Oh, man. Who knows how they would react in the face of a real emergency like this one? Would you volunteer for a suicide mission? Would you stand up and say, "Send me into that dark tunnel," when you know you weren't coming back? And most likely dying a terrible death. But to save a million people? Would you stand up? Would you wait and see if somebody else would stand up first? This show makes you face questions like that.
72 Reviews
The Truth is scarier than any Horror Movie.
andie7443914 May 2019
What is so terrifying is it's not trying to be a horror programme, it's what actually happened. It's not gratuitous... it's what happened. And it's scarier than any horror movie I could ever call to mind. There are scenes where my blood ran cold, where I felt queasy but most of all I was just horrified by the scenes that depicted those first on the scene. You always look for the helpers in any disaster. But what if the disaster overcomes the helpers. What if even the strongest of us are no match for the horrific event. It's almost unthinkable. But it happened here. This will stick with you long after the credits roll. As it should.
100% Attention
etcrushabh57-432-36433114 May 2019
Wonderful and horrifying
mpboylanjr-5403814 May 2019
Truly another true Gem from HBO. The episode dives into the disaster a few days in when other Nuclear scientists are becoming aware of the true disaster this explosion is. Scientists who do not have an agenda to hide the disaster like the Russian state authorities. The writers make sure we are getting a little bit from the perspectives of officials and the poor citizens of Chernobyl. Nuclear power was such a dangerous way to supply power to large areas just for this simple reason of the horror it brings in a case such as this. Excellent show and a perfect topic for HBO to do a mini series on. A 10 across the board.!
Never have i been this amazed.
ellismatic14 May 2019
Chernobyl will be awarded with my first review of anything.
I can't point out a single negative fraction on what i've witnessed so far in this miniseries. After finishing the first episode i recommended it to all my close ones and not a single one was dissapointed.
Here's why i think this series stands out from the rest. Firstly the topic is widely discussed, Chernobyl was often a topic brought up to me growing up since it provokes a sense of mystery and thrill. People are interested in disasters, especially when it's nothing we've ever heard of before.
Visualizing the drama and the terror it all feels very genuine and realistic, as viewers we are truly immersed in the 1980's Ukraine. The acting is spot on, the score/ambience is both beautiful and haunting. I've seen scenes from good series where the music is misused and sadly brings down the quality of the scene. In Chernobyl they amazed me every time. The visuals and the audials flows and strengthens each other which keeps the audience constantly interested and on edge.
The second episode surpassed my expectations with ease, if this isn't it then i don't know what the next milestone in cinema is going to be (even though it's a miniseries). The evacuation and ending both left me in shock and even brought a tear to my eye. If the consistency holds throughout the series which i'm certain it will, this will definately be a flawless work of art.
10/10
I can't point out a single negative fraction on what i've witnessed so far in this miniseries. After finishing the first episode i recommended it to all my close ones and not a single one was dissapointed.
Here's why i think this series stands out from the rest. Firstly the topic is widely discussed, Chernobyl was often a topic brought up to me growing up since it provokes a sense of mystery and thrill. People are interested in disasters, especially when it's nothing we've ever heard of before.
Visualizing the drama and the terror it all feels very genuine and realistic, as viewers we are truly immersed in the 1980's Ukraine. The acting is spot on, the score/ambience is both beautiful and haunting. I've seen scenes from good series where the music is misused and sadly brings down the quality of the scene. In Chernobyl they amazed me every time. The visuals and the audials flows and strengthens each other which keeps the audience constantly interested and on edge.
The second episode surpassed my expectations with ease, if this isn't it then i don't know what the next milestone in cinema is going to be (even though it's a miniseries). The evacuation and ending both left me in shock and even brought a tear to my eye. If the consistency holds throughout the series which i'm certain it will, this will definately be a flawless work of art.
10/10
Tense, gripping, and exciting
lusitanamike214 May 2019
From start to finish, the episode flows very nicely with its haunting score and wonderful cinematography. The acting is flawless and reveals how hectic the whole situation is. I absolutely loved the ending, it puts you on edge of your seat. This is the real deal, well done HBO
Nailbiting tension
FabledGentleman14 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This review is partly meant as a tribute of Alexei Ananenko, Valeri Bezpalov and Boris Baranov who went into the plant, knowing they would probably die as a result.
WARNING: do NOT read further if you don't want anything spoiled by future episodes!
When these three men stood up that day, sacrificing their own lives to save others, it sends a strong message of hope, that even in the darkest of hours, there are those that understand the needs of the many, exceeds the needs of the few. These men that were tasked with preventing a nuclear disaster of unimaginable scale, went in knowing they would almost certainly die.
Though they didn't die of radiation in the plant or later, (two of the men are even alive today), everyone thought they would, including them. These men are heroes, and you got to wonder why these men were not awarded the Nobel peace prize.
This episode deals with the direct aftermath of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl. Politicians, doctors, nuclear physicists, police, military personnel, government officials and the president himself are now slowly coming aware of the magnitude of this disaster. As hours go by, more and more radioactive dust is lifted into the atmosphere, and the cloud carries it to countries like Sweden, Norway and Germany. Once the news break in those countries that Chernobyl has exploded, children are not allowed to play outside, but in the the city of Pripyat, which is just a few km from Chernobyl, people still don't know they are in grave danger.
It's heartbreaking to see that a government can be so slow to understand the danger of such a catastrophe. Incompetent people in all kinds of political positions, with no expertise and understanding of what they are up against. Sitting around hoping that someone higher up the hierarchy will eventually make some decisions for them.
This episode depicts the terror in an excellent manner, the tension grips you from the very beginning. There are some awful writing here and there, with some over-obvious scenes that don't need to be there, but all in all the episode is truly intense and accurate with the details of what happened. Even though i know a lot about this accident, I've seen countless documentaries, and read articles and books, well knowing what happens next, i still sit here eating my nails in horror of what is portrayed on screen.
Watching an exposed nuclear core is almost like watching the gates of hell open, this is as close to that description you'll ever get. An invisible and deadly enemy sneaking up on you, slowly killing you, taking away your life, draining you of all hope, yet it's so beautiful to look at. This is true horror, this is real, and it is terrifying beyond belief.
When we are faced with disaster such as this, looking into hopelessness and despair, I can't but be in total awe of men like Alexei Ananenko, Valeri Bezpalov and Boris Baranov who decided their lives doesn't matter if it saves a lot more.
Damn good episode, intense, accurate, well directed and acted.
WARNING: do NOT read further if you don't want anything spoiled by future episodes!
When these three men stood up that day, sacrificing their own lives to save others, it sends a strong message of hope, that even in the darkest of hours, there are those that understand the needs of the many, exceeds the needs of the few. These men that were tasked with preventing a nuclear disaster of unimaginable scale, went in knowing they would almost certainly die.
Though they didn't die of radiation in the plant or later, (two of the men are even alive today), everyone thought they would, including them. These men are heroes, and you got to wonder why these men were not awarded the Nobel peace prize.
This episode deals with the direct aftermath of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl. Politicians, doctors, nuclear physicists, police, military personnel, government officials and the president himself are now slowly coming aware of the magnitude of this disaster. As hours go by, more and more radioactive dust is lifted into the atmosphere, and the cloud carries it to countries like Sweden, Norway and Germany. Once the news break in those countries that Chernobyl has exploded, children are not allowed to play outside, but in the the city of Pripyat, which is just a few km from Chernobyl, people still don't know they are in grave danger.
It's heartbreaking to see that a government can be so slow to understand the danger of such a catastrophe. Incompetent people in all kinds of political positions, with no expertise and understanding of what they are up against. Sitting around hoping that someone higher up the hierarchy will eventually make some decisions for them.
This episode depicts the terror in an excellent manner, the tension grips you from the very beginning. There are some awful writing here and there, with some over-obvious scenes that don't need to be there, but all in all the episode is truly intense and accurate with the details of what happened. Even though i know a lot about this accident, I've seen countless documentaries, and read articles and books, well knowing what happens next, i still sit here eating my nails in horror of what is portrayed on screen.
Watching an exposed nuclear core is almost like watching the gates of hell open, this is as close to that description you'll ever get. An invisible and deadly enemy sneaking up on you, slowly killing you, taking away your life, draining you of all hope, yet it's so beautiful to look at. This is true horror, this is real, and it is terrifying beyond belief.
When we are faced with disaster such as this, looking into hopelessness and despair, I can't but be in total awe of men like Alexei Ananenko, Valeri Bezpalov and Boris Baranov who decided their lives doesn't matter if it saves a lot more.
Damn good episode, intense, accurate, well directed and acted.
Best show on TV right now!
deltaop14 May 2019
There are no two ways about it, Chernobyl is the best show on TV right now. Just two episodes in, and it is perfect in its storyboarding and acting.
A strong premise brimming with sustained tension along with powerful performances by Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, and Emily Watson, draw you in and don't let you go until the very end.
Fellow Game of Thrones disappointees, drown your sorrows with this one!
A strong premise brimming with sustained tension along with powerful performances by Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, and Emily Watson, draw you in and don't let you go until the very end.
Fellow Game of Thrones disappointees, drown your sorrows with this one!
Harrowing. Captivating.
Sleepin_Dragon28 November 2019
This second episode continues in the same incredible way as the first part, we get a glimpse into the obstacles faced by those trying to uncover the truth, and we also get a glimpse into the horrific life that affected those living by the fallout. The performances of Stellan Skarsgård, Emily Watson and Jared Harris are spellbinding. Once again you are transported to the scene, you feel the atmosphere, the oppression, and it's chilling, more scary then any horror, because events here were real. 10/10
Re-living a humanity nightmare
basharbetta-8088614 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I am absolutely tuned for that show, it's not an easy task to project such a huge documentary into a tv show with supposed drama, fiction, and thriller.
They turned scientific facts into death calls, all scenes of the episode get to your heart, as if you're just there at that time.
I've heard stories about the incident, but watching 2 episodes of the show completely changed my perspective of how it went.
The compassion for the 3 heroes who actually saved most Europe knowing that it is a suicide mission, and this all happened, it's a historical event which they shed light on.
This mini-series took off right to the top of the list, and trust is already established in what next episodes will bring.
Please Remain Calm
Prismark1022 May 2019
So far the Soviet men in charge have played the blame game and tried to contain the catastrophe. It is a case of whatever has happened it is not that bad.
It is only when nuclear physicist Valery Legasov (Jared Harris) eventually gets through to Boris Shcherbina (Stellan Skarsgard) of the devastating scale of this disaster is when this drama in all its grey muted colour palette springs into action.
Director Johan Renck makes good use of sound to display the eerie tension around Chernobyl. The final stages of the drama is almost silent as three volunteers go to manual turn the correct valves to release water.
As for the Soviet Union. The rest of the world became aware of the disaster and there was no hiding place. Radiation was being shifted to the rest of Europe by wind and rain.
It was unfortunate that the actor playing Michail Gorbatchev was a little unconvincing.
It is only when nuclear physicist Valery Legasov (Jared Harris) eventually gets through to Boris Shcherbina (Stellan Skarsgard) of the devastating scale of this disaster is when this drama in all its grey muted colour palette springs into action.
Director Johan Renck makes good use of sound to display the eerie tension around Chernobyl. The final stages of the drama is almost silent as three volunteers go to manual turn the correct valves to release water.
As for the Soviet Union. The rest of the world became aware of the disaster and there was no hiding place. Radiation was being shifted to the rest of Europe by wind and rain.
It was unfortunate that the actor playing Michail Gorbatchev was a little unconvincing.
A disoriented mess
yavermbizi11 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
An unexpectedly bad episode of a series that should know better.
The pace is such as if three episodes were rolled up into one. The mention of people being thrown out of helicopters and consistent anti-Soviet slant in every smallest detail suggest that the script was written by Pinochet. The made-up scientist lady learns what is likely an entirely restricted state secret in a ridiculous unpreempted telephone call, then finds a flaw in it, then travels into a city on lockdown (while having forgotten about the work she'd so valued she'd slept the night from Friday to Saturday at the workplace without noticing - a silly cliche, but in the context of all the other flaws...), then demands the guards to take her to their leaders, then gets taken to the leaders, then saves the day, and then becomes a party to the highest-level state commission. There is a continued pretense that the "bridge of death" was real, and not a feverish urban legend dream. The helicopter crashes, nonsensically and 6 months before its time.
Frankly, there are problems upon problems with this episode, and the one truly badass scene of the general's dosimeter run doesn't come anywhere close to making up for it.
The pace is such as if three episodes were rolled up into one. The mention of people being thrown out of helicopters and consistent anti-Soviet slant in every smallest detail suggest that the script was written by Pinochet. The made-up scientist lady learns what is likely an entirely restricted state secret in a ridiculous unpreempted telephone call, then finds a flaw in it, then travels into a city on lockdown (while having forgotten about the work she'd so valued she'd slept the night from Friday to Saturday at the workplace without noticing - a silly cliche, but in the context of all the other flaws...), then demands the guards to take her to their leaders, then gets taken to the leaders, then saves the day, and then becomes a party to the highest-level state commission. There is a continued pretense that the "bridge of death" was real, and not a feverish urban legend dream. The helicopter crashes, nonsensically and 6 months before its time.
Frankly, there are problems upon problems with this episode, and the one truly badass scene of the general's dosimeter run doesn't come anywhere close to making up for it.
Amazing
tarekazoury14 May 2019
Perfect
85122218 May 2019
Greetings from Lithuania.
I won't call second episode of "Chernobyl", named "Please Remain Calm" a masterpiece only because i think masterpiece should only apply to a thing of fiction. "Chernobyl", a new brilliant HBO series is anything but fiction. If you are looking for a new HBO replacement of "Game Of Thrones" with blood, love, sex, sci-fi and etc with some plot twists - "Chernobyl" is as far place as you can search for.
I was born in Lithuania, 788 km (489 miles) from Chernobyl, 5 months before the explosion. I remember my mom told me years later of how she kept me inside of our house when news broke out about the incident broke.
Overall, "Chernobyl" is a simply perfect series for those who are looking to see a truth about true event. Everything, and i mean everything in this show speaks true to its time, place, regime and people. Its a damn perfect series so far.
I won't call second episode of "Chernobyl", named "Please Remain Calm" a masterpiece only because i think masterpiece should only apply to a thing of fiction. "Chernobyl", a new brilliant HBO series is anything but fiction. If you are looking for a new HBO replacement of "Game Of Thrones" with blood, love, sex, sci-fi and etc with some plot twists - "Chernobyl" is as far place as you can search for.
I was born in Lithuania, 788 km (489 miles) from Chernobyl, 5 months before the explosion. I remember my mom told me years later of how she kept me inside of our house when news broke out about the incident broke.
Overall, "Chernobyl" is a simply perfect series for those who are looking to see a truth about true event. Everything, and i mean everything in this show speaks true to its time, place, regime and people. Its a damn perfect series so far.
Horrifying
apatil414 May 2019
Top rate account of the disaster at Chernobyl
duanerocks14 May 2019
Just watching this makes my skin crawl!! And to the actors who all do a slendid job of bringing this horrific disaster to light!. But I remember this as a young person not knowing what the people who faced this and the government who tried to spin it and make light of it , but when I watch this it reminds me of the recent disaster at Fukushima and how that was bungled by a government totally inept in handling such a serious event.
It's stunning
anyakiss14 May 2019
Real life stories are most interesting and thrilling
pkpera14 May 2019
First episode was great, and this, second one even better. I see here 10 reviews. all with rating 10, and yes, it deserves it, absolutely.
I'm glad to see that HBO made something really good, after getting sick from all loud advertisement of their Game of Thrones, what I stopped to watch years ago.
As much I can see, the level of details is high, they recreated that environment very well. Looks almost like documentary. Acting, direction, dialogs ... all top level. And even pacing is superb - of course slow for some audience, but they probably were not attracted right at title.
Now something related with my memories from that time, and I was about 2000 km far from accident, related with anti-nuclear power talk by about half of reviewers here. I was not aware how bad was it, and that it could be much-much worse - assuming that it was not overdramatized . We had some warnings to not eat green vegetables, and that was approx all considering radiation spread to our area. About cause of explosion details came much later, in diverse versions. Years passed until was revealed that it was fatal experimenting, done very irresponsible by current staff. I don't think that there are some realistic chances that very similar happen in some Western (type) nuclear power plant. One of main reasons is that they have very massive dome, intended mostly for case of plane crash. Sowiet type reactors saved on it. Domes should survive similar reactor explosion - what was of course not nuclear one, rather explosion caused by created hydrogen .
What should worry us, normal people is rather attitude of people on power. Their disrespect of ordinary people, taking care only about own and own class interest, looking to ordinary people as some sub humans. And it is present everywhere, more-less. We can not say that it was something characteristic only for communistic regimes. Or some mid-east dictatorship. Events like it can be avoided when people in charge do it's job responsible, or even better - with moral. And being aware what is most important: good of many vs. submitting to boss, making some carrier and go higher in hierarchy ... Surely, that needs some courage, sometimes sacrifice. But that makes us humans. And that 3 men at end, they were it. We don't need super powers, we need people knowing and willing to engage their powers in something good for all as, for this planet, life on it.
I'm glad to see that HBO made something really good, after getting sick from all loud advertisement of their Game of Thrones, what I stopped to watch years ago.
As much I can see, the level of details is high, they recreated that environment very well. Looks almost like documentary. Acting, direction, dialogs ... all top level. And even pacing is superb - of course slow for some audience, but they probably were not attracted right at title.
Now something related with my memories from that time, and I was about 2000 km far from accident, related with anti-nuclear power talk by about half of reviewers here. I was not aware how bad was it, and that it could be much-much worse - assuming that it was not overdramatized . We had some warnings to not eat green vegetables, and that was approx all considering radiation spread to our area. About cause of explosion details came much later, in diverse versions. Years passed until was revealed that it was fatal experimenting, done very irresponsible by current staff. I don't think that there are some realistic chances that very similar happen in some Western (type) nuclear power plant. One of main reasons is that they have very massive dome, intended mostly for case of plane crash. Sowiet type reactors saved on it. Domes should survive similar reactor explosion - what was of course not nuclear one, rather explosion caused by created hydrogen .
What should worry us, normal people is rather attitude of people on power. Their disrespect of ordinary people, taking care only about own and own class interest, looking to ordinary people as some sub humans. And it is present everywhere, more-less. We can not say that it was something characteristic only for communistic regimes. Or some mid-east dictatorship. Events like it can be avoided when people in charge do it's job responsible, or even better - with moral. And being aware what is most important: good of many vs. submitting to boss, making some carrier and go higher in hierarchy ... Surely, that needs some courage, sometimes sacrifice. But that makes us humans. And that 3 men at end, they were it. We don't need super powers, we need people knowing and willing to engage their powers in something good for all as, for this planet, life on it.
Holy S***!!!
jefferyhamstra14 May 2019
The best yet
jameselliscalcott14 May 2019
Horrifying disaster but slow episode
cruise0115 May 2019
Chernobyl (3 out of 5 stars).
Episode 1.02
After the explosion has released radiation. People around the area getting sick. Researchers and scientists are trying to figure out a solution to slow down or stop the radiation from spreading further into the area.
This episode still delivers the eerie and scary atmosphere with the disaster of radiation spreading into the environment. The town being evacuated. Researchers figuring out ways to slow the chemical reaction down. It delivers its eerie tone and direction. The episode is slow moving still. And can be boring at times. Jared Harris delivers. Emily Watson also is good. And Stellan Skarsgard is good as well. The concept and truth behind the story is horrifying. Especially, with the researchers trying to explain the radiation compound that is released out in the air.
Episode 1.02
After the explosion has released radiation. People around the area getting sick. Researchers and scientists are trying to figure out a solution to slow down or stop the radiation from spreading further into the area.
This episode still delivers the eerie and scary atmosphere with the disaster of radiation spreading into the environment. The town being evacuated. Researchers figuring out ways to slow the chemical reaction down. It delivers its eerie tone and direction. The episode is slow moving still. And can be boring at times. Jared Harris delivers. Emily Watson also is good. And Stellan Skarsgard is good as well. The concept and truth behind the story is horrifying. Especially, with the researchers trying to explain the radiation compound that is released out in the air.
Unbelievable
Warin_West-El6 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Apparently, I am not the only reviewer who found this episode to strain credulity.
The Soviets are portrayed as bureaucratic monsters. At one point a scientist is threatened with being thrown out of a helicopter. Which is sort of like a mobster movie - Soviet style.
There are several aspects to this episode that do not ring true. A woman scientist insists that the guards take her to their leaders. And then the guards actually DO that. Which would never happen in real life.
But why I decided to write this review was the ending of the episode. Three men have volunteered to sacrifice their lives to save millions. They are in the throws of death when their lights begin to fail. Would that happen in real life?
If it would, don't you think the scientists sending them to their doom would have figured out a solution to that problem when millions of lives are on the line?
It was obviously an ending devised simply for dramatic effect, which completely blew the suspension of disbelief.
The Soviets are portrayed as bureaucratic monsters. At one point a scientist is threatened with being thrown out of a helicopter. Which is sort of like a mobster movie - Soviet style.
There are several aspects to this episode that do not ring true. A woman scientist insists that the guards take her to their leaders. And then the guards actually DO that. Which would never happen in real life.
But why I decided to write this review was the ending of the episode. Three men have volunteered to sacrifice their lives to save millions. They are in the throws of death when their lights begin to fail. Would that happen in real life?
If it would, don't you think the scientists sending them to their doom would have figured out a solution to that problem when millions of lives are on the line?
It was obviously an ending devised simply for dramatic effect, which completely blew the suspension of disbelief.
Please Remain Calm (#1.2)
ComedyFan20107 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Another amazing episode with perfect acting and keeping the viewer in a sort of shock while watching it. It has no explosion like last one and yet one stays horrified from what is said. All the facts about the radiated environment and what may happen next.
Also great thanks to Alexei Ananenko, Valeri Bezpalov and Boris Baranov for sacrificing themselves to save the rest of us.
Yes, Please Remain Calm, No Matter How Extreme the Terror to do Otherwise!
zippyflynn214 May 2019
Take a very, very close look at this marvelous example of accurate filmmaking and storytelling and ask yourself: do you want to ever live it or have your descendants live it?
It's very easy to dismiss what happened at Chernobyl as a result of the old Soviet regime which strenuously protected the party line regardless of any truth that contradicted it as the "core problem" to the situation. But look carefully at the facts. Do the same situations exist? Yes, nuclear power plant corporations and governments (often working hand in hand as in 2019 America), still exist. Do those in power do anything and everything to maintain their power? Rhetorical question where the answer is clearly "yes". Will accidents and disasters happen again? Absolutely. Everyone is human with all associated faults that have all happened before and will all happen again.
Watch "Chernobyl" for the pure enjoyment of excellent cinema but let its story and message resonate. Great filmmaking should not only entertain but make the viewer reflect on his/her reality and how the messages they gleaned apply to them. "Chernobyl" will do this painfully, starkly. That is, if you have the courage to see the horrors sitting (at the moment) quietly in your own backyard.
Superb episode of an outstanding mini-series.
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