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Season 1 – The First

Play trailer 1:57 Poster for Season 1 – The First 2018 Drama Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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66% Tomatometer 62 Reviews 75% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
This sci-fi drama set in the near future tells the story of a crew of astronauts who are attempting to become the first humans on Mars. Under the direction of visionary aerospace magnate Laz Ingram, the crew members have to contend with dangerous situations and personal sacrifice as they undertake the greatest pioneering feat in human history. Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn leads the cast, portraying Tom Hagerty, one of the five astronauts aboard the Providence 2 vessel who have been chosen to colonize Mars.
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The First — Season 1

The First — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Sean Penn gives an intensely poignant performance as the driven but conflicted Tom Hagerty in The First's rather slow-moving first season.

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Critics Reviews

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Hugo Rifkind Times (UK) At worst, this could be just hours and hours of Penn being humourlessly tragic about things, as is so often his way. At best, though, it could be phenomenal. Nov 5, 2018 Full Review Ed Cumming Independent (UK) With his usual skill of hinting at great wells of rage and empathy, Penn lifts Hegarty above these clichés. Rated: 3/5 Nov 2, 2018 Full Review Carol Midgley Times (UK) "Godspeed" was a phrase used. At this point it could do with a bit of speed itself. Rated: 3/5 Nov 2, 2018 Full Review Susan Granger SSG Syndicate Sean Penn stars as an Astronaut Mission Commander in Beau Willimon's suspenseful drama series about preparing for the first manned mission to Mars; it was cancelled after one season but all 8 episodes are now streaming on Hulu. Rated: 7/10 Sep 7, 2023 Full Review Keith Watson Metro Newspaper (UK) The First needs to up its game or it's headed for the black hole of oblivion. Rated: 2/5 Mar 8, 2019 Full Review Hannah Brown Jerusalem Post The seriousness of the subject doesn't entirely explain the solemnity of this pilot episode, nor the glacial pacing. Mar 1, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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john o Really slow moving and not well directed. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 04/22/24 Full Review Audience Member Interpersonal drama with very little Sci-fi background that literally never gets off the ground. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Audience Member Are we supposed to find Tom sympathetic? Is he the hook we're supposed to hang this narrative on? Because he's an abusive jerk and we spend all our time watching him be a cardboard cutout Old White Dude with Anger Issues instead of finding out more about other more interesting and sympathetic charcters. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Audience Member A masterpiece. And too good for this world. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Audience Member Elon Musk: please finance the production of Season 2 (and seasons 3,4,5...). This is what I would like to watch every night. Really well played tv-drama. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Bruce D Hoping for a decent Sci-Fi but all I got was Existential crises from the 90% all main female cast some lgbtq, some me too in 2030, some mental and most just boring. While 1 Man trys to hold them all together. Shows even in the future Wahmen arent cut out for... well anything. Not Sexist or rasist. I dare you to watch this garbage & tell me otherwise. Oh & Spoilers! No One goes to Mars. All you get is 1 Strong P*nis and 10 whiney Venus! z Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 05/12/22 Full Review Read all reviews
The First — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Beau Willimon

Creator

Sean Penn

Tom Hagerty

Rey Lucas

Matteo Vega

Natascha McElhone

Laz Ingram

LisaGay Hamilton

Kayla Price

James Ransone

Nick Fletcher

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Sep 14, 2018 Separation On launch day, Vista CEO Laz Ingram and the Providence crew count down to the first manned mission to Mars; former mission commander Tom Hagerty watches from home; he is confronted by an unexpected visitor after an intense day. Details Episode 2 Aired Sep 14, 2018 What's Needed With the mission in danger of being shut down, the Vista team travels to Washington to testify before Congress; the Castillo family pursues its lawsuit against Vista; Tom and his daughter Denise work to repair their relationship. Details Episode 3 Aired Sep 14, 2018 Cycles Kayla and Tom find themselves at odds when faced with a difficult decision; a problem arises with the Mars Ascent Vehicle that may jeopardize the crew's safety; Aiko hosts a dinner party to celebrate Sadie and Ollie's wedding anniversary. Details Episode 4 Aired Sep 14, 2018 Where Life Is Sadie and Ollie's marriage is tested; Laz works with the engineers as pressure builds to find a solution to the MAV malfunction; Tom and Ellen grow closer. Details Episode 5 Aired Sep 14, 2018 Two Portraits Denise confronts her turbulent upbringing as she paints a portrait of her late mother, revisiting a lifetime of joy and trauma. Details Episode 6 Aired Sep 14, 2018 Collisions Laz attempts to sway an influential reporter who is critical of the Mars program; Aiko and Eitan test a solution to the MAV problem; an incident with Denise forces Tom to reconsider his priorities. Details Episode 7 Aired Sep 14, 2018 The Choice Tom and the Providence crew must make a choice with potentially life-threatening consequences; Mateo wrestles with his past; Tom and Denise must deal with unfinished business. Details Episode 8 Aired Sep 14, 2018 Near and Far The crew of Providence 2 prepares to launch; Laz and Denise get ready for a new chapter in their lives. Details

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The First — Season 1

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Season Info

Creator
Beau Willimon
Executive Producer
Beau Willimon
Network
Hulu
Rating
TV-MA (L)
Genre
Drama, Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date
Sep 14, 2018