“All the Light We Cannot See” is a drama series that Steven Knight and Shawn Levy developed for Netflix that transports viewers to World War II. The Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Anthony Doerr is captivatingly adapted, and Hugh Laurie, Mark Ruffalo, and Aria Mia Loberti are among the outstanding cast members. This four-part documentary explores the lives of German soldier Werner and blind French girl Marie-Laure as their paths cross in occupied France during the turbulent period of World War II. It promises an engrossing voyage through history and human connection with captivating storytelling and outstanding performances. Here are some more shows that explore similar subjects.
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A Place to Call Home (2013-2018)
The heartbreaking Australian drama series “A Place to Call Home” explores complicated human relationships against the backdrop of historical turbulence in a manner similar to that of “All the Light We Cannot See.” The Bevan Lee-created programme revolves around the lives of Australians who came of age after World War II, illustrating the social ramifications of the conflict. The narrative centres on Sarah Adams, a nurse with a shadowy history portrayed by Marta Dusseldorp, as she negotiates love, grief, and familial secrets in a remote part of Australia. The series mirrors the themes of human relationships and resilience seen in “All the Light We Cannot See,” painting a vivid picture of societal upheaval, personal fortitude, and the search for identity.
Berlin Station (2016-2019)
An appealing spy thriller called “Berlin Station” revolves around the CIA’s Berlin office and its operatives’ search for vital info in the heart of Berlin, Germany. Olen Steinhauer is the creator of this series, which explores the moral ambiguities and personal sacrifices of intelligence operatives while delving into the complex realm of espionage. The drama deftly juggles political intrigue, treachery, and nuanced personalities with a cast that includes Richard Armitage, Rhys Ifans, and Michelle Forbes. Like “All the Light We Cannot See,” “Berlin Station” explores the human side of clandestine operations by going deep into the moral and emotional struggles that its characters must overcome. For those who enjoy complicated storylines and moral complexity in times of conflict, this film is highly recommended.
Indian Summers (2015-2016)
The brilliant creator Paul Rutman created the British historical drama series “Indian Summers,” which is sometimes seen as underappreciated. The drama, which explores the complexity of the time by following the lives of the British elite in the Himalayan town of Simla, is set in the latter years of British colonial control in India. Nikesh Patel, Julie Walters, and Henry Lloyd-Hughes make up the major cast. Like “All the Light We Cannot See,” the series skillfully combines complex character relationships with a historical setting, romance, political intrigue, and a collision of cultures to create an engaging story that draws viewers in.
Outlander (2014-)
Based on Diana Gabaldon’s novel series, “Outlander” is a gripping historical drama television series created by Ronald D. Moore. The plot of the show is on Claire Randall, portrayed by Caitriona Balfe, a nurse from World War II who, through some unexplained means, travels back in time to Scotland in the eighteenth century. There, she gets involved in the Jacobite rebellion and develops a passionate relationship with Jamie Fraser, played by Sam Heughan. In this epic tale of time travel, Claire must balance her devotion to two worlds while navigating the difficulties of a divided Scotland and a turbulent historical period. The novel delves into the complexity of love, survival, and identity in two distinct ages.
Rebellion (2016)
Colin Teevan’s Irish historical drama series “Rebellion” chronicles the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, which was a turning point in Ireland’s fight for independence from British domination. Actors such as Charlie Murphy, Brian Gleeson, and Sarah Greene are in the cast of the show. Rebellion is a compelling story for history buffs and fans of intricate character-driven plots, even though it is focused on a different historical event and setting. It is similar to All the Light We Cannot See in that it explores the everyday people caught up in the turbulent tide of history and reveals the human stories hidden behind the larger historical context.
The Americans (2013-2018)
Within the enigmatic realm of “The Americans,” common people lead amazing lives behind closed doors. The drama, which was created by Joe Weisberg, centres on Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, an apparently normal American couple with a startling secret: they are KGB agents operating undercover. The couple, played by the talented team of Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, traverses an exciting web of love, betrayal, and espionage during the Cold War. Fans of “All the Light We Cannot See” should not miss “The Americans” because of its brilliant examination of moral uncertainty and the human cost of loyalty. Similar to Doerr’s book, this series explores the nuanced layers of moral decisions made by people in times of conflict. It forces viewers to consider the deep moral intricacies and question allegiances, which makes it an engaging and thought-provoking companion for fans of complicated narrative.
Transatlantic (2023)
Inspired by Julie Orringer’s novel “The Flight Portfolio,” “Transatlantic,” a Netflix miniseries co-created by Anna Winger and Daniel Hendler, spins a compelling story with a theme reminiscent of “All the Light We Cannot See.” The show, which stars Gillian Jacobs and Lucas Englander, tells the incredible true story of Varian Fry, a man sent to 1940s Marseille on a mission to rescue authors and artists in danger from the Nazi regime. A high-stakes race against time entwined with forbidden love, audacious adventure, and unwavering courage results from his heroic efforts to secure their escape, reflecting the profound themes of love and courage amid the chaos of war seen in “All the Light We Cannot See.”
Treason (2022)
“Treason” is a compelling miniseries on espionage that Matt Charman created for Netflix. Olga Kurylenko, Oona Chaplin, Charlie Cox, and Ciarán Hinds lead the ensemble cast. The story revolves around the poisoning of MI6’s head, Sir Martin Angelis, which initiates a series of events that propel Adam Lawrence to the agency’s highest rank. Comparable to “All the Light We Cannot See,” this series delves into the intricate dynamics between loyalty and deception as Lawrence becomes entangled in a web of international intrigue, personal grudges, and espionage. The show explores the hazy boundaries between betrayal and trust, echoing the moral quandaries encountered by individuals in “All the Light We Cannot See,” with the CIA’s shadow and dubious allegiances.
War Sailor (2023)
Gunnar Vikene’s “War Sailor,” which is set against the backdrop of World War II, is comparable to the gripping stories in “All the Light We Cannot See.” The show follows a working-class Bergen couple named Alfred, a father of three, and his boyhood friend as they unintentionally go from being peaceful citizens to front-line combatants. Similar to the characters in Anthony Doerr’s book, Alfred and his friend are thrown into the thick of things and must fight without weapons while wearing civilian clothes on a commerce ship that German submarines are aiming for. Recalling the deep themes of bravery and survival shown in “All the Light We Cannot See,” “War Sailor,” starring renowned performers Kristoffer Joner and Pål Sverre Hagen, conveys the spirit of human perseverance amid the turmoil of war.
Women at War (2022)
Like “All the Light We Cannot See,” the captivating eight-episode Franco-Belgian historical miniseries “Women at War” (French: Les Combattantes) immerses viewers in the complex lives of four extraordinary women whose destiny intersect in the midst of World War I. The series, which was created by Cécile Lorne and directed by Alexandre Laurent, introduces us to a number of fascinating characters, including the mysterious Parisian prostitute Marguerite de Lancastel, the unassuming Caroline Dewitt who finds herself in charge of her family’s factory, Mother Agnès, the tenacious Mother Superior of a convent that has been commandeered, and Suzanne Faure, a nurse who is passionate about feminism. Together, they overcome the difficulties and changes brought about by the conflict, crafting a story with a depth of historical detail and compelling characters.
