Scripted

Together for the first time, HBO and Sky Atlantic launch Chernobyl, a dramatic tv miniseries (5x60'-70'), created from the cooperation between USA and United Kingdom. It aired on both channel starting from May 6th and in Italy Sky Atlantic premiered it from June 10th. In the UK, after just three weeks the tv series had obtained a higher approval rating than Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad.
Starring Jared Harris (Pompei, Lincoln, The Strange Case of Benjamin Button), Stellan Skarsgård (Will Hunting, King Arthur, Nynphomaniac), Emily Watson (Oscar nomination for Breaking the Waves and Hilary e Jackie), Barry Keoghan (Dunkirk) and Paul Ritter (Harry Potter). The series is written by Craig Mazin and directed by Johan Renck, Swedish director of many episodes of famous TV series like Breaking Bad. Produced by Sister Pictures, The Mighty Mint and Word Games.
The miniseries is inspired by the tragic events of the explosion of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Soviet Ukraine in April 1986. In the night between 25th and 26th April 1986, the nuclear reactor exploded causing an unprecedented nuclear disaster and spreading radioactivity equal to 400 times the Hiroshima atomic bomb.
The series is focused on the extent of the explosion without filters and what really happened; talks about the stories of men and women who courageously tried to stem the disaster. The nuclear physicist Valery Legasov, who works within the Soviet government to manage the crisis, is at the center of events. Uncertain the final number of deaths over 65 ascertained and many cases of cancer among contaminated European areas. After Chernobyl, nuclear power is seen with other views.
Much importance was given to the historical reconstruction of events, from make-up to locations. The plant's filming took place at the now decommissioned plant of Ignalina, called "Chernobyl's sister". Despite the increase in tourism in Ukraine after airing, Russia strongly criticized the series and announcing a local version.

[S.C.]