7.5
Where can I stream The Pretender legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Pretender fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Nostalgic
Much of it is about family.
- Nostalgia8
- Family Dynamics7
- Pathos6
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Dark Humor3
- Situational Comedy2
World
Everyday modern life, mystery, and crime
- World Immersion7
- Novelty7
- Dialogue Centrality6
Craft
Standout performances, storytelling, and characters
- Intrigue9
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Standout score
- Music Composition8
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
Energy
HighTense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
The Pretender is tense and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumNostalgic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, mystery, and crime
Its world is built around everyday modern life, mystery, and crime.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Tech & Humanity6Human stories in a tech world.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances, storytelling, and characters
The performances, storytelling, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All style traits
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
Hero of a thousand faces. Man of a thousand lives.
Raised in a secret facility built for experimenting on children, Jarod is a genius who can master any profession and become anyone he has to be. When he realizes as an adult that he's actually a prisoner and his captors are not as benevolent as he's been told, he breaks out. While trying to find his real identity, Jarod helps those he encounters and tries to avoid the woman sent to retrieve him.
Conspiracy ThrillerRoad Show MysteryPsychological Drama90s NostalgiaFound FamilyIntellectual ProtagonistEpisodic Arc StructureCold War ParanoiaEmotional ResonanceCult Classic Status
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Pretender
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Pretender worth watching?
83
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83/100 (IMDb 7.5). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Pretender rated?
TV-14ViolenceStrong language
It's rated TV-14 in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How many seasons does The Pretender have?
4 seasons
It has 4 seasons with 86 episodes of about 43 minutes each.
When did The Pretender air?
S1S2S3S4
It ran from 1996 to 2000 and has ended.
What language is The Pretender in?
English
It was made in English.
In how many countries can I watch The Pretender?
6
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Pretender in 6 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Pretender use?
Mysterious PastRevealing Cover-UpWould Hurt a ChildVery Punchable ManStereotypical NerdMissing MomNew Powers as the Plot DemandsMundane Object AmazementMooksEnigmatic InstituteUncanny Family ResemblanceMy Cardand 127 more
TV Tropes lists 139 storytelling tropes for The Pretender, including Mysterious Past, Revealing Cover-Up, Would Hurt a Child.