An award-winning drama hailed as ‘the best series ever made’ with a whopping 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes will soon be made free to stream for the first time.

In just a matter of days, Sky and HBO‘s joint venture Chernobyl, which was first released in 2019 as a five-part dramatisation of the 1986 explosive in Soviet Ukraine, will hit screens once again.

The series, which starred the likes of Barry Keoghan, Adam Lundgren and Emily Watson, followed the fall out and clean up efforts following the real-life tragedy.

Among the other famous faces were The Crown’s Jared Harris, Hollywood actor Stellan Skarsgård, Friday Night Dinner’s Paul Rutter and Oscar winner Jessie Buckley.

After its release, the series won nine BAFTA Awards, and became the most-awarded British TV series in a single year, landing Golden Globes and Emmy Awards.

Despite seven years passing since it hit screens, Sky will mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster by letting fans stream it for free for the first time.

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An award-winning drama hailed as ‘the best series ever made’ with a whopping 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes will soon be made free to stream for the first time (pictured: Jessie Buckley)

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Among the other famous faces in the Sky series were The Crown’s Jared Harris and Hollywood actor Stellan Skarsgård

The show will free channels Sky Mix, channel 11 on Freeview, 123 on Virgin Media, and 158 on Sky Glass, and Sky Atlantic from April 20 to 24 at 9pm.

Both critics and at-home viewers alike have been full of praise for the series, which has gained an impressive 95% overall score, and higher 97% audience score.

One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer penned: ‘The attention to detail is remarkable, from the 80s Soviet Union setting to the horrifying effects of radiation.

‘Even though I’ve heard or read about this disaster countless times in the news and articles, watching it in live action creates an indescribable tension.

‘The tragedy and disaster scenes were truly heart-wrenching. Since this is a true story, I’m rating it a 10/10 based on its making, cinematography, and storytelling.’

Another wrote: ‘The best mini series ever made. It’s like you were right there as a ghost of yourself, able to peer into every detail.’

While a third agreed: ‘This show was amazing. Probably the best re-creation of a historical event I have ever seen.

‘The acting was beautiful; each actor played their role so well. It captured the true horror of Chernobyl and had an eerie feel the whole time.’

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Despite seven years passing since it hit screens, Sky will mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster by letting fans stream it for free for the first time (pictured: Emily Watson)

Elsewhere on IMDb, it has an impressive 9.3/10 rating – with one fan writing: ‘Chernobyl is scarier than most horror movies in that it is a dramatisation of actual, real-life horror experienced by thousands of people on that fateful April 1986 morning and the years that followed… bleak, unsettling and haunting all throughout’.

Another shared: ‘This mini series is a masterpiece, perfect in every way,’ as a third agreed: ‘The tragedy will live forever because of this haunting masterpiece, what a brilliant creative achievement.’

‘Quite possibly the most intense and powerful experience in television history! Very well could be the best as well!’ someone else concluded.

TV critics were in agreement, with Collider writing: ‘Chernobyl is a series where you will have to remind yourself to unclench your jaw and un-tense your shoulders while watching it. It is heartbreaking and intense… but it’s also necessary.’

‘[Chernobyl] is not just excellent television; it’s paradigm-shifting historical storytelling, the kind of tale that alters, ever-so-subtly, the texture of the real world,’ Vanity Fair added.

The Observer concluded: ‘Everything has been beautifully articulated – from the devastating human cost to the science of radiation to the machinations of the Soviet system. I’ve even enjoyed the architecture and drab decor.’

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The show will free channels Sky Mix, channel 11 on Freeview, 123 on Virgin Media, and 158 on Sky Glass, and Sky Atlantic from April 20 to 24 at 9pm

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The series won nine BAFTA Awards, and became the most-awarded British TV series in a single year, landing Golden Globes and Emmy Awards (pictured: Paul Rutter)

It comes after a crime drama that has been dubbed ‘TV’s most stressful thriller’ and ‘as good as Line Of Duty‘ was made free to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Hidden Assets first hit screens back in 2022, introducing audiences to DS Emma Berry and the team at the Criminal Assets Bureau.

It’s set to return for its third instalment this weekend, and in the wake of the new episodes dropping on Saturday at 9pm, iPlayer have uploaded all its past instalments.

The series, which is a joint production between Irish, Belgian and Canadian teams, was written and developed by Kin and Gangs of London‘s Peter McKenna.

Each series follows the story across six episodes, making it the perfect-length binge watch for fans both old and new.

The first series was set in current day Shannon, County Clare, Ireland, and in the port town of Antwerp, Belgium, as the Irish Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and the Belgian Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) worked together on a case.

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A crime drama that has been dubbed ‘TV’s most stressful thriller’ and ‘as good as Line Of Duty’ is now free to stream on BBC iPlayer (pictured: Angeline Bell as Emer Berry)

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The first series was set in current day Shannon, County Clare, Ireland, and in the port town of Antwerp, Belgium, as the Irish Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and the Belgian Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) worked together on a case

Starring the likes of Angeline Ball, Cathy Belton and Simone Kirby, the synopsis teases: ‘A team at the Criminal Assets Bureau, conduct a routine raid, and discover that a small-time drug dealer has been receiving rough diamonds as payment from an untraceable source.

‘When the diamonds turn out to be linked to a series of bombing in Belgium, the Criminal Assets Bureau is reluctantly forced to team up with Belgian Police Commissioner Christian De Jong to uncover the truth and prevent another bombing.’

The second series then continued the story between Antwerp and County Clare, with the third series set to move between Dublin and Bilbao, where the CAB joins forced with Ertzaintza detectives in Spain.

According to the synopsis, the new storyline will see evidence from a raid link a drug dealer to a series of bombings that happened in Belgium.

It sees Irish detective Angeline’s Emer Berry head to Antwerp, where she’s met with Christian de Jong from the anti-terrorism squad.

They will have to work together to begin ‘untangling an international conspiracy involving drugs, terrorism, and corrupt business and political leaders’.

The series has had high praise from the critics over the years, with The Guardian labelling the series as ‘television’s most stressful thriller’.

Fans have agreed, with one taking to social media to gush: ‘Brilliant Irish police thriller so much better than the BBC’s Northern Irish attempt, Blue Lights.’

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According to the synopsis, the new storyline will see evidence from a raid link a drug dealer to a series of bombings that happened in Belgium with Emer heading to Antwerp

Another chimed in to agree: ‘Compelling drama. Well written , directed and acted. Could not wait to see next episode and good ending. Definitely recommend. As good as Line of Duty.’

While a third wrote: ‘Ever since Love/Hate we’ve been waiting for a gripping Irish Crime series to come along and here it is.

‘Right away you get sucked into the storyline and get caught up in the action. The acting is first class from all. I’m already looking forward to the next episode.’

It comes after a crime series that has been dubbed by fans as ‘the best murder mystery on TV’ is back on screens, with viewers already binging their way through all the episodes.

The Australian dark comedy series, which debut on Amazon’s Prime Video back in 2023, has returned for a new season, leaving long-term fans delighted.

Deadloch, which was created by Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, is set in a fictional town in Tasmania and sees a community turned upside down when a local man is found dead on the beach.

Two female detectives, Kate Box’s Senior Sergeant Dulcie Collins and Madeleine Sami’s Senior Sergeant Eddie Redcliffe are soon on the investigation together.

The pair have to work through all the evidence with the help of their overseeing constable, Abby Matsuda (Nina Oyama) and officer Sven Alderman (Tom Ballard).

Much of the drama is focused on Dulcie and Eddie coming to terms with each other’s vastly differing working styles as they try to find out what happened ahead of the town’s annual Winter Festival.

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A crime series that has been dubbed by fans as ‘the best murder mystery on TV’ is BACK on screens, with viewers already binging their way through all the episodes

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The show follows two female detectives, Kate Box’s Senior Sergeant Dulcie Collins and Madeleine Sami’s Senior Sergeant Eddie Redcliffe

It received rave reviews from fans after its first season, so there was little surprise that when it returned for more earlier this month, fans were sent wild.

The hype was only escalated by a new cast member joining the team, in the form of Hollywood legend Luke Hemsworth, the brother of Liam and Chris Hemsworth.

The second series of the show sees a major turning point for the action, with the detectives arriving in Darwin to investigate the death of Eddie’s former police partner.

However, their plans are diverted when another body is discovered in a remote town called Barra Creek, and the detectives are sent on the case.

The synopsis teases: ‘Sticky, sweaty and juggling comprehensive thrush infections, the detectives find themselves embroiled in a world of crocodile-fuelled tourism, overstretched Indigenous rangers, cagey locals, and seven-metre prehistoric predators – all of whom call Barra Creek’s stretch of land, and water, their home,” the synopsis continues.

‘As the humidity builds, and Eddie and Dulcie dig deeper, more questions arise for our duo – not only about the case, but the many secrets that lie beneath the surface of this small town.’

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The show also stars Tom Ballard as officer Sven Alderman

Since it’s release, the critics have been full of high praise for the series, with The Telegraph branding it the ‘best murder mystery on TV’ and Decider concurred, praising the show’s ‘wickedly funny’ cast.

Meanwhile on social media, one user wrote on X, formerly Twitter: ‘I’m obsessed with watching Deadloch season 2,’ as another chimed in: ‘Deadloch season 2 is as chaotic as I’d hoped.’

A third penned: ‘Damn.. I kinda.. a little bit.. a lot.. want more Deadloch. Amazon, give us season three,’ as a fourth wrote on IMDb: ‘I need more seasons!’

‘Deadloch delivers on all fronts. This comedy-drama successfully sets up a mystery that is hard to guess than some of the mystery dramas that take themselves more seriously. You have to watch this,’ a fifth viewer encouraged.

As a sixth concluded: ‘I haven’t laughed out loud so many times in such a long time. It’s weird, quirky and dark. If you love Australian humour and some crime, this is it! It will keep you guessing and crying with laughter all at the same time.’

It comes after Netflix fans heaped praise on a Western drama that they’ve been left ‘addicted’ to watching – and there’s more than 100 episodes ready for fans to binge through.

Canadian series Heartland, which follows the story of two sisters living on a ranch, first launched back in 2007 and last year released its 19th season.

Amber Marshall and Michelle Morgan play siblings Amy and Lou Fleming, who grew up on the Alberta based cattle farm in the heart of the Canadian rockies.

Their tight knit family includes grandfather Jack, played by Shaun Johnston, their father Tim, portrayed by Chris Potter and ranch hand Ty (Graham Wardle).

The action follows as together they manage their ranch amidst a series of personal challenges, financial ups and downs, and blossoming romantic relationships.

The brand-new 19th season is said to include many dramatic new storylines, including the family forced to evacuate amid wildfire threats to the ranch.

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Netflix fans have heaped praise on a Western drama that they’ve been left ‘addicted’ to watching – and there’s more than 100 episodes ready for fans to binge through

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Canadian series Heartland, which follows the story of two sisters living on a ranch, first launched back in 2007 and last year released its 19th season

Elsewhere, Amy navigates a brand new relationship while balancing her daughter’s. life and reputation, while Tim and Jack are forced to make critical decisions bout the future of the ranch.

While Netflix doesn’t have the first six seasons available of the show, fans have been clear that viewers can jump in at any point.

And with seasons eight through ten considered the ‘golden age’ for the series, Netflix have given fans a chance to start at a perfect point, with series seven to 19 available.

Since its release, it’s garnered hundreds of positive reviews from fans, with one writing on IMDb: ‘A true gem. I have watched every episode more than once.

‘It’s the one show that leaves one with a sense of family and community with both people and animals. It’s a slice of heaven.’

Another raved that the series was ‘the best show ever’, adding: ‘This show is completely amazing! The storyline, plot, the characters, the beauty, the memories.

‘There’s so much to this show that can teach us about life and the choices we make and the love it shows us. Call me crazy but I’m in love with this show!’

A third concurred: ‘All Time favourite TV Series. I stumbled across Heartland on Netflix and instantly fell in love with the show, characters, scenery and story-line.

‘Within two weeks I had watched seasons one to six. I became addicted!

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While Netflix doesn’t have the first six seasons available of the show, fans have been clear that viewers can jump in at any point to the series that it set on a ranch

‘Writers, directors, producers, actors and animals…..continue the wonderful job you’re doing. I would be devastated to see this wonderful show come to an end.

‘It’s a family show that is wonderful for all ages to watch. I hate that it took me 9 years to find the show, but so glad that I did. It has become my all time favourite TV show.’

It comes after it was announced a legendary Western film will be re-imagined SIX decades after it first hit screens in a new drama series, with Hollywood actor Matt Dillon leading the cast.

Streaming service MGM+ confirmed that the There’s Something About Mary star will step into the leading role of Chris Adams in the re-make of The Magnificent Seven.

The cult movie, which was first released in October 1960, follows seven skilled fighters hired by desperate villagers to protect them from a local bandit gang.

It was re-imagined for the first time by American network CBS in 1998 starring Ron Perlman, and again in a 2016 film starring Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt.

Now Matt, 62, will take on the role of the leader of the gunfighters battling against a land baron who wants to seize the area for himself.

Written and produced by Hereos creator Tim Kring, filming for the new series is set to take place in Calgary, Canada, during the summer.

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A legendary Western film will be re-imagined SIX decades after it first hit screens in a new drama series, with Hollywood actor Matt Dillon leading the cast

MGM+ teased of Matt’s character: ‘Stoic, steady under pressure, and with an unflinching gaze that does most of the talking for him, Chris has no patience for hypocrisy or cruelty and holds fast to a quiet moral code.’

The streamer added: ‘Set in the tumultuous 1880s American frontier, The Magnificent Seven follows seven gifted but flawed mercenaries hired to protect a peaceful Quaker village after it is massacred by mercenaries working for a ruthless land baron trying to seize their land.

‘As the team embeds itself and prepares to defend against overwhelming odds, they grapple with a central question: is violence acceptable to defend people whose faith is based on non-violence?

‘The series explores the backstories of each of the Seven, what’s at stake for them, and why they choose this mission – delving into themes of honuor, sacrifice, redemption, morality, and faith.’

MGM+’s global head, Michael Wright, added of the actor, who has been on screen for more than three decades: ‘Matt Dillon brings extraordinary depth and gravitas to this iconic role.

‘His ability to portray complex, morally conflicted characters makes him the perfect choice to lead our reimagining of The Magnificent Seven.

‘This series honours the legacy of the original film while exploring timeless themes about courage, redemption, and standing up against oppression – and Matt’s performance will be at the heart of that story.’

The Magnificent Seven will be made available around the world, including the UK, United States, Spain, Germany and Italy.

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Matt, 62, will take on the role of the leader of the gunfighters battling against a land baron who wants to seize the area for himself

It comes after fans were left raving about an ‘absolutely spectacular’ Western show hailed as ‘some of Steven Spielberg‘s best work’.

Among the iconic director’s, 79, notable films are Schnidler’s List, Jaws, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial and The Color Purple.

However, one of his television projects has proved to be a perfect weekend binge watch as viewers showered it with praise.

Six-part series Into the West debuted on TNT in 2005 and premiered on BBC Two in the UK more than a year later.

The premise followed the lives of a White family and a Native American family during the American expansion, while Spielberg produced the show.

Cast members included Josh Brolin, Gary Busey, Glen Powell, Keri Russell, Rachael Leigh Cook and Sean Astin, to name a few.

Writing on IMDB, one reviewer shared: ‘”Into The West” is, in my opinion, some of Steven Spielberg’s finest work.

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Fans have been loving binge-worthy series Into The West – which was produced by Steven Spielberg

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 ‘Absolutely spectacular’ Western show hailed as ‘some of Steven Spielberg’s best work’ now streaming

‘Watching the series itself stirred up inside of me mixed emotions– joy, sadness, anger, and so forth.

‘Spielberg did a pretty darn good job in capturing how the West was shaped and more specifically the people who risked their lives in shaping it.’

Another commented: ‘”Into the West” is an amazing story, that anyone who calls themselves an American should see.

‘This mini-series shows a heart-felt perspective of American History that no high school text book could possibly explain.

‘The way they tell these unprecedented events through generations of two families, and the joys and tragedies that they endure keeps you glued to the screen every second.’

A third remarked: ‘I have diligently watched this series since the beginning. I have re-watched all the episodes at least twice.

‘Having some knowledge of Native American history, I have found that again Spielberg has done his homework on both sides of the journey west.

‘I feel that he has portrayed both sides more than fair and hope that this movie will open the eyes of those who still believe in the stereo typed “Indian, Pioneer, and Mountain Man.

Chernobyl will air on Sky Mix and Sky Atlantic from 9pm, Monday, April 20