Netflix paid a dumptruck full of money toSteve CarellandThe OfficecreatorGreg Danielsto create something likeThe Officethat would be exclusive to the streaming giant, and they’ve returned withSpace Force, a new workplace comedy that Netflix hopes will win over fans of Carell’s previous sitcom. The plot, per Netflix:
A decorated pilot with dreams of running the Air Force, four-star general Mark R. Naird (Steve Carell) is thrown for a loop when he finds himself tapped to lead the newly formed sixth branch of the US Armed Forces: Space Force. Skeptical but dedicated, Mark uproots his family and moves to a remote base in Colorado where he and a colorful team of scientists and “Spacemen” are tasked by the White House with getting American boots on the moon (again) in a hurry and achieving total space dominance.
We knew that Carell, who’s credited as co-creator with Daniels, would star, but now we have the full cast, which includesJohn Malkovich, Diana Silvers, Tawny Newsome, Ben Schwartz, Lisa Kudrow, Jimmy O. Yang, Noah Emmerich, Alex Sparrow, andDon Lake. That’s a very strong lineup of talent!
However, I’m curious to see ifSpace Forcecan win anyOfficeconverts. Part of the appeal ofThe Officeis that it’s relatable. We all get what it’s like to be a cubicle drone and work for a boss that’s kind of a doofus. When it comes toSpace Force, sure, the idea is inherently silly because it came from our dumbest President, but how does that play as a new sitcom? I’m sure people will check outSpace Forcejust because of Carell and Netflix, but I’m still not sold that it will be anywhere close to the level ofThe Office.
Check out the first images fromSpace Forcebelow. The series premieres on Netflix on May 29th.
