Everything you need to know about new, action-packed Sky Original series, Atomic
When the path of free-spirited drug smuggler Max collides with JJ, an enigmatic outsider on the run, an unlikely friendship is formed. Soon, 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. 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.
The series launched on Sky Atlantic on August 28th, 2025, with The Guardian and The Telegraph both giving the show four stars.
Who stars in Atomic?
The main cast members for Atomic are:
- 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
Joining them in supporting roles are:
- Avital Lvova (The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Power) as Oksana Shirokova
- Mikhail Safronov (Ransom, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning) as Oleg Kuzayev
- Franklin Virgüez (Lord of the Skies, Rosario) as Antonio Alam
- Brian Gleeson (Bad Sisters, The Lazarus Project) as Mark Ellis
- Akin Gazi (Da Vinci’s Demons, Knightfall) as Sayed Ahman
- Charlie Murphy (Happy Valley, Peaky Blinders) as Laetitia
- Stuart Martin (Army of Thieves, Miss Scarlet and The Duke) as Robert "Rab" Mackintosh
- Newcomer Jacob George Wright as Peter Holmes
What is the age rating of Atomic?
The official rating of Atomic is 15 - meaning it has been deemed unsuitable for a young audience and teenagers.
This is due to the show containing:
- Intense scenes of warfare some may find disturbing
- Use of guns and gun violence
- Central plotline focused around drugs and drug use
- Themes of terrorism
- Use of profanity
When can I watch Atomic?
The first two episodes of Atomic dropped Thursday 28 August on Sky Atlantic and NOW, with new episodes of the five-part series airing weekly thereafter. All five episodes will be available to watch on demand from Thursday 18 September.
Where can I watch Atomic in the UK?
As a Sky Original, Atomic is now available on Sky Atlantic and to stream on NOW.
Atomic will not be available to watch on Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video.
Is Atomic 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.