In a not-so-distant future where space tourism is an actual thing, travelling through space could be seen as the ultimate trip-of-a-lifetime.

That is until the spacecraft is thrown off course and now you’re stuck out there for three years… with a group of slightly odd people to boot.

That’s what’s happening though for the cast of Avenue 5, with passengers and crew all having their own foibles which don’t always mix.

Here are the key characters you need to know as you come on board Avenue 5.

Played by: Hugh Laurie (House M.D., Veep)

Captain Ryan Clark is a suave and outwardly confident leader on board the ship, and someone who is just who you need in times of a crisis… at least that’s what he wants you to think.

An extrovert when he’s performing for the passengers, in reality he’s a very withdrawn and isolated person, who doesn’t exactly know what he’s doing. At all.

In fact, he’s just a hired face for the company to look like an in-control captain, giving the passengers someone to build a camaraderie with.

So when the ship is thrown off course, he suddenly finds himself thrust into a position he has no idea what to do in, having to think on his feet.

He struggles to bond with anyone on the ship, with the exception of Billie McEvoy.

Played by: Josh Gad (Wolf Like Me, Frozen)

A multi-billionaire with cash to burn, Judd is a man used to a life of luxury. Earning his cash as the builder of holiday resorts, he took his franchise intergalactic with the creation of Avenue 5.

However, he’s not as great at things as he thinks he is, particularly when it comes to science, and has a particular narcissistic streak which doesn’t take much to come out.

He has next to no idea how his ships are run, despite thinking he does, and his motivations are largely down to securing his bottom line and making sure his company isn’t sued.

Played by: Zach Woods (Silicon Valley, The Afterparty)

As the director of customer relations, Matt is a bit more troubled than he likes to let on, believing life to be meaningless.

He does his best to help people, though often that comes with a catch or two in the process when it doesn’t always work out how he wants.

Prior to the accident, he was hoping to get a promotion in his job back on Earth.

Played by: Rebecca Front (The Thick Of It, Poldark)

Karen Kelly is a natural leader with a strong will and a likeable temperament - at least in front of people.

Her biggest flaw is her love of a good gossip session, and she can often prove to be rude and entitled.

Happily married to husband Frank, Karen finds herself in trouble when rumours start spreading she is sleeping with Captain Ryan. In actuality, she’s one of the few that know his secret, and is trying to keep it quiet.

She boards the ship on her sister’s ticket, and quickly becomes a nuisance for the crew as she makes demands.

This eventually works in her favour, with her becoming the mediator between passengers and crew.

Played by: Suzy Nakamura (Inside Job, Dead To Me)

Iris is someone who is cuttingly direct, to the point that she can come across as rude. But for her, she wants to get the job done.

Her biggest soft point is children, who often reveal her maternal nature.

She works as Judd’s CEO in name, but everything in reality, including his business manager down to menial tasks an assistant would do, like getting him food.

Despite this, the pair have an undeniable bond, and have managed to make their strangely intrusive relationship work for them.

Played by: Lenora Crichlow (Being Human, Deception)

Billie is someone who is wise beyond her years and determined to do well in her career – but unfortunately is already getting burnt out by the burden of responsibility.

This is made even worse when she basically has to do multiple peoples’ work by herself.

A second engineer on board the ship, she is terrified by the idea of dying in space.

She proves to be an essential ally to Clark as he tries to keep the situation under control.

Played by: Nikki Amuka-Bird (Persuasion, Gold Digger)

Rav is extremely intelligent and someone who should be in a better position of power, but sadly isn’t being recognised for her capabilities.

She sent her two best friends on board Avenue 5 in a bid to save their marriage, and now they’re stuck there, which she feels guilty for.

Played by: Ethan Phillips (Star Trek: Voyager, Inside Llewelyn Davis)

A former astronaut, Spike is desperate for some recognition and special treatment  – but doesn’t always get it.

Now a heavy drinker and womanizer, Spike is surprisingly adept when it comes to dealing with children, who lap up his lessons about space.