Tom Hanks Called Chernobyl the “Greatest” Show He’s Ever Watched

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Television is becoming more sophisticated, with shows investing in higher production values and creative storytelling. This shift is drawing top actors like Tom Hanks to the small screen. While some traditional network shows still rely on long seasons filled with predictable plots, others, like those on HBO, are leading the way with a focus on quality and innovation.

As a TV fan, I’ve noticed a huge shift in how shows are made lately. It feels like everyone’s aiming for quality over quantity – shorter seasons, but with way bigger budgets and really creative ideas. I think Game of Thrones and Rome were really the first to do this, proving you could tell a complex story without dragging it out forever. Now, streaming services are all over it! You see it in everything from Stranger Things and The Boys to even the Marvel shows on Disney+ – they’re all building on that model and bringing fresh, exciting content to television.

Chernobyl Remains Tom Hanks’ Favorite Show

Tom Hanks recently shared that the 2019 series Chernobyl, which depicts the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, is one of the best things he’s seen. In an interview with The New Indian Express, Hanks praised the show’s detailed and nuanced storytelling, noting it was ideally suited for streaming platforms. He called the five-part HBO series “fantastic.”

Hank’s glowing review was well-earned. The show, featuring Jared Harris as Valery Legasov, Stellan Skarsgård as Boris Shcherbina, Emily Watson as the fictional character Ulana Khomyuk, and David Dencik as Mikhail Gorbachev, vividly portrayed the horrific details of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and its consequences. Its realistic depiction of the event, and the Soviet Union’s inadequate response, contributed to the show becoming a critical success.

Rather than revisiting the events leading up to the 1986 disaster, this show concentrates on what happened afterward, following scientists as they investigate its causes. It combines in-depth scientific analysis with compelling storytelling, and also sharply critiques the political corruption and societal challenges that arose when officials prioritized self-preservation over public safety.

The series is captivating, and its five episodes allow for a detailed exploration of the disaster. Considering Tom Hanks also spent considerable time on his acclaimed series The Pacific, it’s not surprising he was a fan.

Chernobyl Earned Near-Universal Praise

Tom Hanks isn’t alone in being impressed by Chernobyl. The series was a critical and popular success, achieving a rare level of acclaim. It boasts a 95% rating from critics and a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

While not everyone loved it, the show received an incredible average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from viewers. Showrunner Craig Mazin created a show that was widely appealing, even with its serious themes.

The show received significant recognition during awards season, winning several prestigious prizes. These included the BAFTA for Best Mini-Series and Best Actor (Jared Harris), Golden Globes for Best Limited Series and Best Supporting Actor (Stellan Skarsgård), and a Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media.

The show received the positive reviews it deserved, thanks to its excellent directing, beautiful visuals, strong writing, and commitment to historical accuracy.

The series Chernobyl brought a historical event to life in a powerful and heartbreaking way, resonating deeply with viewers. It’s no surprise that Tom Hanks was a fan – many people felt the same. The show masterfully blended historical accuracy with political intrigue and dramatic storytelling, going beyond typical historical dramas. Despite a significant $40 million investment, it became a truly exceptional and unforgettable series.

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Chernobyl’s Lasting Impact: Test Your TV Drama Knowledge
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2026-02-24 06:06