CNN's original series "Secrets & Spies: A Nuclear Game" explores the Cold War era through the lens of double agents Oleg Gordievsky and Aldrich Ames. As the US and Soviet Union teetered on the brink of nuclear war in 1983, the TV movie "The Day After" played a significant role in shaping public opinion. Depicting the aftermath of a nuclear strike, the film was impactful, with graphic scenes sparking debate. Despite opposition from conservative groups and concerns from advertisers, ABC aired the film unaltered, reaching an audience of over 100 million. The film's bleak portrayal of nuclear devastation led even President Reagan to shift his stance on nuclear war. Despite the controversy, "The Day After" remains a powerful reminder of the horrors of nuclear conflict and the impact of media on public perception.