6.688 minSeason 1 • Episode 3
LatestThe Ascension passengers are in for many surprises when the selection of families eligible for birthing rights is announced; the Denningers work together to secure their power and upset Councilman Rose; and Viondra seizes an opportunity to assert her dominance when a mysterious power surge knocks out systems on the ship.
In 1963, the U.S. government launched a covert space mission sending hundreds of men, women and children on a century-long voyage aboard the starship Ascension to populate a new world. Nearly 50 years into the journey, as they approach the point of no return, a mysterious murder of a young woman causes the ship’s population to question the true nature of their mission.
Production
The 1960s space-age sets are gorgeously detailed and oppressive.
Acting
Tricia Helfer's ice-queen power plays are deliciously sinister.
Writing
The pilot's fake-out premise is genuinely bold storytelling.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The show was Syfy's attempt at prestige 'event television' in the True Detective era, but cancellation after three episodes made it a cult curio.
That 1960s aesthetic wasn't just style — the show argues we're still trapped by mid-century ideas of authority, class, and gender.
US
