An archive-based feature documentary viewing the dramatic climax of the Cold War through the lens of the ABC network, as it narrowly succeeds in producing the most watched, most controversial made-for-TV movie, THE DAY AFTER (1983). With irreverent humor and sobering apocalyptic vision, this film reveals how a commercial broadcaster seized a moment of unprecedented television viewership, made an emotional connection with an audience of over 100 million and forced an urgent conversation with the US President on how to collectively confront and resolve the most pressing issue of the time - nuclear proliferation.

Cast

Nicholas Meyer

Himself

Stephanie Austin

Herself

Ted Koppel

Himself

Ronald Reagan

Himself (archive footage)

Robert Papazian

Himself

Edward Hume

Himself

Brandon Stoddard

Himself

Stu Samuels

Himself

Ellen Anthony

Herself