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
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.
Why Jackie Phamotse says Slay Queens is a must-watch
Jackie Phamotse opens up about her role on Slay Queens, her experiences and why the documentary should be required viewing. Stream now on Showmax.
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.
“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.
Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax
Go on holiday with RHUGT - Africa
More eye-opening documentaries to stream
Married to Medicine: Atlanta S12
The women of Married to Medicine face unprecedented times as their lives are turned upside down when the pandemic hits.
Dìdi (2024)
Follow 13-year-old Chris Wang as he navigates his identity, first love, friendships, and family life during the summer of 2008.
Lockerbie: A Search For Truth S1
After losing his daughter in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, Dr Jim Swire begins a quest for truth.
Watson S1
A year after the death of Sherlock Holmes, Dr John Watson resumes his medical career - until his old life starts pulling him back.
Latest Stories
What to watch on Showmax in December 2025
Afrikaans adaptation of The Office to premiere in January
.png&w=3840&q=100)
Youngins' Kealeboga Masango on Buhle's pregnancy shock
Where to see the cast of Outlaws S2 on Showmax
Mamodibe as Buang: The woman behind the warrior in Outlaws
From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals
Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more
“No one wins in war” - Nikki Comninos on Unspoken War
Reney Bouwer gets candid in Showmax documentary Slay Queens
Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites
Hakeem Kae-Kazim on Showmax crime thriller Masinga - The Calling
Lehlohonolo Mayeza on Leruo’s battles in Outlaws Season 2
Slay Queens: Inno Morolong on the dark side of the lifestyle
10 fun things to watch on World Animation Day
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
