Holocaust (1978)
The landmark NBC miniseries that brought the horrors of the Nazi genocide to millions of viewers worldwide.
Holocaust - Series Information
- Original Title: Holocaust
- First Air Year: 1978
- Last Air Year: 1978
- Created by: Gerald Green
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, War, Politics
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 4
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Czech, English, French, German, Hebrew, Russian
- First Air Date: April 16, 1978 (Germany - 12), April 16, 1978 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Titus Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: 'Ολοκαύτωμα (GR), Holocaust: The Story of the Family Weiss (US), ホロコースト/戦争と家族 (JP), Holocaust - Die Geschichte der Familie Weiss (DE)
Holocaust - Plot
Berlin, Germany, 1935. The day Karl Weiss, a Jewish painter, and Inga Helms, a Christian woman, marry, is the one in which both of them and the entire Weiss family are caught up in the maelstrom of the Nazi regime, the storms of World War II and the horrors of the criminal Final Solution, the Holocaust, the Shoah; while Erik Dorf, an ambitious lawyer, undertakes his fall into hell at the hands of the sinister Reinhard Heydrich.
Holocaust - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a sense of this unforgettable miniseries.
A story of hope in a time of despair
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Holocaust - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Gerald Green
Main Cast
- Tom Bell
- Joseph Bottoms
- Tovah Feldshuh
- Rosemary Harris
- Tony Haygarth
- Michael Moriarty
- Deborah Norton
- George Rose
- Robert Stephens
- Meryl Streep
Writers
- Gerald Green
Executive Producers
- Herbert Brodkin
Holocaust - FAQs
Is Holocaust (1978) based on a true story?
Holocaust is based on Gerald Green's 1978 novel of the same name, which draws on the documented historical reality of the Nazi regime and the genocide of European Jews. While the Weiss family is fictional, the events depicted — from the Warsaw Ghetto to Auschwitz-Birkenau — are rooted in historical fact.
What impact did Holocaust have when it first aired?
The miniseries had a profound cultural impact, particularly in West Germany, where its 1979 broadcast sparked a national reckoning with the country's Nazi past. It drew over 120 million viewers in the United States alone and is widely credited with bringing the Holocaust into mainstream public consciousness in a way no prior film or television production had achieved.
Who are the main actors in Holocaust (1978)?
The miniseries features an exceptional ensemble cast including Meryl Streep as Inga Helms Weiss, Michael Moriarty as the morally compromised Erik Dorf, James Woods as Karl Weiss, Rosemary Harris as Berta Weiss, Fritz Weaver as Dr. Josef Weiss, David Warner as Reinhard Heydrich, and Tom Bell as Adolf Eichmann.
Did Holocaust (1978) win any awards?
Holocaust was a major awards success, winning eight Emmy Awards including Outstanding Limited Series. Michael Moriarty and Meryl Streep both took home acting Emmys, as did Rosemary Harris. The miniseries also received a Peabody Award, recognizing its exceptional contribution to public understanding of one of history's darkest chapters.
Where can you watch Holocaust (1978) today?
Streaming availability for the 1978 miniseries varies by region and platform. For the most current and comprehensive list of viewing options — including subscription streaming, digital rental, and purchase — check JustWatch, which tracks real-time availability across all major platforms in your country.
How was Holocaust received by critics?
Critical reception was largely positive, with reviewers praising the scope of the production and the strength of its performances. Some historians and critics debated whether dramatizing the Holocaust risked trivializing it, but the consensus recognized the miniseries as a landmark achievement in television storytelling that brought urgent historical awareness to a mass audience.
Who created and wrote the Holocaust miniseries?
Holocaust was created and written by Gerald Green, adapting his own novel for television. The miniseries was produced by Herbert Brodkin for NBC, with cinematography by Brian West and music composed by Morton Gould. Brodkin was known for his commitment to socially conscious television drama.
What are similar series to Holocaust (1978)?
Viewers who connected with Holocaust often appreciate A Small Light (2023), Anne Frank: The Whole Story (2001), and Nuremberg (2000) for their similarly rigorous approach to World War II history. The Diary of Anne Frank (2009) and Home Fires (2015) also offer compelling wartime drama with strong human stories at their center.
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