Best Miniseries on Sky

Produced by Stephen Spielberg and Tom Hanks, this multi-Emmy winning World War II drama launched the career of Damian Lewis and set a new standard for how war could be depicted on TV. Over ten episodes it provides an impeccable representation of not just the terrifying conflict, but also the extraordinary men in the middle of it. Its success would lead to two companion series – The Pacific and Masters of the Air.

“The finest piece of work ever produced for television.” – Austin Smith, New York Post

Following on from the success of Band of Brothers, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg came together once again to produce another World War II epic series, this time with the focus being on the Pacific theatre of operations. While it might not have had the impact of its predecessor, it remains a powerful viewing experience in its depiction of ordinary people forced to find extraordinary valour.

“a fittingly painstaking and lavish tribute to men who were never supposed to have been forgotten..” – Alessandra Stanley, New York Times

Described by some as a “real-life horror story”, this Sky Original co-production with HBO stunned audiences in 2016 with its depiction of not just the catastrophic nuclear disaster, but the institutions that refused to acknowledge the reality of it and the selfless heroism of those who attempted to mitigate it.

“Chernobyl is a disaster movie, a spy movie, a horror movie, a political thriller, and a human drama, and it spins each plate expertly.” – Rebeca Nicholson, The Guardian

Based on the debut novel of Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl), Amy Adams stars in this eight-episode mystery as a reporter who returns to her hometown when two girls disappear. Reuniting with her estranged family, this bleak crime story is a slow burn, but worth every minute of it. And I can’t emphasize this strongly enough – keep watching right to the very end!

“The gripping series is full of riddles waiting to be deciphered, and phenomenal performances by Adams and Clarkson pull viewers closer to whatever danger lies beneath.” – Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times

Critics said that Kate Winslet gave a career-best performance in this seven-part mystery series that captivated viewers back in 2021. Winslet plays small-town Pennsylvania detective Mare Sheehan who is ensnared in a local murder case while her personal life falls apart. With every episode adding a further twist to the case, along with some devastating moments, this is a show that should be savoured… but you’re going to want to devour it.

“Winslet is utterly mesmeric” – Carol Midgley, The Times

Best experienced with a working knowledge of Alan Moore’s celebrated graphic novel, (rather than Zack Snyder’s iffy 2009 film adaptation), this nine-part series starring Regina King and Jeremy Irons acts as both a sequel to the original story, but also a bold portrait of the Black American experience. Even for those experiencing deep superhero fatigue, this is an exceptional series that has something important to say.

“It's fabulous and flammable and feels exactly right.” – Hank Stuever, Washington Post

Based on the play by Tony Kushner, this portrait of LGBTQ+ life in 1985 America is a heavy watch, but with a cast that includes Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson, Jeffrey Wright and Patrick Wilson, it’s an absolute feast for powerful performances. Much like the more recent BBC series It’s a Sin, the series follows the devastating effect of the AIDS pandemic, but this time from the perspective of six New Yorkers with intersecting lives.

“a masterful, must-see film event for the new millennium.” – David Wiegand, San Francisco Chronicle

Bit of a cheat to include this one as it did spawn a well-regarded second season, but it’s the self-encompassing first series of this star-studded Liane Moriarty adaptation that most will remember. Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley are among the famous faces in this meticulously crafted murder mystery following three moms navigating the perpetual rumour mill that seems to power their wealthy, outwardly perfect community.

“A disturbingly clear-sighted satire of aspiration, competitive parenting and social perfectionism.” – Lauren Carroll Harris, The Guardian

Relatively fresh from winning the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2019, Olivia Colman was a treat in this four-part co-production between Sky and HBO, as was her on-screen counterpart David Thewlis. Based on a true story, Colman and Thewlis portray Susan and Christopher Edwards, a seemingly normal, if eccentric and delusional, British couple who, in Susan’s own words “get into a bit of a pickle” when two dead bodies are discovered buried in their back garden.

“One of the most breathtakingly beautiful dramas you’ll see all year.” – Michael Hogan, The Telegraph

Riz Ahmed officially broke into the US consciousness in this enthralling HBO adaptation of the BBC series Criminal Justice. Riz plays a promising student who, after spontaneously embarking on a night out, becomes wrapped up in a murder and incarcerated in prison at Rikers Island. As he attempts to survive inside, his unorthodox attorney, John Stone (played by John Turturro) rushes to find anything that might improve his situation.

“Unfolding over eight episodes, it hits the dramatic jackpot on so many levels that no one who sees it will react in exactly the same way -- but most everyone will be forever changed by the experience.” – Nancy DeWolf Smith, Wall Street Journal

The first of two Kate Winslet projects on this list, this lush adaptation of the classic 1941 James M. Cain novel is a nostalgic treat. Directed by Todd Haynes, the series tells the story of the title character, who attempts to raise her daughters post-divorce in the harsh environment on the 1940s. As she attempts to meet the standard set by both society and her precociously socially aware daughter, she encounters success, love (in the form of a suitor played by Guy Pearce), but also tragedy and betrayal.

“Kate Winslet delivers a powerhouse performance (when doesn't she?)” – Ben Walsh, The Independent

With the world currently gripped by Harlan Coben’s Netflix series Fool Me Once, you might want to give this Sky Exclusive mystery from 2016 some of your time. Tom Cullen stars in this ten-part mystery following four lifelong friends who reunite to revisit a tragedy from the past.

“The Five is the first crime drama from famed author Harlan Coben, and it does not disappoint.” – Jade Budowski, Decider

Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant star in this deliciously twisting mystery that kept us all guessing back in 2020, when it broke viewership records to become the biggest US series to launch on Sky Atlantic and was called “perfect pandemic TV” by The Guardian. It follows Grace Fraser’s (Kidman) struggle as her whole life is called into question in the aftermath of a violent death, a missing husband (Grant) and a suspicious affair.

“There are twists and turns throughout that keep you hooked. You also constantly question what each character is going to do next.” – Scott Bryan, BBC