Manhattan (2014)

A gripping historical drama set inside the secret race to build the world's first atomic bomb at Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Manhattan - Series Information

  • Original Title: Manhattan
  • First Air Year: 2014
  • Last Air Year: 2015
  • Created by: Sam Shaw
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama, War, Politics
  • Content Rating (US): TV-14
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 43 minutes
  • Number of Seasons: 2
  • Number of Episodes: 23
  • Status: Canceled
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: July 27, 2014 (United States - TV-14), July 27, 2014 (Canada - 14+), July 27, 2014 (Germany - 12), July 27, 2014 (Brazil - 14), July 27, 2014 (Mexico - B-15), July 27, 2014 (Spain - 12), July 27, 2014 (South Korea - 15)
  • Networks: WGN America
  • Alternative Titles: Manhatten (US)
  • Production Companies: Lionsgate Television, Shoe Money Productions, Skydance Television, Skydance Media, Darkbloom Productions, Tribune Studios
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Manhattan - Plot

Set against the backdrop of the greatest clandestine race against time in the history of science with the mission to build the world's first atomic bomb in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Flawed scientists and their families attempt to co-exist in a world where secrets and lies infiltrate every aspect of their lives.

Manhattan - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the world of Los Alamos:

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Manhattan - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Sam Shaw

Main Cast

  • John Benjamin Hickey
  • Olivia Williams
  • Ashley Zukerman
  • Rachel Brosnahan
  • Harry Lloyd
  • Katja Herbers
  • Michael Chernus
  • Christopher Denham
  • Daniel Stern
  • Alexia Fast

Writers

  • Noelle Valdivia
  • Gideon Yago
  • Lila Byock
  • Sam Shaw
  • Scott Brown

Manhattan - FAQs

Is Manhattan based on a true story?

Manhattan is inspired by the real Manhattan Project, the secret U.S. government program that developed the atomic bomb during World War II. While the setting and historical backdrop are factual, the central characters — including Frank Winter and Charlie Isaacs — are fictional composites rather than direct portrayals of real scientists.

Why was Manhattan cancelled after two seasons?

WGN America cancelled Manhattan in 2015 after two seasons, citing low viewership ratings despite strong critical acclaim. The network was shifting its programming strategy, and the show's modest audience numbers made renewal difficult to justify commercially, ending the series on an unresolved cliffhanger.

Who are the main actors in Manhattan?

Manhattan stars John Benjamin Hickey as Frank Winter and Olivia Williams as Liza Winter, with Ashley Zukerman as Charlie Isaacs and Rachel Brosnahan as Abby Isaacs. The ensemble also includes Harry Lloyd, Katja Herbers, Michael Chernus, Christopher Denham, Daniel Stern, and Alexia Fast.

Is Manhattan worth watching?

Manhattan earned strong critical praise for its intelligent writing, nuanced performances, and morally complex storytelling. Critics highlighted John Benjamin Hickey and Olivia Williams as standout performers. Fans of character-driven historical drama will find it a compelling, underrated gem, though the abrupt cancellation leaves the story unfinished.

What is Manhattan about?

Manhattan follows brilliant but deeply flawed scientists and their families stationed at a secret military base in Los Alamos, New Mexico, during World War II. Competing teams race to build the first atomic bomb while navigating espionage, moral compromise, personal betrayal, and the psychological toll of their clandestine mission.

How many seasons and episodes does Manhattan have?

Manhattan ran for 2 seasons and a total of 23 episodes on WGN America. Season 1 comprised 13 episodes and Season 2 comprised 10 episodes. The series aired from July 27, 2014, until its cancellation in 2015.

Where can you stream Manhattan online?

Manhattan is available to stream in the United States on several platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, and Plex at no additional cost. It can also be purchased or rented through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.

Who created the TV series Manhattan?

Manhattan was created by Sam Shaw, who also served as a writer and executive producer on the series. Shaw developed the show as a fictional drama set against the real historical backdrop of the Manhattan Project, blending espionage, moral philosophy, and personal drama within a wartime scientific community.

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