Chernobyl (2019)
Craig Mazin's acclaimed HBO miniseries chronicles the catastrophic 1986 Soviet nuclear disaster and the extraordinary human cost of containing it.
Chernobyl - Series Information
- Original Title: Chernobyl
- First Air Year: 2019
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Created by: Craig Mazin
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 5
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: May 6, 2019 (United States - TV-MA), May 6, 2019 (Canada - 14+), May 6, 2019 (United Kingdom - 15), May 6, 2019 (Germany - 16), May 6, 2019 (France - 12), May 6, 2019 (India - U/A 16+), May 6, 2019 (New Zealand - M), May 6, 2019 (Australia - MA 15+), May 6, 2019 (Brazil - 16), May 6, 2019 (Mexico - B-15)
- Networks: HBO
- Production Companies: SISTER, The Mighty Mint, Word Games
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
- Alternative Titles: 切尔诺贝利 (CN), Chernóbil (CO), Tšernobõl (EE), Chornobyl (UA), Chornobyl (UK), ჩორნობილი (GE), Czarnobyl (PL), 切爾諾貝爾：傷心的兒童 (HK)
Chernobyl - Plot
The true story of one of the worst man-made catastrophes in history: the catastrophic nuclear accident at Chernobyl. A tale of the brave men and women who sacrificed to save Europe from unimaginable disaster.
Chernobyl - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the harrowing world of Chernobyl come to life:
What is the cost of lies?
Where to Watch Chernobyl
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Chernobyl - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Craig Mazin
Main Cast
- Jared Harris
- Stellan Skarsgård
- Emily Watson
- Paul Ritter
- Jessie Buckley
- Adam Nagaitis
- Sam Troughton
- Robert Emms
- Con O'Neill
- Adrian Rawlins
Writers
- Craig Mazin
Executive Producers
- Carolyn Strauss
- Jane Featherstone
- Craig Mazin
Chernobyl - FAQs
Is Chernobyl based on a true story?
Yes, Chernobyl is based on the real 1986 nuclear disaster at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Soviet Ukraine. The series dramatizes verified historical events, drawing on firsthand accounts, scientific records, and Svetlana Alexievich's oral history book Voices from Chernobyl, though some characters are composites or fictional.
Where can you watch Chernobyl online?
Chernobyl is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) in the United States. It can also be accessed through the HBO Max Amazon Channel, or purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region — check JustWatch for current options.
Who are the main actors in Chernobyl?
The principal cast includes Jared Harris as scientist Valery Legasov, Stellan Skarsgård as Soviet deputy prime minister Boris Shcherbina, and Emily Watson as fictional nuclear physicist Ulana Khomyuk. Paul Ritter portrays the reckless plant deputy chief Anatoly Dyatlov, and Jessie Buckley plays Lyudmilla Ignatenko.
Did Chernobyl win any major awards?
Chernobyl swept major awards ceremonies, winning the Emmy for Outstanding Limited Series in 2019 along with trophies for writing, directing, and supporting actor. It also claimed the Golden Globe for Best Limited Series and received widespread recognition from BAFTA, the Critics' Choice Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild.
What is the content rating for Chernobyl?
Chernobyl is rated TV-MA in the United States, indicating content suitable for mature audiences only. The series contains graphic depictions of radiation sickness, disturbing imagery, strong language, and intense dramatizations of real-life tragedy. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
How many episodes does Chernobyl have?
Chernobyl consists of five episodes presented as a single-season miniseries. The episodes aired on HBO between May 6 and June 3, 2019. Each installment covers a distinct phase of the disaster and its aftermath, from the initial explosion through the subsequent trial and reckoning.
How was Chernobyl received by critics?
Chernobyl received near-universal critical acclaim and holds a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised its meticulous production design, powerful performances, and unflinching moral honesty. It briefly topped IMDb's all-time TV ratings chart and is widely regarded as one of the greatest limited series ever produced.
Who created and wrote Chernobyl?
Chernobyl was created and written entirely by Craig Mazin, who spent years researching the disaster before writing the scripts. Johan Renck directed all five episodes. The series was produced by HBO and Sky UK in partnership with Sister Pictures, The Mighty Mint, and Word Games.
More About Chernobyl
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