Defying Gravity (2009)
An ambitious sci-fi drama following eight astronauts on a six-year solar system mission shaped by love, secrets, and an unseen cosmic force.
Defying Gravity - Series Information
- Original Title: Defying Gravity
- First Air Year: 2009
- Last Air Year: 2009
- Created by: James D. Parriott
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: August 2, 2009 (Australia - M)
- Networks: ABC, CTV, Space
- Alternative Titles: Defying Gravity - La galassie del cuore (IT)
- Production Companies: Fox Television Studios, Omnifilm Entertainment, BBC, CTV, ProSieben Entertainment
Defying Gravity - Plot
In the very near future, a team of eight astronauts embarking on a six-year journey to explore Venus and other planets in the solar system, find their lives and destinies intertwined and carefully directed, not only by Mission Control officials on Earth, but also by an unseen force which is much closer and far more powerful.
Defying Gravity - Trailer
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Defying Gravity - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- James D. Parriott
Main Cast
- Laura Harris
- Ron Livingston
- Christina Cox
- Peter Howitt
- Malik Yoba
- Eyal Podell
- Maxim Roy
- Andrew Airlie
- Florentine Lahme
- Dylan Taylor
Writers
- James D. Parriott
- Susan Nirah Jaffee
- Chris Provenzano
Defying Gravity - FAQs
Why was Defying Gravity cancelled after one season?
ABC pulled Defying Gravity from its schedule after just eight episodes aired in the US due to disappointing ratings. The show struggled to find a mainstream audience despite a devoted cult following. The remaining five episodes were later broadcast in other countries, leaving the story unresolved.
What is the mysterious force in Defying Gravity?
The series hints at a powerful, unseen entity — referred to internally as 'Beta' — secretly stored aboard the spacecraft and influencing the crew's visions, emotions, and decisions. Its true nature is never fully revealed, as the show was cancelled before the central mystery could be resolved.
Where can you watch Defying Gravity today?
Defying Gravity is available to purchase digitally. You can buy episodes on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. There is currently no subscription streaming option, so purchasing is the primary way to watch the complete run of the series.
Who are the main cast members of Defying Gravity?
The series stars Ron Livingston as mission commander Maddux Donner and Laura Harris as astronaut Zoe Barnes, whose complicated history forms the emotional core of the show. The ensemble also includes Christina Cox, Malik Yoba, Peter Howitt, Eyal Podell, Maxim Roy, and Florentine Lahme.
Is Defying Gravity based on a true story?
No, Defying Gravity is an entirely fictional drama. Creator James D. Parriott crafted an original story blending near-future space exploration with supernatural mystery and interpersonal drama. While the show draws on real concepts of long-duration spaceflight, the characters, mission, and paranormal elements are wholly invented.
How was Defying Gravity received by critics?
Critical reception was mixed. Some reviewers appreciated its ambitious blend of character-driven drama and science fiction mystery, drawing comparisons to Grey's Anatomy in space. Others found the pacing slow and the supernatural elements underdeveloped. The show earned a loyal cult following despite its early cancellation.
What shows are similar to Defying Gravity?
Fans of Defying Gravity often enjoy The Expanse for its grounded sci-fi drama, Ascension for its similarly mysterious space-voyage premise, and For All Mankind for its character-focused alternate-history space exploration. Stargate Universe also shares the show's tone of isolation and interpersonal tension aboard a spacecraft.
Who created and wrote Defying Gravity?
Defying Gravity was created by James D. Parriott, a veteran television writer and producer known for his work on Ugly Betty and other network dramas. He also served as a writer on the series alongside Susan Nirah Jaffee and Chris Provenzano. The show was a co-production between ABC, BBC, CTV, and ProSieben.
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