviews/masters-of-the-air-review-band-of-brothers-tom-hardy-3576261) - **Paste**, Terry Terrones (8.2/10): Terrones finds the series uneven at first but ultimately moving and satisfying. He praises its visually stunning bombing sequences, while faulting the early episodes for failing to establish the leads’ friendship and emotional stakes. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/apple-tv-plus/masters-of-the-air-review) - **The Ringer**, Ben Lindbergh (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the series a worthwhile, reverent companion to its predecessors, though it ranks third among them and falls short in character depth and representation. The aerial combat sequences stand out as especially intense and impressive. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2024/01/26/tv/masters-of-the-air-apple-tv-plus-review) - **/Film**, Chris Evangelista (5/10): The critic finds the series dull and derivative, arguing that it fails to match the impact of its predecessors. They praise its harrowing depiction of the dangers faced by the airmen in combat. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1499736/masters-of-the-air-review/) - **Digital Spy**, Rebecca Cook (30/100, inferred): Cook finds the series overlong and emotionally detached, despite its impressive production. She praises the aerial battle sequences and technical detail of flying under fire, but criticizes the thin characterization and glib treatment of casualties. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a46456202/masters-of-the-air-review/) ## Details - **Created by:** John Orloff - **Creator:** John Orloff - **Director:** Cary Joji Fukunaga, Ryan Fleck, Dee Rees, Anna Boden, Tim Van Patten - **Writer:** John Orloff - **Story:** John Orloff, Joel Anderson Thompson, Morwenna Banks, John Shiban - **Teleplay:** John Orloff, Joel Anderson Thompson, Dee Rees - **Cinematography:** Adam Arkapaw, Jac Fitzgerald, Richard Rutkowski, David Franco - **Editor:** Markus Czyzewski, Mark Sanger, Spencer Averick, Carmen Morrow, Saar Klein, Billy Rich - **Music:** Blake Neely - **Production design:** Chris Seagers - **Costume design:** Colleen Atwood - **Cast:** Austin Butler as Maj. Gale 'Buck' Cleven; Callum Turner as Maj. John 'Bucky' Egan; Anthony Boyle as Lt./Cpt./Maj. Harry Crosby; Nate Mann as Lt./Cpt./Maj. Robert 'Rosie' Rosenthal; Stephen Campbell Moore as Maj. 'Red' Bowman; Kai Alexander; Toby Eden as Billy Taylor; Alfie Tempest as Sammy Hurley - **Certificate (NMHH):** 18 - **Release (Hungary):** 25 January 2024 - **Genres:** Drama, War & Politics - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA-1JCRguZ0 ## Where to watch in Hungary - Apple TV: streaming, uhd *Checked 2026-09-24.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, PT, SE, SG, TH, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *Twelve O'Clock High* (1949), Fi1m 83: Aircrew strain receives the patient character work this series sometimes rushes past. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/twelve-oclock-high.md) - *Das Boot* (1981), Fi1m 89: A confined fighting space, with fear and exhaustion wearing down the crew. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/das-boot.md) - *The Cruel Sea* (1953): A British naval drama with room for exhaustion, doubt and professional duty. - *The Ascent* (1977): For a harsher war drama that gives moral choices their full weight. - *Catch-22* (1970): Airmen face military absurdity in a satire with little patience for noble speeches. --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/tv/masters-of-the-air