“Unspeakable” (2019): The Canadian Miniseries Exposing the Tainted Blood Scandal

Netflix, Prime Video, and CBC audiences have a compelling story to explore with Unspeakable, the 2019 Canadian miniseries based on one of the country’s darkest public health scandals. The series tells the story of how thousands of Canadians were infected with HIV and Hepatitis C through tainted blood during the 1980s, bringing human drama, historical insight, and social commentary to the small screen.

A Story of Families Caught in a Medical Tragedy

The series follows two families directly affected by the scandal:

The Sanders family, whose son suffers from hemophilia and relies on regular blood transfusions.

The Landry family, also facing the devastating consequences of contaminated blood.

As the story unfolds, viewers witness the emotional and legal battles these families endured, including the fight to expose systemic negligence and seek justice. The series incorporates real-life historical events such as the Krever Commission, a national inquiry investigating the Canadian blood system.

Behind the Scenes

Created by: Robert C. Cooper, who drew from his personal experience as a survivor of the contaminated blood system.

Episodes: 8

Network: CBC Television (Canada) and SundanceTV (U.S.)

Runtime: ~44 minutes per episode

Cast: Sarah Wayne Callies (Margaret Sanders), Shawn Doyle (Ben Landry), Michael Shanks (Will Sanders), Camille Sullivan (Alice Landry)

Why “Unspeakable” Matters

Unspeakable stands out not only for its dramatic storytelling but also for its historical significance. By dramatizing real-life events, it educates viewers about the consequences of negligence in the healthcare system while highlighting the courage of families who fought for accountability.

Critics praised the series for its humanizing approach to a national tragedy and strong performances by the cast. On Rotten Tomatoes, the show received high marks for both storytelling and emotional impact, while Metacritic rated it favorably with a 7.3/10.

Who Should Watch

This miniseries is recommended for viewers interested in:

True stories based on historical events

Medical drama and public health issues

Emotionally charged family stories and legal battles

Unspeakable is a compelling, eye-opening series that combines drama, history, and a powerful message about responsibility and justice. It is currently available on Prime Video and select streaming platforms.