7.4
Where can I stream Backstrom legally?
You can 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.
Backstrom fingerprint
Funny, strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Tense
- Tension7
- Fast Pace6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Melancholy6
- Pathos5
- Catharsis4
Humor
Plenty of dark humor and sharp wit
- Dark Humor8
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Cringe Humor7
World
Crime, everyday modern life, and mystery
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and dialogue
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All heart traits
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
HighPlenty of dark humor and sharp wit
Expect plenty of dark humor and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor8Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor7Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy4Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumCrime, everyday modern life, and mystery
Its world is built around crime, everyday modern life, and mystery.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and dialogue
The characters, performances, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
Brilliant cop. Total jerk.
Detective Lieutenant Everett Backstrom is a man with no filter. After a five-year exile to the traffic division for offensive behavior, he has returned from disgrace to lead Portland's newly minted S.C.U. Tasked with navigating the city's most sensitive and serious cases, he must solve each crime as he tries, and fails, to change his own self-destructive behavior. Based on renowned Swedish criminologist and novelist Leif G.W. Persson’s hit series of books of the same name.
Cynical DetectiveCrime ProceduralDarkly HumorousCharacter-Driven DramaPolice InvestigationsAnti-Hero ProtagonistPsychological ExplorationMystery Solving
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Backstrom
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Backstrom worth watching?
59
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 36%, and Metacritic 51). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Backstrom rated?
TV-14Strong languageDisturbing imagery
It's rated TV-14 in the United States. Content advisories: strong language and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does Backstrom have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 13 episodes of about 60 minutes each.
Is Backstrom based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Backstrom?
Critics44
Audiences79
Not quite. Audiences rate Backstrom higher (79) than critics (44). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
When did Backstrom air?
S1
It ran from 2015 to 2015 and has ended.
What language is Backstrom in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Backstrom?
9
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Backstrom in 9 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Backstrom use?
Number TwoPower IncontinenceBittersweet EndingOdd FriendshipSpotting the ThreadThe Main Characters Do EverythingAdaptation Name ChangeHe Cleans Up NicelyGuylinerJurisdiction FrictionBerserk ButtonBlessed with Suckand 55 more
TV Tropes lists 67 storytelling tropes for Backstrom, including Number Two, Power Incontinence, Bittersweet Ending.