Watch Gotthard

Gotthard is a thrilling Swiss drama series that explores the monumental engineering feat of constructing the Gotthard Tunnel beneath the Swiss Alps, while also delving into the personal lives of the individuals who worked on the project. Produced by Ammo Content and premiered in 2016, the series stars Silvia Busuioc and Carlos Leal in leading roles.

The story takes place in the late 1800s, when the Swiss government decides to build a railway that would connect northern and southern Europe, allowing for faster transportation of goods and people. The only obstacle in their path is the mighty Swiss Alps, which pose a formidable engineering challenge. The solution is to construct two tunnels that would go through the mountains and connect the cities of Erstfeld in the north and Bodio in the south. The work begins in 1872, and the series chronicles the 15-year-long construction process.

The lead character of the series is Anna (Silvia Busuioc), a brave and ambitious woman who dreams of becoming a locomotive driver. Anna's father is a tunnel worker, and she has grown up around the construction site. Despite the male-dominated environment, Anna is determined to prove her worth and lands a job as a switchwoman. Her skills and dedication eventually earn her a chance to drive the first train through the tunnel, an achievement that would make her a national hero.

Carlos Leal plays the role of Louis Favre, the chief engineer of the project. Favre is a man of vision who believes in the potential of the railway to transform Switzerland and Europe. He is also a demanding taskmaster who pushes his workers to the limit, sometimes at the cost of their safety. Favre's relationship with Anna adds an element of romantic tension to the story, as the two share a mutual attraction despite their different backgrounds.

Other characters in the series include various workers, engineers, and officials involved in the project. These include a group of Italian miners who bring their own culture and traditions to the construction site, and the wealthy financier Baron de Rothschild, who funds the project but also has his own interests to protect.

The series is shot in stunning locations that capture the beauty and grandeur of the Swiss Alps. The scenes inside the tunnels are also meticulously recreated, using both practical and digital effects to create a sense of scale and authenticity. The show also features a sweeping orchestral score that adds to the epic tone of the story.

Gotthard is not just a story of engineering and construction; it is also a tale of human struggle and sacrifice. The workers face harsh conditions, including rockslides, flooding, and dangerous gases, that put their lives at risk. The series does not shy away from showing the brutal reality of their work, including scenes of injuries and fatalities.

At the same time, the show also celebrates the spirit of camaraderie and solidarity that emerges among the workers, who come from all walks of life and nationalities. They share meals, songs, and stories, and create a sense of community that transcends their differences. The series also highlights the impact of the railway on Switzerland and Europe, bringing people and cultures closer together and opening up new opportunities for trade and tourism.

In conclusion, Gotthard is a gripping and visually stunning series that tells the story of one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 19th century. It is also a touching and human drama that explores the lives and struggles of the people who made it possible. With its strong performances, beautiful locations, and epic scale, Gotthard is a must-watch series for anyone interested in history, engineering, or drama.

Gotthard is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (2 episodes). The series first aired on August 9, 2016.