7.5
Where can I stream Motive 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.
Motive fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Tense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension8
- Fast Pace7
- Violence6
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Melancholy5
- Pathos4
- Family Dynamics4
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor2
- Situational Comedy0
World
Crime, everyday modern life, and mystery
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances, storytelling, and characters
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout editing
- Editing8
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighTense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
Motive is tense and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
All heart traits
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- 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 mystery
Its world is built around crime, everyday modern life, and mystery.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime10Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances, storytelling, and characters
The performances, storytelling, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative8Time-shifts and structure play.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
The murder is just the beginning.
A team of Vancouver investigators, led by homicide detective Angie Flynn, sets out to uncover the motive of each puzzling murder by discovering the killer's connection to the victim. Viewers get a glimpse of the killer before and after the crime is committed.
Non-Linear Crime ProceduralDual-Timeline MysteryPsychological ThrillerGritty Police DramaComplex Character StudyIntricate Plot ConstructionSuspenseful AtmosphereModern Noir Elements
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 Motive
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Motive worth watching?
63
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 63/100 (IMDb 7.5 and Metacritic 53). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Motive rated?
TV-14ViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagery
It's rated TV-14 in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does Motive have?
4 seasons
It has 4 seasons with 52 episodes of about 44 minutes each.
Do critics and audiences agree on Motive?
Critics53
Audiences76
Not quite. Audiences rate Motive higher (76) than critics (53). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
When did Motive air?
S1S2S3S4
It ran from 2013 to 2016 and has ended.
What language is Motive in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Canada.
In how many countries can I watch Motive?
12
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Motive in 12 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Motive use?
Bitch in Sheep's ClothingString TheoryPunk in the TrunkDull SurpriseWatch the Paint JobDogged Nice GuyAutopsy Snack TimeImperiled in PregnancySympathetic MurdererOff with His Head!Reusable Lighter TossAngry Guard Dogand 133 more
TV Tropes lists 145 storytelling tropes for Motive, including Bitch in Sheep's Clothing, String Theory, Punk in the Trunk.