Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes (2022)
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes explores the full, unvarnished true story of what happened in one of the least understood tragedies of the twentieth century.
Nearly four decades after the Chernobyl nuclear reactor exploded in Soviet Ukraine, newly uncovered archival footage and recorded interviews with those who were present paint an emotional and gripping portrait of the extent and gravity of the disaster, as well as the lengths to which the Soviet government went to cover up the incident, including allegedly sending in soldiers to “liquidate” the damage.
The HBO documentary has a 100% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and won the 2023 BAFTA TV Award for Editing, Factual, with nominations for Best Single Documentary and Best Director, Factual.
“It's a difficult watch, but Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes is one of the year's best documentaries,” says Decider.
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes is directed and produced by Emmy winner James Jones (On the President's Orders, Antidote) and executive produced by BAFTA nominee Darren Kemp (Mariupol: The People's Story).
Showmax is also home to the HBO drama series Chernobyl, which won 10 Emmys and is at #5 on IMDb’s top ranked TV shows of all time.
More like this
Wizkid: Long Live Lagos (2025)
This intimate and uplifting documentary explores Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Wizkid's rise to superstardom as one of the biggest Afrobeats artists.
Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy (2025)
This sensational documentary delves into the rise and fall of Diddy, offering insight into his childhood, his meteoric rise, and his arrest.
High Horse: The Black Cowboy S1
Jordan Peele creates this vibrant, eye-opening three-part pop culture and historical documentary. It confronts and reclaims the Wild West while revealing the untold history of the Black cowboy.
You Were My First Boyfriend (2023)
In this introspective high school reunion movie turned inside out, filmmaker Cecilia Aldarondo relives her tortured adolescence.
Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God S1
This HBO docuseries explores the rise and fall of cult leader Amy Carlson, aka Mother God. As her health declined, followers awaited UFO salvation.
Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philly High School (2023)
This heartfelt documentary follows a unique music programme at Hill-Freedman World Academy, which teaches students to create original songs.
The Insurrectionist Next Door (2023)
An intriguing and insightful documentary that focuses on the individuals who stormed the US Capitol on 6 January 2021.
No Accident (2023)
A lawsuit followed the deadly Charlottesville rally, targeting white nationalist leaders. Who were the conspirators? And were they held accountable?
Single Kiasi S4, now streaming
Reckless S1, now streaming
More eye-opening documentaries to stream
The Mindy Project S1-6
Dr Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling from 'The Office') juggles her personal dreams and professional duties in a quirky New York medical practice.
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
Showmax is the home of The Real Housewives, giving an inside look at the lives of these glam women from Durban, Abuja, Lagos, Joburg, Nairobi and more. Plus, go on vacation with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip!
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills S14-15
The series follows six of the most affluent women in the country as they enjoy the lavish lifestyle that only Beverly Hills can provide.
Smurfs (2025)
When Papa Smurf is abducted by the evil wizard siblings, Smurfette and the other Smurfs travel to the real world to rescue him.
Latest Stories
From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals
Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more
Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites
What to watch on Showmax in Kenya in November 2025
Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?
Conor Bradley on Liverpool's difficult run and the path back
Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
Creating The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
From The Office to The Paper
Dexter's deadly to-do list in Dexter: Resurrection
Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe
Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break
Inside spy movie Black Bag
The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red
What to watch on Showmax in Kenya in October 2025
Godfrey Odhiambo on Reckless, his career, and the evolution of Kenyan film
The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade
June Squibb wins Best Actress award at age 95 for Thelma
Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend
Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue
Minne Kariuki on Single Kiasi, motherhood and being a “gold digger”
Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera
From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham
