HBO's 'Chernobyl' Is Already the Highest Rated Show of All Time on IMDb

Game of Thrones may be over, but HBO’s top-reviewed show is still running. The network’s sleeper hit Chernobyl still has two episodes left before the miniseries ends on June 7, but it’s already IMDb’s top rated show with an impressive average review score of 9.6/10.

These scores are based of user reviews, which seem to skew towards HBO dramas and nature documentaries. Rounding out the top 10 are Planet Earth II (9.5), Band of Brothers (9.4), Breaking Bad (9.4), and Blue Planet II (9.2). Game of Thrones also comes close with a 9.4, though perhaps that might be higher if the show’s controversial eight season had been better received by fans. (Hopefully, Chernobyl’s finale doesn’t suffer from the same fate.)

If you’re worried that these numbers could be skewed by disappointed Game of Thrones fans trying to embarrass the show’s co-creators by boosting another HBO series, you can rest assured this isn’t some bizarre case of reverse review bombing. A quick look at the reviews reveal a real passion for both the show and the history it’s based on.

Here’s a powerful quote from one 10/10 review on IMDb from user curiosityonmars:

It’s not a documentary, so not each and every detail is accurate, yet I would still call it authentic. The creators got the important stuff right… Both of my parents worked at Chernobyl plant, I grew up hearing stories and versions of what happened. I think this show is the best depiction of the Chernobyl disaster and the stories of its victims. This show is to remind all of us of the cost of lies.

Plenty of other reviews cite personal experience, a parent or spouse who experienced Chernobyl and who’s story matches up with HBO’s show. Others simply note how powerful the miniseries is.

“I’ll never love this show but I will forever have had my eyes opened by it,” writes stephenpdodds.

Here’s a chart showing IMDb’s top 10 shows of all time based on user reviews:

Beyond the somewhat surprising news that a brand new HBO miniseries is dominating IMDb’s TV charts, there’s a few other interesting details here. HBO clearly dominates with four shows in the top 10. Aside from Breaking Bad, the rest of this list if all nature or space documentaries, which makes sense considering the incredible popularity Planet Earth and the many shows it inspired. Going a bit further down the list, you’ll find Rick and Morty in 12th, making it IMDb’s top-rated cartoon series.

Whether Chernobyl remains in the top 10 after its finale airs remains to be seen, but it could be a while before the HBO miniseries is dethroned.

Chernobyl airs Fridays on HBO.