If you’re a fan of Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film “Oppenheimer,” then I’ve got just the TV series for you! It’s streaming across various platforms, and it’s called “Manhattan“. This series aired its first two seasons in 2014 and 2015, focusing on the real-life development of the first atomic bomb, known as the Manhattan Project, during World War II in Los Alamos. The story unfolds primarily through fictionalized characters and events, which may have contributed to it being overlooked when initially released. Despite this, “Manhattan” offers a host of intriguing plotlines and impressive acting performances. Unfortunately, the show was only granted two seasons before its cancellation, despite plans to extend the narrative beyond World War II. However, if you’re captivated by the true events behind “Oppenheimer” and enjoy a dose of added drama and tension, I highly recommend giving “Manhattan” a watch!
Manhattan is not only self-contained but also serves as an engaging complement to the film Oppenheimer, released eight years following the series’ conclusion. While they share a similar historical backdrop, Manhattan distinguishes itself by delving deeper into the construction of the bomb and expanding its focus to encompass the personal lives of the scientists in Los Alamos, rather than just the process itself. Featuring performances from John Benjamin Hickey, Rachel Brosnahan, Ashley Zukerman, Olivia Williams, David Harbour, and others, Manhattan offers an absorbing portrayal of a crucial period in World War II and one of humanity’s most remarkable achievements.
Manhattan Is a Fantastic Portrayal of the Atomic Bomb’s Inception
Despite some scenes in the show Manhattan being fictitious, it effectively portrays the Manhattan Project’s true story by including all essential scenes. The series depicts the scientists’ relentless work, brainstorming, and experiments culminating in the Trinity Test, which is vividly shown in Manhattan, similar to its representation in Oppenheimer. The show then uses creative liberties to introduce storylines based on real events like spy hunts within the project, changes in leadership, romantic entanglements, and radiation’s long-term effects. Similar to Oppenheimer, Manhattan examines the ethical quandary surrounding the bomb’s creation and employment. The blend of factual and fictional events results in a captivating viewing experience for history enthusiasts and fans of dramatic television.
The story of Manhattan, set primarily in Los Alamos, beautifully showcases the personal struggles of various characters, some inspired by real individuals while others are purely fictional. In Nolan’s film, Robert Oppenheimer (Daniel London), Kitty Oppenheimer (Neve Campbell), and Jean Tatlock (Fiona Dourif) are the only characters based on real-life figures. One of the most intriguing character arcs in Manhattan involves Abby Isaacs (Brosnahan), who transforms from a rigid housewife into a liberated spirit, engaging in an affair with her neighbor’s wife. Charlie Isaacs (Zukermann), Abby’s husband, undergoes a thrilling journey as a young physicist eager to make his mark in history and achieve historical significance.
As a dedicated scientist like Frank Winter (Hickey), I find myself in a fierce race against Reed Akley (Harbour) to design a functional bomb before my life spirals out of control due to accusations of treason. My team, comprised of Helen Prins (Katja Herbers), one of the few female scientists on the project; Paul Crosley (Harry Lloyd), a British expatriate in the U.S.; and Jim Meeks (Christopher Denham), a talented physicist who eventually succumbs to Soviet espionage, forms the core of several gripping storylines that propel Manhattan‘s historical narrative. Lastly, my wife Liza Winter (Williams), an accomplished botanist, uncovers the devastating effects of radioactive substances on the people of Los Alamos and subsequently becomes entwined with the town’s governing bodies.
Outstanding acting by well-known actors is prevalent throughout the series “Manhattan“. Brosnahan’s nuanced portrayal of Abby’s self-discovery journey is particularly noteworthy, and she will take on the role of Lois Lane in “Superman” later this year. Williams, fresh from his role in “Dune: Prophecy“, gives a compelling portrayal of Liza’s life as a parent, wife to a scientist, and a scientist herself. Zukermann’s significant role and impressive performance as Charlie underscore the actor’s talent, and he has recently been cast in Apple TV+’s acclaimed sci-fi series “Silo“. Viewers of “Manhattan” might recognize Denham as the suspected spy in “Oppenheimer“, where he plays the German physicist Klaus Fuchs in Nolan’s blockbuster.
Manhattan Also Serves as a Great Complement to Oppenheimer
As a cinephile, I find that watching “Manhattan” followed by “Oppenheimer” offers an intriguing juxtaposition. While “Oppenheimer” delves deeply into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man behind the atomic bomb, it also introduces supporting characters like his wife Kitty (Emily Blunt), Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh), and the team of scientists and military personnel associated with the Manhattan Project. On the other hand, “Manhattan” explores a broader spectrum of individuals involved in the groundbreaking operation, with Oppenheimer himself playing a less prominent role. By watching these two pieces back-to-back, you’ll get a more comprehensive understanding of the atomic bomb era, as each work beautifully complements the other by filling in the gaps left by the other.
Exploring one of the most influential events in recent history, the development of the atomic bomb continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Due to its enduring interest, there is an abundance of literature, documentaries, and films about the Manhattan Project for enthusiasts to explore further. Notably, “Manhattan” and “Oppenheimer” are two cinematic productions that meticulously portray the origins of the bomb with both intellectual depth and engaging entertainment value.
Manhattan is currently available to stream on Prime Video, Pluto TV, the Roku Channel, and Tubi.
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2025-02-16 17:10