Transatlantic (2023)
A gripping Netflix miniseries about a daring WWII rescue mission that saved Europe's greatest minds from Nazi persecution.
Transatlantic - Series Information
- Original Title: Transatlantic
- First Air Year: 2023
- Last Air Year: 2023
- Created by: Anna Winger, Daniel Hendler
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, War, Politics
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 7
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: April 7, 2023 (United States - TV-14), April 7, 2023 (United Kingdom - 15), April 7, 2023 (Germany - 12), April 7, 2023 (Brazil - 16), April 7, 2023 (Mexico - B), April 7, 2023 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Netflix
- Alternative Titles: トランスアトランティック 世紀の亡命プロジェクト (JP)
- Production Companies: Studio Airlift
- Production Countries: Germany
Transatlantic - Plot
Two Americans and their allies form a scrappy rescue operation in 1940 Marseilles to help artists, writers and other refugees fleeing Europe during WWII. Transatlantic is a historical drama television miniseries created by Anna Winger and Daniel Hendler, based on the 2019 novel The Flight Portfolio by Julie Orringer. The novel explores the historic Emergency Rescue Committee that operated in Marseilles, Spain, and Portugal in 1940 after the fall of France. The series includes or refers to well-known artists or scholars of the time who were saved by the Committee or interacted with it. The series closed the 2023 Series Mania festival in March, ahead of its Netflix premiere on 7 April 2023.
Transatlantic - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension of wartime Marseilles come to life:
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Transatlantic - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Anna Winger
- Daniel Hendler
Main Cast
- Gillian Jacobs
- Cory Michael Smith
- Lucas Englander
- Corey Stoll
- Ralph Amoussou
- Deleila Piasko
- Amit Rahav
- Grégory Montel
- Birane Ba
- Henriette Confurius
Writers
- Tunde Aladese
- Steve Bailie
- Carey McKenzie
- Anna Winger
- Daniel Handler
Executive Producers
- Camille McCurry
Transatlantic - FAQs
Is Transatlantic based on a true story?
Transatlantic is rooted in real history. It draws from Julie Orringer's 2019 novel The Flight Portfolio, which chronicles the Emergency Rescue Committee's extraordinary efforts in 1940 Marseilles. Figures like Varian Fry and Mary Jayne Gold genuinely risked their lives to smuggle hundreds of artists, intellectuals, and refugees out of Nazi-occupied Europe.
Who plays Varian Fry and Mary Jayne Gold?
Cory Michael Smith portrays Varian Fry, the idealistic American journalist who led the clandestine rescue network, while Gillian Jacobs plays Mary Jayne Gold, the wealthy heiress who bankrolled the operation. Their dynamic anchors the series, blending personal conviction with the moral urgency of wartime survival.
Where can you stream Transatlantic?
Transatlantic is available to stream on Netflix, including the Netflix Standard with Ads plan. All seven episodes of the limited series are available at once, making it easy to watch at your own pace across a weekend.
What real artists and intellectuals appear in Transatlantic?
The series features or references several iconic cultural figures who passed through the Emergency Rescue Committee's network, including Surrealist artist André Breton and his wife Jacqueline Lamba. The show weaves these historical cameos into its drama, giving viewers a vivid sense of the extraordinary minds that were saved.
How was Transatlantic received by critics?
Critical reception was generally warm, with reviewers praising the series' lush period atmosphere, committed performances, and the compelling moral weight of its true-life premise. Some critics noted the pacing could feel uneven across its seven episodes, but the ensemble cast and historical richness were widely celebrated.
Is Transatlantic worth watching for WWII history fans?
Absolutely. Transatlantic shines a light on a lesser-known chapter of World War II resistance, blending espionage tension with genuine human stakes. If you're drawn to stories of courage under occupation — and enjoy richly costumed period drama — this seven-episode Netflix miniseries is a rewarding and emotionally resonant watch.
Where was Transatlantic filmed?
Transatlantic was primarily filmed in Germany, with production handled by Studio Airlift. The production team worked to recreate the sun-drenched, tension-filled atmosphere of 1940 Marseilles, using European locations and studio sets to evoke the precarious world of wartime southern France.
What are similar shows to watch after Transatlantic?
If Transatlantic captivated you, try The Tattooist of Auschwitz, A Small Light, or We Were the Lucky Ones — all gripping WWII-era dramas centered on real acts of courage. Band of Brothers remains a landmark of the genre, while SAS Rogue Heroes offers a more action-driven wartime adventure.
More About Transatlantic
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