Before Stardom: Harbour & Robbie on 'Pan Am'

The television series "Pan Am," which aired between 2011 and 2012, served as an early career platform for stars David Harbour and Margot Robbie. Harbour, now known for his role as Sheriff Jim Hopper in "Stranger Things," played MI6 agent Roger Anderson. Robbie, who later starred in the blockbuster "Barbie" movie, was a regular cast member portraying a flight attendant.

The show, set in the early 1960s, aimed to capture the nostalgia of the jet age, similar to "Mad Men," but concluded after just 14 episodes. Despite its limited run, "Pan Am" was recognized with three Emmy nominations in its premiere year for cinematography, special effects, and music.

"Pan Am" depicted both the allure and the demanding nature of working in aviation during that era. The series intertwined the personal and professional lives of its characters against meticulously designed sets and costumes. For Harbour, "Pan Am" represented his first recurring television role since "As the World Turns," while it was Robbie's initial foray into starring roles in film or television.

Actress Christina Ricci, who also starred in the series, commented in 2012 that the show's passionate fanbase was larger than its ratings suggested. She noted that many fans watched the show through online streaming or DVR, indicating a dedicated audience that engaged with the series beyond its initial broadcast time slot.