The Chernobyl Meltdown Without Cable

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Forty years after the Chernobyl disaster took place in the former Soviet Union (now Ukraine), CNN is revisiting the tragedy in an all-new docuseries that premieres on Sunday, March 1, 2026. In collaboration with National Geographic EMEA and Windfall Films, this four-episode event will be released in two parts, with the final segments scheduled to drop on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

At a Glance: How to Watch CNN’s Disaster: The Chernobyl Meltdown Online

If you want to tune in but don’t have traditional cable access to CNN, we’ll show you one of the best cost-effective ways to stream this new release. Read on to learn how you can sign up for Sling and gain access to the program.

What Is the Chernobyl Disaster?

In April 1986, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded. Not only did the initial blast kill numerous people, but it also caused long-term health effects for an undisclosed number of workers, residents, and first responders in the surrounding areas.

Widely considered the worst nuclear disaster in history, the catastrophe drew global scrutiny after the Soviet Union attempted to cover up the tragedy and conceal its severity from its citizens.

CNN’s new docuseries not only examines the event itself but also “features revealing interviews with survivors speaking publicly for the first time, alongside rare insight into the CIA and Soviet responses, the series exposes a web of secrecy, miscalculation, and human cost. Astonishing new footage from inside the nuclear exclusion zone reveals how this scarred landscape is once again under siege as war encroaches on one of the most dangerous places on Earth,” per CNN’s release.

How to Watch CNN’s Disaster: The Chernobyl Meltdown Online Witthout Cable for Free

If you’re interested in learning more about the disaster but don’t have cable, we’ll walk you through the best ways to watch CNN live with the help of Sling.

What Is Sling?

Sling is our top choice for streaming CNN without cable. The service is fast, reliable, and, compared to similar platforms, one of the more affordable options available.

While Sling doesn’t offer a free trial, plans start at just $19.99 per month. One of its biggest advantages is flexibility. The service offers 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day passes, along with its standard subscription plans, allowing you to tailor your viewing experience. That means you can decide exactly how much you want to spend and what you want to watch.

What Type of Plans Does Sling Offer?

Sling offers four subscription options: Select, Orange, Blue, and Orange + Blue.

Sling Select is the budget-friendly plan, priced at $19.99 per month, and includes more than 10 channels but does not have CNN.

Sling Orange features over 30 channels, including CNN, and starts at $45.99 per month. It also offers convenient short-term passes: $4.99 for one day, $9.99 for three days, and $14.99 for seven days.

Sling Blue includes more than 40 channels (like FOX, NBC, ABC, and CNN), and starts at $45.99 per month.

Sling Orange + Blue combines everything from both plans, delivering more than 50 channels for $60.99 per month. Right now, Sling is offering 50% off this tier for your first month, bringing the price down to $29.99.

CNN’s Disaster: The Chernobyl Meltdown Premiere Date, Time

The four-part docuseries premieres on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 9 p.m. EST. The final two portions will be released the following Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 9 p.m. EST.