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The Strain

2014·Show
46Episodes in4Seasons·TV-MA
IMDb7.3Metacritic707.5Rotten Tomatoes79%78%
Episode ratings

Where to watch

HuluPhiloAMC+ShudderSpectrum On Demand

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

What's your score?

Your score

The Strain fingerprint

High energy, striking style, light on feelings.

Energy

Nerve-racking and scary

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension9
  • Scare8
  • Violence8

Heart

Emotionally reserved

  • Melancholy6
  • Family Dynamics6
  • Pathos5

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay4
  • Dark Humor4
  • Satire & Parody3

World

Mystery, faith and meaning, and fantasy

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Novelty6
  • Dialogue Centrality5

Craft

Solid, not remarkable

  • Intrigue8
  • Direction7
  • Complexity7

Style

Standout sound design

  • Sound Centrality8
  • Cinematography7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You need an uplifting moodGraphic violence bothers youYou scare easily

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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

IMDb rating of every episode, one row per season
SeasonEpisode 1Episode 2Episode 3Episode 4Episode 5Episode 6Episode 7Episode 8Episode 9Episode 10Episode 11Episode 12Episode 13
IMDb rating of every episode, one column per season
Episode
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13

About

A high concept thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team, and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers, wage war for the fate of humanity itself.
Gothic Biological HorrorVampiric Conspiracy ThrillerApocalyptic StakesVisceral Body HorrorCDC Procedural Meets SupernaturalDense Mythological LoreRelentless DreadNew York City Under SiegeHigh-Concept Sci-Fi HorrorEnsemble Survival Drama

Crew

Directed by:
J. Miles Dale, Kevin Dowling, Peter Weller
Written by:
Guillermo del Toro, Chuck Hogan, Bradley Thompson
Composed by:
Ramin Djawadi

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Strain

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Strain legally?

HuluPhiloAMC+ShudderSpectrum On Demand

The Strain is included with a subscription to Hulu, Philo, AMC+, and Shudder in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Strain worth watching?

74
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 75/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 79%, and Metacritic 70). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Strain rated?

TV-MAViolenceDisturbing imageryStrong languageSexual content

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

How many seasons does The Strain have?

4 seasons

It has 4 seasons with 46 episodes of about 44 minutes each.

Is The Strain based on a true story?

No. It's adapted from a novel.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Strain?

Critics75
Audiences75

Yes. Critics average 75 and audiences 75 out of 100, so both groups see The Strain much the same way.

When did The Strain air?

It ran from 2014 to 2017 and has ended.

What language is The Strain in?

EnglishSpanish

It was made in English, with some Spanish. Produced in Mexico, United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Strain?

76ADALARATAUBABEBGBOBRBZCACHCL+62

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Strain in 76 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does The Strain use?

Last-Name BasisBody HorrorHappy Ending OverrideOh, Crap!Creator ThumbprintCrapsack WorldArtistic License – PhysicsSupporting the Monster Loved OneBig Damn HeroesArtistic License – BiologyAs You KnowMasqueradeand 117 more

TV Tropes lists 129 storytelling tropes for The Strain, including Last-Name Basis, Body Horror, Happy Ending Override.