Orphan Black
8.3
Orphan Black fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, a touch of humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension9
- Adrenaline8
- Fast Pace7
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos8
- Melancholy7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Satire & Parody3
- Dark Humor2
World
Mystery, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability8
- Novelty8
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Intrigue9
Style
Standout cinematography and editing
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighNerve-racking and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
Orphan Black is nerve-racking, thrilling, and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline8High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighMystery, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around mystery, family, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Tech & Humanity9Human stories in a tech world.
- Futuristic8Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, characters, and direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and editing
Look and sound: the cinematography and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
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Episode ratings
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About
She's been duped.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Orphan Black
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Orphan Black worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 84/100 (IMDb 8.3, Rotten Tomatoes 93%, and Metacritic 76). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Orphan Black rated?
It's rated TV-MA in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, sexual content, and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does Orphan Black have?
5 seasons
It has 5 seasons with 50 episodes of about 43 minutes each.
Do critics and audiences agree on Orphan Black?
Yes. Critics average 85 and audiences 86 out of 100, so both groups see Orphan Black much the same way.
When did Orphan Black air?
It ran from 2013 to 2017 and has ended.
What language is Orphan Black in?
It was made in English. Produced in Canada, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Orphan Black?
+6GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Orphan Black in 20 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Orphan Black use?
TV Tropes lists 295 storytelling tropes for Orphan Black, including Auto Erotica, Continuity Snarl, Pre-Asskicking One-Liner.