'Best ever' war series based on 'masterpiece' book leaves Amazon Prime fans in awe

Fans have flocked to praise an incredible war series inspired by a book labelled a "satirical masterpiece". Catch-22 was released in 2019 and follows the life of antihero Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier. Set between 1942 to 1944, the series documents Yossarian's desperate attempts to stay alive while stationed on a Mediterranean island during World War II. Yossarian views the war as a personal assault and grows convinced that the military is intentionally trying to get him killed.

As a result, he devotes much of his time to devising increasingly creative strategies to avoid flying his missions and get himself relieved from work. Christopher Abbott stars as John Yoassarian, while the cast also includes Kyle Chandler, Daniel David Stewart, Rafi Gavron, Hugh Laurie and George Clooney, who is also director and an executive producer. The six-part series, which originally aired on Hulu, is based on the book of the same name by Joseph Heller, published in 1961.

While it was not a best-seller upon its release, Catch-22 is often cited as one of the most significant novels of the twentieth century and has since become a widely acclaimed novel.

Both the book and series received positive reviews, with the show earning an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Catch-22 is available to purchase on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.

Expressing their admiration for the series online, one shared: "Just the best, most visually fun series I have ever seen on television. You can also feel the influence of the Coen brothers on George Clooney's filmmaking. The lead Christopher Christopher Abbott is great in this amazing series. Watch it."

Another echoed: "Without doubt, some of the best TV I've seen in a long time. BRILLIANT. Congratulations to Mr Clooney for taking an iconic book/film and making it accessible to a new audience. BRAVO!!"

A third agreed: "Could not be more impressed. They've done something here that really defines the experience (at least for me.) Not a single other war movie or show has gotten in my head and driven me crazy like this. It's definitely a lot to swallow and really fast, so make sure you pay attention. I promise it's worth it!!!"

The book has also received glittering reviews, with one writing: "A satirical masterpiece, Heller uses absurdity and humor to critique the madness of war and bureaucracy, showing how laughter can provide survival in dire circumstances."

Another penned: "The most wonderful book I have ever read. I first read it when I was 18 and have enjoyed it many times since. Now, 60 years later I am reading it again and it still feels like returning home to meet the 'family' again who have played such an important role in my life. What an author, and what a human being!"

A third added: "Woah!!!! Catch - 22 is a phenomenal novel that will leave its reader in awe. I couldn't have believed that I would be laughing occasionally on reading a book based on World War 2, the most horrific period in human history. But this book made it possible. Joseph Heller has done a mind-boggling job on this one."