Watch Manhattan

Manhattan is a gripping television drama set against the backdrop of the historic Manhattan Project, which was a secret project undertaken during World War II to develop the first atomic bomb. The show was first premiered on WGN America in July 2014 and quickly became a hit with audiences and critics alike. Created by Sam Shaw and directed by Thomas Schlamme, the show features an incredibly talented cast including Ashley Zukerman, John Benjamin Hickey, Olivia Williams, and Daniel Stern among others.

At its core, Manhattan is a show that explores the lives and relationships of the scientists and their families who were involved in the top-secret Manhattan Project. The series is set in the desert town of Los Alamos, New Mexico, which was the site of the project's main research facility. The show is masterfully crafted and combines elements of drama, romance, and historical fact as it delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas that faced the real-life scientists who worked tirelessly to develop the atomic bomb.

Ashley Zukerman leads the cast as Charlie Isaacs, a young, brilliant scientist who has been recruited to work on the Manhattan Project. Charlie and his wife Abby (played by Rachel Brosnahan) arrive in Los Alamos in the first episode and quickly become embroiled in the high-stakes, high-pressure world of atomic research. Throughout the series, Charlie struggles to balance his loyalty to his country and his moral responsibility to humanity as he becomes more involved in the project's inner workings.

The show's other standout performance comes from John Benjamin Hickey, who plays Frank Winter, the brilliant, troubled leader of the project's scientific team. Frank is one of the most fascinating characters on the show, and Hickey brings a raw intensity and complexity to the role that is truly impressive. His character is haunted by the ethical implications of his work and by the toll that the project takes on his personal life, and as the series unfolds, we see him grapple with the consequences of his actions.

The other members of the cast also give strong performances, particularly Olivia Williams as Liza Winter, Frank's wife, and Daniel Stern as Glen Babbit, a physicist and mentor to Charlie. The relationships between these characters are complex and nuanced, and the show does an excellent job of exploring the tensions and conflicts that arise within the tight-knit community of scientists and their families.

One of the things that sets Manhattan apart from other historical dramas is its attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. The show's creators did extensive research into the Manhattan Project, and the sets, costumes, and props all feel authentically rooted in the time period. The show also weaves in actual historical events and figures, such as J. Robert Oppenheimer and Klaus Fuchs, and examines their roles in the development of the atomic bomb.

The show's writing is truly exceptional, and the series is full of compelling, thought-provoking dialogue. There are many moments throughout the series that are genuinely moving, as the characters grapple with the weighty moral issues that are at the heart of the show. In particular, the show does an excellent job of exploring the tension between patriotism and conscience, as the characters struggle with the idea of using their knowledge to create a weapon of mass destruction.

Finally, it's worth noting that the show's visual style is truly breathtaking. The New Mexico desert is a stunning backdrop for the series, and the cinematography, production design, and special effects are all top-notch. There are many scenes throughout the show that are visually stunning, and the production team clearly put a great deal of effort into creating a world that feels immersive and authentic.

In conclusion, Manhattan is a fantastic television drama that is well worth watching for anyone who is interested in history, science, or character-driven storytelling. The show's exceptional writing, talented cast, and attention to detail make it one of the most engaging and thought-provoking historical dramas of recent years. While the show only ran for two seasons, it left a lasting impact on audiences and cemented its place as a modern classic of the genre.

Manhattan is a series that ran for 2 seasons (24 episodes) between July 27, 2014 and on WGN America