7.3
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The River
1988·Show
·6Episodes in1Season·
The River fingerprint
Calm.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension2
- Fast Pace2
- Adrenaline1
Heart
Wholesome and hopeful
- Wholesome7
- Hopefulness7
- Nostalgia6
Humor
Some situational comedy and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy6
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Physical Comedy2
World
Everyday modern life and history
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Acting7
- Dialogue Quality7
- Character Depth7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Sound Centrality7
- Cinematography6
- Music Composition6
Energy
NoneCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The River is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension2Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
All heart traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Melancholy2Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome situational comedy and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some situational comedy and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life and history
Its world is built around everyday modern life and history.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue3Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity3Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Editing5Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The River follows the tranquil life of lovable, Cockney, ex-convict Davey Jackson who is lock keeper on the canal near the village of Chumley-on-the-Water.
Gentle DramedySlice-of-LifeRural British SettingCharacter-DrivenNostalgic CharmQuiet & ReflectiveEx-Convict RedemptionCommunity FocusWholesome & Calm
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The River
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The River worth watching?
62
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 63/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 63%, and Metacritic 65). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How many seasons does The River have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 6 episodes.
Do critics and audiences agree on The River?
Critics64
Audiences66
Yes. Critics average 64 and audiences 66 out of 100, so both groups see The River much the same way.
When did The River air?
S1
It ran from 1988 to 1988 and has ended.
What language is The River in?
English
It was made in English.
What tropes does The River use?
The Cobbler's Children Have No ShoesThe TeaserLiving ShadowCassandra TruthOoh, Me Accent's SlippingGenre BlindnessBullying a DragonEstablishing Character Moment"Well Done, Son" GuyLiterary Allusion TitleCluster F-BombWe Hardly Knew Yeand 13 more
TV Tropes lists 25 storytelling tropes for The River, including The Cobbler's Children Have No Shoes, The Teaser, Living Shadow.