Atomic: Is the Sky action series based on a true story? Here's what you need to know

Sky’s Atomic narrates the story of how highly enriched uranium used to make nuclear weapons is easily accessible on the black market, highlighting the potential danger to all life on the planet.

While the story is dramatised, it is inspired by the journalist and author William Langewiesche’s non-fiction novel called Atomic Bazaar. In the book, Langewiesche claims that after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the department responsible for making weapons was left as it was. This gave the employees the freedom to sell weapon-grade chemical elements on the black market.

The series stars Alfie Allen as Max, a drug smuggler who learns that he was being used to smuggle uranium and not drugs. Alongside Shazad Latif’s JJ, he tries to decide whether they should save their lives or stop this product from reaching the wrong hands, all while being chased by government agents and the cartel.

The premise of the action thriller series is inspired by Langewiesche’s non-fiction book, but the story about the chase of Max and JJ is dramatised for the TV series.

More on this in our story.

Is Atomic based on a true story? Details explored

Sky’s Atomic is not entirely but partially inspired by Langewiesche’s book Atomic Bazaar. In the novel, the journalist shared that after the dismantling of the Soviet Union in 1991, many Russian weapons development sites were left unsupervised.

Amid the mayhem, the employees working at these sites went on to sell highly concentrated weapon-grade chemicals, such as Plutonium and Uranium, on the black market. These elements then reached Turkish smuggling markets, through which they later found their way into the wrong hands, such as terrorist organisations. The book contains intensive and thorough research on this subject by Langewiesche.

However, apart from his claims, a real-life crisis due to the illegal smuggling of chemicals used in nuclear weapons has not occurred yet. If Langewiesche’s claims are true, it would be an alarming situation for all of humanity.

By using this setting from Langewiesche’s book, Gregory Burke has created a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat with high-chase action drama.

More about Sky’s Atomic

As mentioned, inspired by Langewiesche’s novel, Atomic follows Max and JJ as they learn that Max was actually smuggling uranium. They are ambushed in the Algerian desert by multiple forces, such as local corrupt gangs, cartel operatives, and government agents.

Aside from Alfie Allen and Latif, the five-part series also stars Samira Wiley as Cassie, a CIA scientist who is also trying to catch them. The series also features popular names such as Stuart Martin, Brian Gleeson, and Franklin Virgüez, among others, in recurring roles.

The series premiered on August 28, 2025, with two intriguing episodes that will keep you hooked. Max and JJ often find themselves nearly caught by one of the many forces chasing them in the high-stakes sequences.

Keep reading Soap Central for more such stories.

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