Watch The Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad is a 2021 American historical drama web television series based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Colson Whitehead. The series is directed by Barry Jenkins and produced by Amazon Studios, with each episode varying in length, ranging from 50-70 minutes. The show's ensemble cast includes Thuso Mbedu, Chase Dillon, Joel Edgerton, and many more.

Set in the southern United States during the antebellum era, The Underground Railroad follows the life of a young slave woman named Cora (Thuso Mbedu) who escapes a Georgia plantation and embarks on a journey towards freedom. Cora is aided on her journey by a fellow slave named Caesar (Aaron Pierre) who convinces her to accompany him on his attempt to escape the plantation before they are caught by the ruthless slave catcher, Ridgeway (Joel Edgerton).

The show takes its name from the real-life Underground Railroad, a network of safe houses and secret routes used by fugitive slaves to escape to freedom in the North. In the series, the Underground Railroad is depicted as an actual underground railway system with trains and conductors, transporting escaped slaves to different parts of the country.

Throughout the series, Cora's journey takes her to various states, each with different laws and customs pertaining to slavery. She encounters both allies and enemies along the way, including White abolitionists who provide her with safe houses and Black communities who are skeptical of her presence. Cora's experiences also expose the viewers to the brutal realities of slavery, the ramifications of the Fugitive Slave Act, and the existence of medical experimentation on enslaved people.

The Underground Railroad is a show that can be difficult to watch at times, but it is a necessary reminder of America's racist past and the bravery of those who fought against it. The show is visually stunning, with each episode showcasing breathtaking cinematography and production design. The acting is absolutely fantastic, with Thuso Mbedu delivering a standout performance as Cora.

The series does an excellent job of exploring themes like identity, freedom, and trauma. Cora's journey towards freedom is not just a physical one but a psychological one too. She wrestles with her past and identity as a slave, questioning whether or not she will ever truly be free from the shackles of slavery. The show also portrays the generational trauma caused by slavery, depicting how the effects of slavery continue to affect Black people in America even long after its abolition.

Overall, The Underground Railroad is a must-watch for anyone interested in a powerful story of survival and freedom. The show is not an easy watch, but it is an important one that sheds light on a dark period in American history that should never be forgotten. The show's messages of hope, perseverance, and resilience are universal and will resonate with viewers of all backgrounds.