New Miniseries 'Kabul' Dramatizes Chaotic 2021 U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan
The six-part European co-production follows the Nazany family and international officials during the fall of the city.
A new six-part fictional miniseries titled 'Kabul' has been released, depicting the U.S. Armed Forces' withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. The production focuses on the high-tension events of August 15, 2021, specifically centering on the desperation and chaos at Kabul Airport.
The series is a tripartite co-production between France, Germany, and Italy. Its narrative weaves together the experiences of the Nazany family with those of various international officials and intelligence operatives. The cast features Eric Dane, who portrays a CIA operative named Martin, alongside Shervin Alenabi and other performers. In Australia, the series premiered on SBS on Demand on October 30, 2025.
The Backdrop of the Withdrawal
The dramatization is set against the backdrop of the rapid Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. This period was defined by a frantic evacuation effort as the U.S. and its allies attempted to exit the country. The plot highlights the intersection of westernized Afghan citizens, diplomats, and intelligence officers, all struggling to secure safe passage as the city fell to the Taliban.
Geopolitical and Human Implications
By focusing on the events at the airport, the production underscores the stark geopolitical tensions and the immense human cost associated with the withdrawal. It specifically examines the contrast between the successful evacuation of foreign officials and the precarious situation of Afghan allies and civilians who were left behind. This dynamic serves as a lens to explore the moral and political complexities of the U.S. military exit.
Distribution and Availability
The series is available for free streaming on SBS on Demand in Australia. While the BBC has acquired the series for the U.K. market, the specific release date for BBC iPlayer remains unconfirmed. Viewers can expect a narrative that blends personal family drama with the broader systemic failure of the evacuation process.