Season 1 • Episode 3
LatestUranium saves lives, treats cancer and brings hope to millions. Uranium was also a promise of clean limitless power. In a remarkable and haunting journey, Dr Derek Muller takes us to Chernobyl and Fukushima, where uranium became a nightmare. In our energy hungry, warming world, uranium both tempts with unbelievable power and threatens all life on earth. Destroyer and saviour, dream and nightmare: the extraordinary paradox of uranium.
A stunning new documentary series exploring the incredible story of uranium, from its creation in an exploding star to its deployment in nuclear weapons, nuclear power, and nuclear medicine. It’s a journey across nine countries and more than a century of stories, to discover the rock that made the modern world. It’s part science, part history, and all epic adventure. Join physicist and YouTube phenomenon Dr. Derek Muller as he reveals the untold story of the most wondrous and terrifying rock on Earth.
Direction
Glossy prestige-doc polish meets genuine scientific rigor.
Production
Global locations from Chernobyl to Australian outback mines.
Writing
Muller makes quantum physics and arms races equally gripping.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Muller had to obtain special licenses to handle uranium on camera in multiple countries—the 'dragon's tail' metaphor comes from an ancient Chinese term for uranium's dangerous allure.
Released months before Iran nuclear deal tensions peaked, the series accidentally became timelier than intended, with Muller noting in interviews that uranium's story keeps rewriting itself.
AU
