Manhattan is an American drama television series that aired on WGN America from July 27, 2014, to December 30, 2015. Created by Sam Shaw, the series dramatizes the personal and professional lives of scientists and their families involved in the top‑secret development of the atomic bomb at the Los Alamos Laboratory during the Manhattan Project in the United States, spanning the years 1943–1945.
Premise
Set against the backdrop of World War II, the narrative follows physicist Dr. Janek (John Benjamin Hickey), mathematician Dr. Jacob Hood (Porter Tucker), and their colleagues as they confront ethical dilemmas, security concerns, and personal conflicts while working on the nuclear weapon. The series interweaves historical events—such as the Trinity test and the bombing of Hiroshima—with fictional subplots that explore the impact of secrecy on relationships and community life in the isolated New Mexico town.
Production
- Creator: Sam Shaw
- Developed by: Sam Shaw and Liz Heldens (season 2)
- Executive Producers: Sam Shaw, Bryan Fuller, Tim Kring, and Peter Leonard (season 2)
- Production Companies: WGN America, Bad Wolf Productions, Barnaby Jones, Original Media
- Filming Locations: Primarily in New Mexico, including Albuquerque, Roswell, and the Los Alamos area, to provide authentic desert and laboratory settings.
- Original Network: WGN America (cable)
Cast (selected principal cast)
- John Benjamin Hickey as Dr. Janek
- Ashley Zukerman as Dr. Eli Kay (season 1) / Dr. Roger Kartje (season 2)
- Portia de Rossi as Dr. Liza Sierakowski (season 2)
- Michael Chernus as Dr. Benny Kim (season 1)
- Sarah Gadon as Dr. Lee Flynn (season 2)
- Jaime Bamber as Connie Janek, Janek's wife
Broadcast History
- Season 1: 13 episodes, premiered July 27, 2014, concluding October 12, 2014.
- Season 2: 13 episodes, premiered June 15, 2015, concluding December 30, 2015.
The series was renewed for a second season in October 2014 and was cancelled by WGN America in March 2016 after two seasons.
Reception
Critical response was generally positive, with emphasis on the series’ atmospheric cinematography, period detail, and compelling character work. On Rotten Tomatoes, season 1 holds a rating of 79% based on 37 reviews, with the consensus noting “Manhattan is a thoughtful, well‑acted drama that dramatizes a pivotal moment in history.” Season 2 received a similar rating. Critics highlighted the series’ ability to humanize scientific figures while portraying the moral complexities of nuclear weapon development. However, some reviewers criticized the pacing and the balance between historical fidelity and dramatic license.
Historical Context
While the series incorporates real historical figures such as J. Robert Oppenheimer (portrayed in a recurring role) and references authentic events like the Trinity test (July 16, 1945), many characters and storylines are fictionalized for narrative purposes. The show consulted historical experts to ensure period-appropriate settings, scientific dialogue, and cultural attitudes.
Home Media and Streaming
Both seasons have been released on DVD and digital platforms. As of 2026, the series is available for streaming on select services, including Amazon Prime Video and The Roku Channel, subject to regional licensing.
Awards and Nominations
- Nominated for a 2015 Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Drama Series (season 1).
- Received a 2015 Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series (episode “Dark Matter”).
Legacy
Manhattan contributed to the resurgence of historically based television dramas in the 2010s, joining series such as The Pacific and The Crown in exploring complex ethical issues through a period lens. Its depiction of scientific endeavor and secrecy has been referenced in academic discussions of popular representations of the Manhattan Project.