Watch Traitor/Patriot

Traitor/Patriot is a thought-provoking docuseries that explores the intriguing stories of individuals who have been accused of betraying their country. Produced by CuriosityStream, the show is structured to present each episode as a stand-alone feature, each focusing on a different story of treachery, treason or betrayal.

The show is hosted by Damien Lewis, a BAFTA-winning actor, who brings a unique depth and passion to his narration. His performance adds to the immersive experience of each episode, providing the viewer with an emotional connection that draws them into each story.

Each episode tells the remarkable story of a character caught in the web of espionage, double-dealing and subterfuge. In this series, the stories present a spectrum of treachery and the individuals that acted against their country, ranging from dissenting journalists, whistleblowers, spies, and turncoats who are willing to put their nations at risk. The personal stories featured in each episode are told through a range of storytelling styles, from dramatic reenactments that evoke the moments of tension to interviews with experts, friends and witnesses who provide insights into the motivations and the consequences of betrayal.

One of the fascinating aspects of Traitor/Patriot is the broad range of backgrounds of the characters whose stories are presented. For example, one episode focuses on one of America's most notorious traitors, Benedict Arnold who defected to the British side during the American Revolutionary War. Another episode explores the case of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, a couple charged with treason for allegedly spying and giving nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

In one of the episodes, the show delves into the story of whistleblower Bradley Manning, who was deployed with the US Army in Iraq and leaked classified documents to Wikileaks. These documents exposed war crimes and other sensitive information to the public, which created controversy and public outcry. Bradley Manning, who later became Chelsea Manning, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for her actions.

Another compelling episode is the story of Ahmed Ressam, who was a member of the terrorist group Al-Qaeda. In 2000 Ressam was arrested by U.S. Customs trying to cross the U.S.-Canada border with explosives. He was planning to carry out a terrorist attack at the Los Angeles International Airport during the millennial celebrations. The subsequent investigation uncovered a network of Islamist radicals involved in terrorism both in North America and Europe, which created a ripple effect of increased security measures worldwide.

The show also showcases how the consequences of treachery can go beyond the individual to affect the nation's history. In one episode, Traitor/Patriot explores the story of John Walker, a submariner in the U.S. Navy who sold highly classified documents to the Soviet Union for more than 20 years. Walker's activities severely impacted the U.S. Navy's operational security and provided highly sought after intelligence to the Soviet Union, which is believed to have tipped in favor of the Soviet Union in strategic negotiations during the Cold War.

Traitor/Patriot is a gripping and informative docuseries that presents the human side of treachery and espionage. Its expert storytelling and diverse range of characters have been thoughtfully curated to provoke discussions on the role of loyalty and patriotism in times of war, politics, and conflict. Each episode is a thoughtful reflection of the complexities of treason, making it well worth the watch. The show is a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking when expertly executed, and CuriosityStream has got it right with this one.

Traitor/Patriot is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between September 22, 2022 and on CuriosityStream