Sky's 'dizzying' new action thriller is a must-watch for Game of Thrones fans

Sky is launching a heart-stopping action thriller today (Thursday, 28th August) that absolutely must rocket straight to the summit of your viewing queue.

Bursting with an outstanding ensemble cast, breathtaking plot developments and flawless action sequences, the five-episode series is charging onto television screens with a gripping double-header premiere.

The programme will subsequently air over the following three weeks on Thursdays, with critics unanimously declaring it will set hearts pounding.

Atomic features Game of Thrones favourite Alfie Allen as Max, a narcotics trafficker who becomes embroiled in a dangerous operation to smuggle unstable yet precious uranium throughout North Africa and the Middle East.

Wanderer JJ (portrayed by Shazad Latif) accompanies him on this treacherous journey, though their hazardous expedition quickly draws the focus of CIA operative Cassie Elliott (Samira Wiley), who remains resolute in preventing the military-grade material from reaching dangerous parties, reports <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/atomic-reviews-sky-best-thrillers-35806309" rel="Follow" target="_self">the Mirror</a>.

Whether you're seeking the perfect programme to conclude your Thursday night or intend to hold off until you can devour all five instalments in one sitting, critiques of Atomic universally concur that audiences will need to buckle up.

The Irish Independent described the opening episode as a "dizzying whirl of fights, flights, scrapes and shootouts".

"Directed with real flair and kinetic energy by Sharriff Korver, Atomic rips along at a fine clip," they continued.

It's not all action and excitement, however, as their review also highlights the "great odd-couple chemistry between Allen and Latif, who bring a surprising amount of warmth and humanity to what could easily be unlikeable characters."

The Upcoming also delivered a glowing assessment of Atomic, declaring "it's Latif's JJ who steals the spotlight.

"With no indication of who he is or what his motives are, Max's unexpected ally remains a constant enigma throughout the show's opening chapters. This intrigue only deepens when it's revealed that he has some sort of connection to an ancient Syrian god."

They wrapped up: "The first two episodes of Atomic are an explosive introduction to the new Sky miniseries.

"Although the plot is initially a little too messy for its own good, there are more than enough promising hooks to keep viewers eager to discover where Max and JJ's deadly road trip will take them next."

Meanwhile, TechRadar guarantees "big action sequences, life-or-death situations and, thankfully, a killer season finale that leaves us with two huge cliffhangers."

Not only does the inaugural series appear destined to become a thrilling triumph for Sky, but it appears a follow-up instalment might already be in development. Will you be watching?

Atomic premieres Thursday, 28th August on Sky Atlantic and NOW.