The 2019 Hulu miniseries Catch-22, based on Joseph Heller's classic 1961 novel, has been praised by viewers as a 'superb' adaptation that surpasses the original 1970 film. The six-part wartime epic, starring George Clooney, is now available to stream on Prime Video and has earned an 84% fresh rating from critics and an 82% audience approval score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Plot and Cast
The series follows Captain John Yossarian, played by Christopher Abbott, and his fellow aviators during World War II. Their path to discharge hinges on fulfilling a specified number of sorties, but whenever they approach completion, the required mission count increases, trapping them in perpetual danger. Yossarian attempts to evade frontline service by feigning madness, only to discover that those genuinely insane continue flying without hesitation.
The impressive ensemble includes George Clooney as Scheisskopf, Kyle Chandler as Colonel Cathcart, Rafi Gavron as Aarfy, Daniel David Stewart as Milo, and Graham Patrick Martin as Orr. Clooney also directed two episodes and served as executive producer.
Critical and Audience Reception
On IMDb, the series has garnered significant praise. One 10/10 review called it 'fantastic,' adding: 'The entire cast of this series is amazing. It has all the drama and humor but not as slap stick as the movie. I've been glued to the TV since it was released.' Another viewer described it as a 'wonderful rendering of the classic satirical novel,' noting the acting is 'superb' and the battle scenes are 'realistic but not too graphically violent.'
A third reviewer declared it 'one of the greatest books ever written, certainly as an anti-war film,' praising lead actor Christopher Abbott: 'His face is so emotive and he captured the complexity of his character.' A fourth viewer proclaimed it 'a must watch,' observing a 'perfect mix of comedy and drama. Made me laugh one second and get emotional the next.'
Streaming Availability
Catch-22 is streaming on Prime Video and is also available to rent on Apple TV+. New subscribers can get 30 days of free access to Prime Video, which includes this series along with other popular shows like The Boys, Reacher, and Clarkson's Farm.
