In the highly-anticipated miniseries "Masters of the Air," Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg bring to life the gripping world of World War II's air combat. As the series makes its debut on Apple TV+, viewers are left wondering: is "Masters of the Air" based on true events?

According to reports, the nine-episode drama is grounded in the real-life experiences of the Eighth Air Force, a group of American bomber crews who served from 1942 to 1945 during the war. The show delves beyond intense air battles and explores the emotional impacts of these young men through the stories of Major Gale Cleven and Major John Egan.

Although the series does introduce fictional characters to drive the plot forward, it largely stays true to the real-life experiences of its American protagonists. The production team drew inspiration from Air Force records and interviews with veterans to accurately portray the events of the Eighth Air Force.

But where did the inspiration for "Masters of the Air" come from? The series is influenced by the book "Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany" written by biographer Don Miller. The book provided the framework for the show's narrative and helped shape the character developments.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Miller emphasized that the main characters in the miniseries, portrayed by actors such as Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Barry Keoghan, Anthony Boyle, Nate Mann, and Sawyer Spielberg, are based on real individuals who played important roles during the war.

One crucial aspect that sets "Masters of the Air" apart is its depiction of the intense air battles. Miller explained that the combat scenes showcased in the series are unparalleled in history, stating that the fights were so intense that pilots were often beheaded by gunfire. These scenes are based on real events and account for the dangerous conditions faced by bomber crews.

TIME magazine further outlines the staggering human cost of the Eighth Air Force's missions. They suffered 26,000 deaths, representing approximately 50% of all U.S. Army Air Force casualties during the war. This number even surpasses the total number of Marine fatalities.

As "Masters of the Air" takes flight, audiences can expect an authentic and gripping portrayal of the Eighth Air Force's heroic efforts during World War II. With Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg at the helm, this miniseries promises to deliver a powerful narrative that pays homage to the real-life struggles and sacrifices of these unsung heroes.