Reel Review Mom

If you’re in the mood for thoughtful, character-driven science fiction—and you’re emotionally prepared for a little disappointment—let me introduce you to Night Sky on Amazon Prime. This is one of those shows that sneaks up on you, pulls you in with subtlety and soul… and then leaves you wondering why on earth it wasn’t renewed for a second season.

Starring the always-excellent Sissy Spacek and J.K. Simmons, Night Sky centers on Irene and Franklin York, a long-married couple living a quiet life in rural Illinois. That is, until you discover they’ve been hiding a massive secret in their backyard: a mysterious underground chamber that leads to a breathtaking, seemingly abandoned planet light-years away. Casual. Totally normal.

What makes Night Sky stand out isn’t flashy sci-fi spectacle—it’s the intimacy. Spacek and Simmons bring real warmth, weariness, humor, and heartbreak to their performances, grounding the cosmic mystery in something deeply human. Their marriage feels lived-in, real, and refreshingly mature, which is a rare gift in this genre.

As the story expands, we’re introduced to new characters and larger questions about who built the chamber, who else knows about it, and what the destination truly means. The plot slowly unfurls like a puzzle, trusting the audience to stay patient—and that patience pays off. Or rather… it would have, had the series been given the chance to continue.

And that’s the real tragedy here. Night Sky had enormous potential. The mythology was just beginning to deepen, the stakes were rising, and the emotional threads were beautifully set up for future exploration. The cancellation after one season feels premature and frustrating, especially for a show that was clearly playing the long game.

Still, Night Sky is absolutely worth watching. It’s quiet, reflective, mysterious, and deeply moving—a sci-fi story about love, loss, aging, and wonder.

If you’ve seen it, let’s commiserate. If you haven’t, go in knowing it ends too soon… and prepare to be just as disappointed as I was that we never got more.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to spread the word on social media—because shows like this deserve better, and at the very least, to be remembered.