The Hot Zone: Anthrax [2021]

Even though it’s weeks after 9/11, it’s clear that the US Federal agencies didn’t learn their lessons. The Hot Zone is back with another scientific and chilling look at a deadly outbreak on the main US soil.

Technically, The Hot Zone: Anthrax serves as second season for The Hot Zone. However, it stands on its own as a great and compelling series about the events of the Anthrax attack on the USPS and the media in the USA right after 9/11.

Starring Daniel Dae Kim as FBI agent Matthew Ryker, and Tony Goldwyn as Bruce Ivins, the show takes us on a wild ride over six episodes and across multiple states.

As much as I loved the original miniseries, I devoured this one. However, every production has its strengths and weaknesses. This one wasn’t any different. If I had to nitpick, I’d have to talk about two main things.

The whole thing felts at some point like a blend of Manhunt and Dirty John. Not that it’s a bad thing, but it wasn’t anything original. Been there, done that, seen that. I wanted something new.

On the other hand, my other complaint has nothing to do with the main subject of the show. It’s about Daniel Dae Kim’s character and his relationship to Denyce Lawton‘s Sheila. Thinking about the show, it feels like Sheila’s character was a filler that wasn’t given its due treatment. One minute, she’s being introduced as the girlfriend, next episode, they broke up without any real reason.

Should you watch it?

If you’re a fan of true stories, this show is for you. It was all the historical references, some action and dramatization, mixed without a behind the scene look at how Bush’s administration used the anthrax excuse in their crusade to launch the Iraq war.

Where can I watch it?

You can stream The Hot Zone & The Hot Zone: Anthrax on National Geographic TV in USA, Hulu, & StackTV in Canada.