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The Pretender
2019·Show
·12Episodes in1Season·
The Pretender fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension8
- Fast Pace7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Nostalgia6
- Pathos5
- Melancholy5
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Physical Comedy4
- Satire & Parody4
World
History, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Character Depth9
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
The Pretender is tense and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
It keeps its emotions at a distance.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy4Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
HighHistory, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, crime, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout characters, direction, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The characters, direction, and performances stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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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.
About
Shorty after the 1917 Russian Revolution, during the New Economic Policy era, a criminal becomes a police officer through a case of mistaken identity and uses his knowledge to solve cases previously out of reach of the force.
Russian HistoricalCrime DramaPost-RevolutionaryMistaken IdentityIntriguing MysterySocial CritiqueCharacter-DrivenPeriod ThrillerPolitical Undercurrents
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Pretender
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Pretender worth watching?
79
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100. The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Pretender rated?
ViolenceStrong language
Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How many seasons does The Pretender have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 12 episodes and is still in production.
When did The Pretender air?
S1
It started in 2019 and is still in production.
What language is The Pretender in?
Russian
It was made in Russian. Produced in Russia.
In how many countries can I watch The Pretender?
6
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Pretender in 6 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Pretender use?
Vader BreathRevealing Cover-UpMy God, What Have I Done?Good Smoking, Evil SmokingNostalgic MusicboxMissing ChildThe Old ConvictReconstruct the RemainsNew Job as the Plot DemandsHe Who Must Not Be SeenVery Punchable Man555and 127 more
TV Tropes lists 139 storytelling tropes for The Pretender, including Vader Breath, Revealing Cover-Up, My God, What Have I Done?.