5.8
Where can I stream I Saw the TV Glow legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
I Saw the TV Glow fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Scare7
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Melancholic
Much of it is about growing up.
- Coming of Age9
- Melancholy7
- Pathos6
Humor
Some dark humor and absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor6
- Absurdist Humor5
- Cringe Humor3
World
Growing up, the mind, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Novelty8
- Ambiguity7
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
Style
Standout cinematography, score, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography8
- Music Composition8
- Visual Stylization8
Energy
HighTense and scary
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
I Saw the TV Glow is tense and scary. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
LowMelancholic
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's melancholic. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome dark humor and absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor and absurdist humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor5Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
World
MediumGrowing up, the mind, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around growing up, the mind, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Fantasy7Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Pop Culture7References and cultural commentary.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Surrealism7Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
Craft
HighStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative3Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Homage & Reference7Allusions to other works.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, score, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, score, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Psychedelic6Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
There is still time.
In late-90s suburbia, a lonely teenager meets a girl at school who introduces him to a mysterious late-night T.V. show — a vision of a supernatural world pulsing beneath their own. As time goes on, however, questions begin to arise about why the show sometimes seems more real than their own lives. In the pale glow of the television, their view of reality begins to crack.
Psychological HorrorTeen AngstSurreal MysteryNostalgic AestheticComing-of-AgeVisually HauntingPop Culture CommentaryOtherworldly AtmosphereIntense and Disturbing
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about I Saw the TV Glow
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is I Saw the TV Glow worth watching?
71
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 72/100 (IMDb 5.8, Rotten Tomatoes 85%, and Metacritic 86). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is I Saw the TV Glow rated?
PG-13Disturbing imageryStrong languageSuicide themes
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery, strong language, and suicide themes.
How long is I Saw the TV Glow?
1 h 40 min
I Saw the TV Glow runs 1 h 40 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on I Saw the TV Glow?
Critics86
Audiences57
Not quite. Critics rate I Saw the TV Glow higher (86) than audiences (57). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was I Saw the TV Glow a box office hit?
Budget$10 million
Box office$5 million
No. It cost about $10 million to make and earned $5 million worldwide, 54% of its budget.
What language is I Saw the TV Glow in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch I Saw the TV Glow?
131
+117
+117GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for I Saw the TV Glow in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does I Saw the TV Glow use?
Does This Remind You of Anything?They Look Like Us NowSurreal HorrorLoners Are FreaksBreak the CutieMonster of the WeekRevealing HugHomagePainting the MediumSoul-Sucking SuburbiaBreaking the Fourth WallOminous Visual Glitchand 83 more
TV Tropes lists 95 storytelling tropes for I Saw the TV Glow, including Does This Remind You of Anything?, They Look Like Us Now, Surreal Horror.