Chase Stokes | The First

• Genre: Science fiction, Drama
• Created by: Beau Willimon
• Starring: Sean Penn, Natascha McElhone, LisaGay Hamilton, Hannah Ware, Keiko Agena, Rey Lucas, James Ransone, Anna Jacoby-Heron, Brian Lee Franklin, Oded Fehr, Norbert Leo Butz, Annie Parisse, Melissa George, Jeannie Berlin, Bill Camp, Ana Lucia Souza
• Composer: Colin Stetson
• No. of seasons: 1
• No. of episodes: 8
• Executive producers: Beau Willimon, Jordan Tappis
• Producers: Joseph Incaprera, Peter Chomsky
• Cinematography: Adam Stone
• Running time: 45–48 minutes
• Production companies: Westward, Endeavor Content
• Network: Hulu (US), Channel 4 (UK)
• Release: September 14, 2018

The First follows the planning of "the first human mission to Mars, while exploring the challenges of taking the first steps toward interplanetary colonization. The story focuses not only on the astronauts, but also on their families and loved ones, as well as the ground team on Earth."

"Cycles"

Tom, the new commander of the mission to Mars, is arguing with Kayla, the previous commander, as to who he will bump for his spot on the mission, Nick or Sadie. Tom is in favor of Nick, while Kayla argues on behalf of Sadie, as she feels personally responsible for Sadie becoming an astronaut. After Sadie fails a training exercise, Tom makes his decision that he will take her place. The Mars Ascent Vehicle, already on Mars, is no longer transmitting, causing concern that it may be inoperative when the crew arrives. Denise goes out with some of her coworkers, including her love interest Finn. After bringing them back to Tom's house, he confronts her with his concerns that she will relapse into her drug use and attends a twelve-step meeting with her.