The Underground Railroad

Watch The Underground Railroad

  • TV-MA
  • 2021
  • 1 Season
  • 7.4  (8,814)

The Underground Railroad is a gripping and impactful series from Amazon Prime Video that delivers a poignant and heart-wrenching portrayal of the struggles faced by runaway slaves in America. Set in the pre-Civil War era, the series follows the story of Cora (Thuso Mbedu), a young slave girl who is determined to escape the brutality and inhumane treatment of her plantation. With the help of Caesar (Aaron Pierre), a fellow slave who wants to escape as well, Cora embarks on a treacherous journey via railroads and other means, facing unexpected challenges and harsh realities along the way.

The show's plot is partially inspired by history, but it takes several creative liberties to showcase the various forms of oppression, discrimination, and violence that Cora and other slaves experienced on their path to freedom. Along with Cora and Caesar, the series also features other central characters like Ridgeway (Joel Edgerton), a relentless slavecatcher who seeks to apprehend Cora, and Homer (Chase Dillon), a young Black boy who serves as Ridgeway's assistant.

One of the most striking aspects of The Underground Railroad is the way it uses cinematography to convey the harsh realities of slavery and racial violence. The show's visuals are raw, haunting, and at times, difficult to watch. Through its use of color, lighting, and camera angles, the series creates an immersive and powerful experience that emphasizes the physical and emotional pain of slavery.

The acting in The Underground Railroad is equally impressive, with Thuso Mbedu delivering a standout performance as Cora. Mbedu portrays Cora's journey in a nuanced and compelling way, capturing the character's strength, vulnerability, and determination. Aaron Pierre delivers an equally impressive performance as Caesar, bringing depth and complexity to his character. Joel Edgerton also shines as Ridgeway, capturing the villain's sense of entitlement, cruelty, and obsession. Finally, Chase Dillon delivers a memorable performance as Homer, a character who represents the internalized oppression and trauma that many Black people faced during slavery.

Overall, The Underground Railroad is an emotional and powerful work of art that flawlessly tackles the horrific realities of slavery and racial oppression in America. From its stunning visuals to its skilled actors, the series is a perfect example of storytelling that engages with a dark chapter of history while also shedding light on the contemporary issues that continue to affect Black people to this day. Anyone in search of a powerful and thought-provoking story should give The Underground Railroad a watch.

The Underground Railroad is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between May 14, 2021 and on Amazon Prime Video

The Underground Railroad
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Seasons
Chapter 10: Mabel
10. Chapter 10: Mabel
May 14, 2021
In this tale of motherhood, the beginning is the end is the beginning... for both mother and daughter.
Chapter 9: Indiana Winter
9. Chapter 9: Indiana Winter
May 14, 2021
Cora's presence as a fugitive ignites tensions amongst the Valentine community. Just as she was beginning to make this her home, chaos reigns.
Chapter 8: Indiana Autumn
8. Chapter 8: Indiana Autumn
May 14, 2021
Royal brings Cora to Valentine Farm, a thriving Black community and vineyard on the bountiful Indiana frontier. Carrying the scars of her journey, Cora struggles to find peace in this new home.
Chapter 7: Fanny Briggs
7. Chapter 7: Fanny Briggs
May 14, 2021
Let the fire burn.
Chapter 6: Tennessee - Proverbs
6. Chapter 6: Tennessee - Proverbs
May 14, 2021
For Arnold Ridgeway, a journey home reveals that "the past is not past." And a chance encounter with a freedman named Royal gives Cora new hope.
Chapter 5: Tennessee - Exodus
5. Chapter 5: Tennessee - Exodus
May 14, 2021
Captured by Ridgeway, Cora is forced to travel across the barren inferno of Tennessee. She shares the perilous journey with Jasper, a noble runaway filled with inner-strength.
Chapter 4: The Great Spirit
4. Chapter 4: The Great Spirit
May 14, 2021
A young Arnold Ridgeway comes of age while testing his belief in The Great Spirit.
Chapter 3: North Carolina
3. Chapter 3: North Carolina
May 14, 2021
Cora reaches a dangerous small town in North Carolina where she must secret away in an abolitionist's attic while putting everyone's lives in danger.
Chapter 2: South Carolina
2. Chapter 2: South Carolina
May 14, 2021
Griffin, South Carolina - a seeming paradise of progress and racial harmony that hides dark secrets, especially the secrets of "Bessie" and "Christian." Meanwhile, bounty hunter Arnold Ridgeway begins his pursuit of Cora.
Chapter 1: Georgia
1. Chapter 1: Georgia
May 14, 2021
When Caesar convinces Cora to escape from Randall plantation in Georgia their lives are irrevocably changed. They discover the impossible in an underground railroad which takes them on an unexpected journey and reveals the true face of America.
Description
Where to Watch The Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad is available for streaming on the Amazon Prime Video website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Underground Railroad on demand at Amazon Prime.
  • Premiere Date
    May 14, 2021
  • IMDB Rating
    7.4  (8,814)
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