Tom Hanks Declares Chernobyl the Greatest Miniseries He’s Ever Watched

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With TV evolving into a more sophisticated, expensive, and innovative platform, an increasing number of series are prioritizing quality over volume, catching the attention of big-name actors. Despite some network TV shows still adhering to 22-episode seasons with repetitive plots, others are pushing new boundaries. Shorter seasons, increased budgets, and unique storylines have become the pinnacle of television production. Shows like “Game of Thrones” and HBO’s “Rome” pioneered this trend, and other streaming services have followed suit. Series such as “Stranger Things,” “The Boys,” and even the Marvel Cinematic Universe shows on Disney+ are all capitalizing on this structure, marking a fresh era for television.

Today’s TV shows, rich in depth and nuance, would have been made into feature films 20 years ago. However, we now find ourselves in an era where these productions are finally getting the detailed adaptations they deserve. The television medium offers more screen time, making it ideal for such complex stories. Biopics and historical dramas have even found a home on the small screen. A notable historical miniseries, released six years ago, has established itself among the greatest movies and shows ever made, with Tom Hanks himself acknowledging its merit.

Tom Hanks Is a Legendary Hollywood Actor

He Won Two Academy Awards

Tom Hanks may be well-known within the film industry, but he isn’t particularly famous for his small-screen work. His acting career started with a 1977 stage performance of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” However, he soon moved to Hollywood, with his first movie role in 1980’s “He Knows You’re Alone.” But it was 1988’s “Big” that catapulted him to stardom. He received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for this role, and went on to win for “Philadelphia” in 1993 and “Forrest Gump” in 1994. Further nominations followed for “Saving Private Ryan” (1998), “Cast Away” (2000), and most recently, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (2019).

Though he’s often recognized for his significant roles, he also made numerous TV appearances. He graced the Emmy-nominated series “From the Earth to the Moon,” the iconic World War II show “Band of Brothers,” and the sitcom “Bosom Buddies.” In addition, he wasn’t shy about taking on behind-the-scenes responsibilities, such as producing the successor of “Band of Brothers,” titled “The Pacific.” Most frequently, however, the actor opted for brief appearances in various shows rather than commit to long-term productions that might hinder his chances for big-screen roles. Despite his strong inclination towards the stage, he hasn’t shied away from appreciating the artistic merits of small-screen projects. Throughout his career, Hanks has been involved in producing, directing, and acting in numerous TV shows, demonstrating his ability to identify high-quality productions.

Chernobyl Remains Tom Hanks’ Favorite Show

The Show Was Executed Brilliantly

Although Tom Hanks has created numerous shows on his own, there’s one production he adores, even though he wasn’t directly involved with it. The 2019 miniseries “Chernobyl,” a dramatization of the tragic nuclear disaster in the Soviet Union, stands out as his favorite. In an interview with The New Indian Express, Hanks openly expressed his admiration for Chernobyl, commending the show for its exceptional portrayal of storytelling subtleties. When discussing the best way to distribute such content, Hanks highlighted that “One of the most remarkable things I have seen in recent years is the five-part HBO series, Chernobyl. It was amazing.

Hank’s accolade was indeed heartfelt, and it was equally warranted. The series, featuring Jared Harris as Valery Legasov, Stellan Skarsgård as Boris Shcherbina, Emily Watson as Ulana Khomyuk (a fictional character), and David Dencik as Mikhail Gorbachev, portrayed in intricate detail the horrifying events of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and its aftermath. The series’ authentic portrayal of these tragic occurrences and the Soviet Union’s inadequate response to the catastrophe contributed significantly to its widespread acclaim.

Rather than just delving into the events preceding the 1986 disaster, the show primarily explores the events that transpired afterwards, as scientists strive to unravel the mystery behind the catastrophe. The series offers intricate scientific explanations, intense drama, and a pointed critique of political corruption, as well as society’s struggles with coping when career-driven bureaucrats prioritize their own interests over addressing the disaster. This results in an exhilarating viewing experience, and its five-episode duration allows for a comprehensive examination of the event. Given Hanks’ dedication to historical analysis in shows like “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific”, it is unsurprising that he took a liking to this series.

Hanks Is Certainly Not Alone

Chernobyl Earned Near-Universal Praise

Many people, including Hanks, found the series “Chernobyl” to be nothing short of remarkable. In fact, both critics and audiences showered the series with an extraordinary level of affection that few other shows have ever been able to achieve. The show garnered a 95% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 97% Popcornmeter score. While not everyone was in complete agreement, it’s important to note that the average viewer rated the show an impressive 4.7 out of 5, which is truly astonishing. Showrunner Craig Mazin, who has since become known for his work on , skillfully engaged viewers and produced a show that most people could enjoy, even with its heavy themes.

The series made a notable impact during the awards circuit. It scooped up several accolades, including the Best Mini-Series award at the BAFTAs, won by Jared Harris as Best Leading Actor. At the Golden Globes, it was recognized as Best Limited Series or Television Film and Stellan Skarsgård earned Best Supporting Actor – Series, Limited Series or Television Film. Additionally, it received the Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media award at the Grammys. Given its critical acclaim for direction, cinematography, scriptwriting, and historical accuracy, these accolades were well-deserved.

The events at Chernobyl transformed history’s pages into a heart-wrenching and gripping narrative that left viewers spellbound. It’s hardly unexpected that Tom Hanks appreciated this series, as its compelling storytelling resonates with many others. The show masterfully combined politics, suspense, and grandeur, creating an experience that transcends the boundaries of conventional historical dramas. Despite the substantial $40 million budget, it proved to be one of the most outstanding television productions ever made.

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2025-06-04 05:56