Everything you need to know about new, action-packed Sky Original series, Atomic
This brand-new Sky Original series is a dynamic and entertaining action-fuelled adventure, inspired by the non-fiction book Atomic Bazaar.
The series explores the unlikely friendship between Max and JJ, who become caught up in a cartel’s plot to transport uranium across North Africa. This leaves the pair with a huge decision: save themselves or risk everything to stop a nuclear bomb from getting into the wrong hands.
The official synopsis from Sky reads:
“When the path of free-spirited drug smuggler Max (Alfie Allen) collides with JJ (Shazad Latif), an enigmatic outsider on the run, an unlikely friendship is formed. They’re swept into a chaotic, high-stakes mission they never signed up for— trafficking highly enriched uranium across North Africa and the Middle East, with the CIA, MI6, and a global web of opposing forces closing in fast.
"Leading the charge for the CIA is highly skilled scientist and a Non-Official Cover (NOC) officer Cassie Elliott (Samira Wiley). Convinced Max and JJ are in league with violent extremists, her relentless pursuit puts them all on a collision course revealing that nothing is what it seems, and everyone has an ulterior motive. The pair find themselves on a wild road trip , confronting covert operatives, an internationally funded cartel, and ultimately their own pasts. What starts as a bid for survival slowly becomes something more: a reluctant partnership, a shot at redemption, and one hell of a ride.”
What is the release date?
The first two episodes of Atomic will launch on Thursday 28 August on Sky Atlantic and Now, with new episodes of the five-part series dropping weekly thereafter.
Where can I watch Atomic in the UK?
As a Sky Original, Atomic will be available to watch in the UK on Sky and streaming service NOW.
Atomic will not be available to watch on Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video.
Who will star?
Confirmed cast members for the upcoming Sky Original Atomic include:
- Alfie Allen (SAS: Rogue Heroes, Game of Thrones) as Max
- Shazad Latif (Star Trek: Discovery, What’s Love Got To Do With It) as JJ
- Samira Wiley (The Handmaid’s Tale, Orange is the New Black) as Cassie Bryce
Is it based on a book?
Atomic is inspired by the non-fiction book Atomic Bazaar by Vanity Fair journalist William Langewiesche. The book explores the global threat of nuclear weapons production and how the stakes of state-sponsored nuclear activity have reached frightening levels.
How many episodes are there?
Atomic is a five-part series.
Filming locations
The series is set in North Africa, with filming commencing in Morocco in May 2024.