I did not know a lot about the events of Chernobyl prior to watching the show. The only reference I had heard of regarding the subject was in the fifth Die Hard movie. So when I started watching I was shocked by the consequences and ramifications.

The show includes multiple narratives seen through the government as well as citizens. The show is able to display what happens to multiple different characters before, during, and after the explosion. There is a lot of tension between the gov. and the people after the truth of what actually happened that caused the nuclear disaster that Chernobyl was. Going into more will be going into spoilers so I must move on. However, I found that the show appeared to be an examination on the Soviet Union and how Chernobyl led to its downfall.

The acting is absolutely amazing in this tv show. Stellan Skarsgard is amazing as always as a hard ass Russian named Boris Shcherbina and his character develops over the course of the show even though it is only five episodes. Also, Jared Harris and Emily Watson play very important and crucial roles with their characters Valery Legasov and Ulana Khomyuk. Valery Legasov is the conscience of the show. He is most determined to do the right thing, but he is torn between his patriotic duty as well as the safety of the citizens of the Soviet Union. Ulana Khomyuk is the voice of reason and wants the truth to be said, while Boris Shcherbina wants Valery Legasov to keep the truth hidden.

Completely different subject, but the scenery and the shots throughout the show are stunning and amazing. The buildings and apartments all look like they are from the Soviet era because of how run down they are. These shots of buildings helps the show feel real and factual with the story that they are telling. The show is amazing at building tension and as an audience member, it feels as if you are actually there with them, not just watching these atrocities and horrors.

Lastly, please watch the show! The show, in my opinion, does not deserve the title of best tv show on IMDB but it is a very good show and worth watching. Please watch the show!