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
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.
“No one wins in war” - Nikki Comninos on Unspoken War
Nikki Comninos talks about directing the raw and haunting documentary series Unspoken War, now streaming on Showmax.
Unspoken War
The South African Border War left broken nations and haunted lives. Unspoken War reveals the hidden cost of the conflict.
Reney Bouwer gets candid in Showmax documentary Slay Queens
Reney Bouwer opens up about the glamour, pain, and truth behind life as a slay queen. Stream Slay Queens now on Showmax, with new episodes on Fridays.
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?
Laugh Africa Comedy Festival S2 on Showmax
Youngins S3, now streaming on Showmax
More eye-opening documentaries to stream
From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals
Emmanuel Adebayor's life story is one of miracles and staggering perseverance, beginning in abject poverty that few can comprehend.
Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more
Christall Kay shares what to expect on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, landing 28 November on Showmax and 6 December on Mzansi Magic.
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.
Latest Stories
From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals
Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites
Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
What to watch on Showmax in November 2025
Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?
Conor Bradley on Liverpool's difficult run and the path back
Youngins S3: Toka Mtabane on Khaya and Amo's relationship
Finding Optel to hit Showmax after BFI London Film Festival
Outlaws S2: Meet the new Sihle, Noluthando Ngema
Gallery: Showmax Fan Day with Youngins brings the heat
Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
IdeaCandy docuseries Unspoken War looks to start a national conversation
Creating The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe
Clementine Mosimane, Mondli Makhoba and Luyanda Zwane join Spinners S2
Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break
Married at First Sight's Portia Baloyi on the reunion and her ex
Must-watch trailer: Slay Queens doccie coming to Showmax
The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red
Relebogile Mabotja to host the two-hour Married at First Sight reunion special
South Africa in third place at International Emmys, with four MultiChoice nominations
What to watch on Showmax in October 2025
The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade
Married at First Sight: Themba on his "stunning" wife Nelisa
