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Frontline

1983·Show
855Episodes in45Seasons·TV-PG
77
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb8.6Metacritic–8.0
Episodes
IMDb8.6Metacritic–8.0
Episodes

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Frontline fingerprint

Strong craft, no humor.

Energy

Calm and low-key

  • Tension6
  • Fast Pace4
  • Violence3

Heart

Moving

  • Pathos7
  • Melancholy5
  • Hopefulness4

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Satire & Parody3
  • Wit & Wordplay2
  • Cringe Humor1

World

Society, everyday modern life, and politics

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout direction, storytelling, and characters

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Direction8
  • Narrative Structure8
  • Character Depth8

Style

Standout editing

  • Editing8
  • Cinematography7
  • Music Composition5

Who it's for

AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking

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Episode ratings

IMDb rating of every episode, one row per season
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Specials
IMDb rating of every episode, one column per season
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About

Since it began in 1983, Frontline has been airing public-affairs documentaries that explore a wide scope of the complex human experience. Frontline's goal is to extend the impact of the documentary beyond its initial broadcast by serving as a catalyst for change.
Investigative JournalismSocietal MirrorDocumentary SeriesPolitical AnalysisHuman Rights FocusEducational ResourceReal-World ImpactComplex NarrativePublic Affairs

Crew

Directed by:
Michael Kirk, Gabrielle Schonder, Andrés Cediel
Written by:
Neil Docherty, Ric Esther Bienstock, Michael Kirk
Produced by:
Neil Docherty, Lisa Ellenwood, Raney Aronson-Rath
Composed by:
John Dragonetti, Sam Lipman, Nick Phillips

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Frontline

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Frontline legally?

PBSPBS Documentaries

You can watch it free with ads on PBS. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Frontline worth watching?

77
GreatGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 8.6). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Frontline rated?

TV-PGViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagery

It's rated TV-PG in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery.

How many seasons does Frontline have?

45 seasons

It has 45 seasons with 855 episodes of about 55 minutes each and is still in production.

Is Frontline based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

When did Frontline air?

It started in 1983 and is still in production.

What language is Frontline in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Frontline?

3GBSGUS

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Frontline in 3 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Frontline use?

Cannot Tell Fiction from RealityCelebrity CasualtyI Can't Believe I'm Saying ThisDeadpan SnarkerIntoxication EnsuesConvenient Replacement CharacterRunning GagBecause I'm Good At ItThe Bus Came BackTook a Level in DumbassSliding Scale of Idealism Versus CynicismPointless Civic Projectand 42 more

TV Tropes lists 54 storytelling tropes for Frontline, including Cannot Tell Fiction from Reality, Celebrity Casualty, I Can't Believe I'm Saying This.