6.8
Where can I stream The River legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The River
2012·Show
The River fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Tense and thrilling
- Tension8
- Adrenaline7
- Scare7
Heart
Wondrous
- Wonder7
- Family Dynamics6
- Pathos5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Cringe Humor2
World
Mystery, fantasy, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Intrigue9
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Standout cinematography and sound design
- Cinematography8
- Sound Centrality8
- Editing7
Energy
HighTense and thrilling
The River is tense, thrilling, and scary.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowWondrous
Emotionally, it's wondrous.
All heart traits
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumMystery, fantasy, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around mystery, fantasy, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Fantasy7Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Showbiz5Entertainment industry and performance.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and sound design
Look and sound: the cinematography and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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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.
Episode ratings
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| Episode | |
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| Episode 3 | |
| Episode 4 | |
| Episode 5 | |
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| Episode 7 | |
| Episode 8 |
About
Wildlife expert and TV personality Emmet Cole sets course around the world with his wife, Tess, and son, Lincoln, while filming what would become one of the most popular shows in television. After he goes missing deep in the Amazon, his family, friends and crew set out on a mysterious and deadly journey to find him.
Amazonian MysterySupernatural HorrorFound Footage StyleFamily AdventureEerie AtmosphereExplorationJungleIntrigue
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The River
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The River worth watching?
63
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 64/100 (IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 63%, and Metacritic 65). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The River rated?
TV-MAViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated TV-MA in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does The River have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 8 episodes of about 43 minutes each.
Do critics and audiences agree on The River?
Critics64
Audiences63
Yes. Critics average 64 and audiences 63 out of 100, so both groups see The River much the same way.
When did The River air?
S1
It ran from 2012 to 2012 and has ended.
What language is The River in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The River?
10
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The River in 10 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The River use?
Establishing Character MomentCassandra TruthSadly MythtakenOh, Crap!Kill the Ones You LoveOur Ghosts Are DifferentBullying a DragonLiving Shadow"Shaggy Dog" StoryWilling ChannelerOoh, Me Accent's SlippingCluster F-Bomband 13 more
TV Tropes lists 25 storytelling tropes for The River, including Establishing Character Moment, Cassandra Truth, Sadly Mythtaken.