7.3
Payback fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Tense and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline7
- Fast Pace7
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Pathos6
- Family Dynamics6
- Melancholy5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay1
- Situational Comedy0
World
Crime, everyday modern life, and class and money
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances, storytelling, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Intrigue9
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTense and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
Payback is tense, thrilling, and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
All heart traits
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumCrime, everyday modern life, and class and money
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around crime, everyday modern life, and class and money. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances, storytelling, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, storytelling, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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Episode ratings
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| Episode | |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | |
| Episode 2 | |
| Episode 3 | |
| Episode 4 | |
| Episode 5 | |
| Episode 6 |
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Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Payback
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Payback worth watching?
Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 58/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 71%, and Metacritic 53). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Payback rated?
Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How many seasons does Payback have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 6 episodes.
Do critics and audiences agree on Payback?
Not quite. Audiences rate Payback higher (75) than critics (62). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
When did Payback air?
It ran from 2023 to 2023 and has ended.
What language is Payback in?
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch Payback?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Payback in 13 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Payback use?
TV Tropes lists 34 storytelling tropes for Payback, including Title Drop, Convenient Coma, 20 Minutes into the Past.