The Astronauts (TV series) explained

Genre:Action-adventure
Creator:Daniel Knauf
Starring:
Voices:Paige Howard
Composer:Adam Lastiwka
Country:United States
Language:English
Num Seasons:1
Num Episodes:9
Executive Producer:
Producer:Jim O'Grady
Cinematography:James McMillan
Camera:Single-camera
Runtime:22–23 minutes
Company:
  • Imagine Kids & Family
  • Nickelodeon Productions
Network:Nickelodeon

The Astronauts is an American action-adventure television series that aired on Nickelodeon from November 13, 2020 to January 15, 2021. The series stars Miya Cech, Bryce Gheisar, Keith L. Williams, Kayden Grace Swan, and Ben Daon, as well as features the voice of Paige Howard.

Premise

Five children sneak onto a spaceship and the ship's artificial intelligence Matilda sends them into space. The children have to find their way back to Earth while doing a space mission and attempting to keep the spaceship from breaking down.

Cast

Production

On June 18, 2019, it was announced that Imagine Kids & Family was developing an untitled scripted space series for Nickelodeon. Daniel Knauf served as showrunner, executive producer, and writer. Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, and Stephanie Sperber served as executive producers. Production for the series was overseen by Shauna Phelan.[1] [2] On February 19, 2020, an action-adventure single-camera television series under the working title of The Astronauts was ordered by Nickelodeon for 10 episodes, with an initial premiere set for summer 2020.[3] [4] On October 9, 2020, it was announced that the series would have an hour-long premiere on November 13, 2020. Starring in the series were Miya Cech as Samantha "Samy" Sawyer-Wei, Bryce Gheisar as Elliott Combs, Keith L. Williams as Martin Taylor, Kayden Grace Swan as Doria Taylor, Ben Daon as Will Rivers, and Paige Howard as the voice of Matilda. Daniel Knauf also served as series creator. Dean Israelite and Jonathan Frakes served as directors.[5] [6]

Reception

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNominee(s)ResultRefs
2021Writers Guild of America AwardsChildren's Script – Episodic, Long form and SpecialsDan Knauf (for "Countdown")[7]
Daytime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Daytime Promotional AnnouncementThe Astronauts (for "The Astronauts Launch")[8]
Outstanding Casting for a Live-Action Children's ProgramThe Astronauts
2022Kids' Choice AwardsFavorite Male TV Star (Kids)Bryce Gheisar[9]
Children's and Family Emmy AwardsOutstanding Children's or Family Viewing SeriesThe Astronauts[10]
Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing for a Live Action Programvarious

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Imagine Kids & Family to Develop Scripted Space Series at Nickelodeon. Variety. Joe Otterson. June 18, 2019. June 18, 2019.
  2. Nickelodeon and Imagine Kids+Family Developing Original Live-Action Space Series. Nickelodeon. The Futon Critic. June 18, 2019. November 12, 2020.
  3. Web site: The Astronauts, Live-Action Loud House Movie, Big Nate Series, Henry Danger Spinoff On Nick's Slate. Deadline Hollywood. Nellie Andreeva. February 19, 2020. November 12, 2020.
  4. Nickelodeon Prepares for Lift-Off with The Astronauts, First Production with Imagine Kids+Family. Nickelodeon. The Futon Critic. February 19, 2020. November 12, 2020.
  5. Web site: The Astronauts Trailer & Premiere Date for Kids Adventure Series from Nickelodeon & Imagine Kids+Family. Deadline Hollywood. Erik Pedersen. October 9, 2020. November 12, 2020.
  6. Nickelodeon Suits Up for The Astronauts Hour-Long Premiere Event, Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 P.M. (ET/PT). Nickelodeon. The Futon Critic. October 9, 2020. November 12, 2020.
  7. Web site: WGA Awards TV Nominations: Better Call Saul, Ted Lasso & The Great Lead Way. Patrick Hipes. Deadline Hollywood. February 3, 2021. December 11, 2022.
  8. Web site: Daytime Emmy Awards Sets Host; Nominees Include Alex Trebek, Larry King – Update. Patrick Hipes. Deadline Hollywood. June 8, 2021. December 11, 2022.
  9. Web site: Kids' Choice Awards Nominations Set; Miranda Cosgrove & Rob Gronkowski To Host Show. Deadline Hollywood. Erik Pedersen. March 9, 2022. December 11, 2022.
  10. Web site: Netflix Leads Nomination Tally for First-Ever Children's & Family Emmys. Variety. Michael Schneider. November 1, 2022. December 11, 2022.