Counterpart

:

Season 1
  • Network: Starz
  • Series Premiere Date: Dec 10, 2017
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 126 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 98 out of 126
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 126
  3. Negative: 15 out of 126
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User Reviews

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  1. horridblood12
    Jan 21, 2018
    10
    This show is an amazing addition to the Spy and Sci-fi genre. It stars J.K.Simmons who is fantastic as the two lead roles. With his character having his counterpart. From the first episode, the plot is very intriguing and it later becomes a philosophical question on nature and nurture, how one moment can change everything. This is what makes Counterpart a joy to watch, and as you goThis show is an amazing addition to the Spy and Sci-fi genre. It stars J.K.Simmons who is fantastic as the two lead roles. With his character having his counterpart. From the first episode, the plot is very intriguing and it later becomes a philosophical question on nature and nurture, how one moment can change everything. This is what makes Counterpart a joy to watch, and as you go further down the plot, subtle hints from earlier episodes foreshadow whats to come in the end. it's a must watch and it is a show that can rival the greats.… Expand
  2. section20mi6
    Feb 12, 2018
    8
    J.K Simmons is at its best in the series with his impeccable performance as Howard Silk from both worlds. The story line keeps audience intrigued and the overall grim atmosphere exhibits authenticity in a seemingly fictional setting.
  3. sonder
    Jan 30, 2018
    10
    Counterpart is a truly great show. It's the spy/sci-fi movie-like TV series that actually takes a concept, does it right, sets the tone with music and uniformly great performers, and makes art in the process. The concepts involved aren't new. The presentation is, and the fusion of different genres is. This is the show that you always knew was coming, but you never really expected.

    The    Counterpart is a truly great show. It's the spy/sci-fi movie-like TV series that actually takes a concept, does it right, sets the tone with music and uniformly great performers, and makes art in the process. The concepts involved aren't new. The presentation is, and the fusion of different genres is. This is the show that you always knew was coming, but you never really expected.

    The Hamburg skyline, or wherever this is filmed is amazing, and it gives the show a retro (80's) futuristic East/West Berlin Station feel. This feeling is similar to that of home, but a different, 80's-gone-wrong home. The writers and directors don't cross the 4th wall, but they know that it's there, and that our own timeline is among the weirdest of timelines.

    The premise of the show is that a high energy event in Germany split the world into two initially identical counterparts. But, then slight asymmetries split these identical worlds into very different realities due to chaos theory and the butterfly effect at the least. Most people have a counterpart, with the same childhood, but who is now a different person.

    As a warning, I know some people who wouldn't like this series, because they would have trouble following what's going on, in a genre defined by a lack of knowledge about the truth. But, that's their loss.

    Overall, congrats to everyone who was involved producing this show. Keep doing what you're doing, it will catch on!    … Expand
  4. FranklinSeal
    Feb 4, 2018
    10
    Top notch. This has the feel of a story that could become a thousand layers deep. Writing, acting, directing are all excellent. I can't wait for the next episode.
  5. HarryNuggets
    Mar 28, 2018
    8
    Love this sort of setup. A twist of sci fi to enable to plot but that's it. Two alternate earths, created by some sort of experiment around 30 years ago. Since then the two realities have gone off on their own particular directions. Anyone born before the split has an alternate self. Some over those years have died but those who haven't are not the same since the two worlds are veryLove this sort of setup. A twist of sci fi to enable to plot but that's it. Two alternate earths, created by some sort of experiment around 30 years ago. Since then the two realities have gone off on their own particular directions. Anyone born before the split has an alternate self. Some over those years have died but those who haven't are not the same since the two worlds are very different.

    It's a somewhat confusing cloak and dagger tale with spies and the like moving between the two worlds which the majority of both worlds' population are not aware of. But, for me, it's the psychological angle of the story, which focuses on a protangonist(s) who are not remotely alike but end up in the other's world. It's slow, brooding and pretty cold. it's also pretty hard to stop watching once it gathers steam. This is a very smart idea and show.    … Expand
  6. Sitheguy78
    Feb 14, 2018
    10
    An amazing show that leaves you with more questions each week. The pacing is quite slow, however, I would advise anyone with a fondness for Sci-FI or Cold War era Spy films.

    We follow Howard, an average man who finds job has implications he could never have imagined. We discover more and more at his pace. Introduced to a Cold War between two worlds similar but not the same.
  7. OscarTheGrouch
    Feb 5, 2018
    9
    It was the premise that reeled me in, and the execution which hooked me.

    You can read the description for 'Counterpart' to know this is a show about a portal to a parallel universe being 'discovered' during the Cold War era. This was done by German scientists, so the story takes place in present day Germany. With the excellent J.K. Simmons acting as somebody, without knowing it himself    It was the premise that reeled me in, and the execution which hooked me.

    You can read the description for 'Counterpart' to know this is a show about a portal to a parallel universe being 'discovered' during the Cold War era. This was done by German scientists, so the story takes place in present day Germany. With the excellent J.K. Simmons acting as somebody, without knowing it himself as this portal is not known to the general public, who works at a bureau that deals with communications to the other side.

    Much like the era the portal was discovered in, the relation between the 2 universes is much like the Cold War relation between the US and Russia. And we find out in further episodes why, as we get tidbits that things haven't exactly been friendly between the two sides. There are some parallels with Fringe, but Counterpart takes a more realistic approach to it. This is basically the Cold War with a sci-fi flavour, and it works like a charm.

    There's mystery, there's murders, there's multiple factions at work following their own agendas. There's a whole lot of good storytelling in this show, and they have me completely hooked. This is must see tv.    … Expand
  8. Skeletor71
    Mar 19, 2018
    9
    This show is growing on me. It starts out slow, but the premise kept me hooked. J.K. Simmons is particularly excellent in this. You can tell without looking at clothes or whatever which of the two characters he's playing. Just by the way he carries himself. Really great (and helpful) acting.
  9. shoulderoforion
    Jan 21, 2018
    9
    This show premiered a sneak peak first episode way back in December 10th and had this review in my pocket since. Believe the hype, J.K. Simmons, who pretty much rules in everything he does, is given some real red meat to work with here. Think Orphan Black but for old folks. First ep had me gnawing my teeth for another. Gotta wait another week. Recommended.
  10. loone
    Mar 3, 2018
    2
    It's not terrible. The issue is it throws you into situations without giving you any kind of back story or idea of whats going on. Very little character development ahead of time. Most episodes you have zero clue why things are happening. Its not mysterious. Its just confusing.
  11. mhg007
    Feb 26, 2018
    8
    The first several episodes rely too much on J.K. Simmons to carry the show. The motives of the key players are unclear and at times it is difficult to determine what is going on. However, as the show progresses, the identities become clearer if not the motives. Although it is a bit pretentious and heavy handed, it definitely improves as the show unfolds. You just have to be patient andThe first several episodes rely too much on J.K. Simmons to carry the show. The motives of the key players are unclear and at times it is difficult to determine what is going on. However, as the show progresses, the identities become clearer if not the motives. Although it is a bit pretentious and heavy handed, it definitely improves as the show unfolds. You just have to be patient and your trust will be rewarded.… Expand
  12. SwarleyStinson
    Jan 30, 2018
    5
    Just like Man in The High Castle, Phillip K Dick comes up with a decent Sci-fi premise but gets way too bogged down in the details and character development so the plot is glacially slow paced. This iteration of it is like a 2 universe cold war and is much more focused on the spying than the sci fi. Having already seen Fringe, which is a much better implementation of this idea, its evenJust like Man in The High Castle, Phillip K Dick comes up with a decent Sci-fi premise but gets way too bogged down in the details and character development so the plot is glacially slow paced. This iteration of it is like a 2 universe cold war and is much more focused on the spying than the sci fi. Having already seen Fringe, which is a much better implementation of this idea, its even harder to tolerate the slow pace.
    JK Simmons is very good though and I suspect that like MiTHC it will also have rare but huge plot developments that may make it worthwhile dragging yourself though it.    … Expand
  13. CarlShadow
    Feb 19, 2018
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First, the good: J.K. Simmons

    Now, the rest: This show makes no sense when it asks us to believe that this other world would somehow be kept secret for decades. Not a chance. Even in the days before the internet, no country could keep its secrets safe let alone an entire world. How is it that the other side gave us the treatment for HIV but they couldn't develop a flu vaccine? That's a bizarre brand of science. On that note, if they helped us, why did we not help them? Why would they deal with us after we let their people die? Senseless. But the most sci-fi element is how a dowdy post menopausal woman in a perpetually foul mood manages to snare much younger lovers. Total mom porn. As much as I enjoy a fantastical premise, I need something to make me believe and so far only Howard is making this worth watching. That and the embarrassing hard sell by the creator after every episode in which he points out every obvious detail that only an idiot would miss. Im sure I'll watch this to the bitter end in the hope that it somehow rises to the level of its lead but I highly doubt I'll bother if it returns.    … Expand
  14. bebebeelzebub
    Mar 8, 2018
    0
    Other than a great performance from JK Simmons this show is utter trash. The premise is the most preposterous one ever. We have 2 worlds connected by a dark tunnel, why no lights? Couldn't decide on which side would pay the Elect bill? Next we are going to let foreign people from another dimension, that nobody is supposed to know about, just wander around unsupervised. Wouldn't itOther than a great performance from JK Simmons this show is utter trash. The premise is the most preposterous one ever. We have 2 worlds connected by a dark tunnel, why no lights? Couldn't decide on which side would pay the Elect bill? Next we are going to let foreign people from another dimension, that nobody is supposed to know about, just wander around unsupervised. Wouldn't it have made more sense to have the 2 sides just meet in the building that connects them? I for one would have buried it as it is nothing but trouble and the benefits don't outweigh the costs, especially when you find out why the alternate side is pissed off! i just get angry watching this garbage but now I feel stuck watching it to find out what is behind all the drama.… Expand
  15. Dfranklin
    Mar 19, 2018
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This show has become increasingly engaging over the season as the complex backstory is gradually revealed...until episode 9 No man's Land Part 1. The episode ends with an unnecessary and long office place gun massacre which reflects very badly given Parkland and other real life events. Seriously, Hollywood, did you really need to glamorize gun culture to tell the story? Please be responsible in your writing and let the excellent JK Simmons and the rest of the cast focus on the characters...no one needs or wants to view scenes like this.… Expand
  16. asmanraj
    May 27, 2018
    0
    I kept waiting for it to get better but it never did. This show is both confusing and boring. I won't be able to force myself to sit through the second season. The show is a bit reminiscent of Deutschland 83 but that show is far better.
  17. paulricha
    Apr 3, 2018
    0
    If you missed the first episode you'll never know what's going on. I must have missed the 1st episode. Something about good guys versus bad guys but never quite sure who is who or why. Still not sure who and why they are trying to kill howard's wife!
  18. truerock
    Jan 23, 2019
    10
    So, if you have never heard of Rainer Maria Rilke - you will probably not like or understand this series. If you are not curious about who Rainer Maria Rilke is - you will probably not like or understand this series. But, perhaps the series can be enjoyed on different levels. I see dozens of reviews of Counterpart by individuals who enjoy the series - none of which indicate they have aSo, if you have never heard of Rainer Maria Rilke - you will probably not like or understand this series. If you are not curious about who Rainer Maria Rilke is - you will probably not like or understand this series. But, perhaps the series can be enjoyed on different levels. I see dozens of reviews of Counterpart by individuals who enjoy the series - none of which indicate they have a clue about what the series is about.… Expand
  19. HotelCentral
    Jul 22, 2019
    6
    One problem with Counterpart is that it devotes a fair amount of time to relationships--marriages, love affairs, etc--and I spend this time wondering if people's feelings for one another have anything to do with anything outside the bedroom.

    But the main problem, as I see it, is Howard, by which I refer to "Howard Alpha." He's the good guy. He's moral, principled, honest, loyal,    One problem with Counterpart is that it devotes a fair amount of time to relationships--marriages, love affairs, etc--and I spend this time wondering if people's feelings for one another have anything to do with anything outside the bedroom.

    But the main problem, as I see it, is Howard, by which I refer to "Howard Alpha." He's the good guy. He's moral, principled, honest, loyal, compassionate, and understanding. And that would be great if he wasn't also pretty damn boring. His problem as a character is that he knows nothing of what's going on around him and that makes him little more than a puppet getting jerked around by all the other players.

    I mean, basically this show is the Cold War with scifi decor. It should be at least interesting if not absolutely thrilling and it is neither. The acting is fine. The visuals are low budget but good enough. The story is just flaccid and our titular hero is dull.

    I saw season 1 to the end out of sheer determination. I doubt I'll bother with season 2.    … Expand
  20. jaasieljunior
    May 5, 2018
    10
    Não temos como questionar: é a série mais importante que estreiou em 2018. O Roteiro, a ambientação, os personagens,as atuações são incrivelmente dignas .
  21. CoKronakan
    Mar 20, 2019
    8
    This fresh IP felt like a "try hard" attempt to get in to the big league TV series (of Game of Thrones, Mr. Robot etc.) to fast and this made it a little dull.
    But the series it's rather good, entertaining and interesting to watch. The plot was intriguing, but it picked up to late in to the season due to it's mysterious nature and the sheer seriousness of the events. The actors where    This fresh IP felt like a "try hard" attempt to get in to the big league TV series (of Game of Thrones, Mr. Robot etc.) to fast and this made it a little dull.
    But the series it's rather good, entertaining and interesting to watch. The plot was intriguing, but it picked up to late in to the season due to it's mysterious nature and the sheer seriousness of the events. The actors where amazing, and J.K. Simmons is the perfect actor to play this two sided role that is the different in so many ways yet similar. The directing was great with all the amazingly shot scenes and the editing choices. The script was short worded but still managed to give the audience enough to think about and to keep it very complex and keep the viewer's tension up and going, in order to figure out more about this interesting double world and about the characters. It was truly executed in a really good way with all it's details and elements. The characters had enough screen time to develop their core connection with the plot and the audience at the same time. The visuals where really good and practically shot most of it. The sound effects where realistic, and the music helped but very little because the background song not always matched the mood of the scene, and when it would have been great that it just wasn't there. Sadly this TV series has real artistic value and entertainment value, but due to it's huge pacing issue and immersion breaking nonsense conversations it faults.
    So overall this original concept of this fractured worlds is amazing and interesting, but the season could have been more polished, because of this I would say this is a very good TV series so far but it can be better. So I am curious what they have in store for the viewers the next season and if they actually pull it of and make it better than this one, so it can live up to it's fullest potential.    … Expand
  22. astrix1983
    Jun 17, 2018
    10
    This is truly an awesome show. Something different, well thought through. One of the best Series I watched in a while and cannot wait for the second season. Lead actor staring J.K Simmons who plays his two roles brilliantly. Do your self a favor and check it out.
  23. ToMajonez
    Oct 18, 2018
    9
    Why so underrated? Very good science fiction/spy tv series (vary rare genre- it's a shame).
  24. frannorthstar
    Jan 15, 2019
    6
    Sounded interesting then remembered a TV Twilight Zone similarity, and in researching found indeed session 1 episode 21, which aired 26 February 1960 titled ‘Mirror Image’ the same situation as ‘Counterpart’, in fact the lead actress Vera Miles in the TZ 1960 episode clearly mentions several times the ‘counterpart’ world seeing her ‘other self’ and that ‘they’ were trying to take over.Sounded interesting then remembered a TV Twilight Zone similarity, and in researching found indeed session 1 episode 21, which aired 26 February 1960 titled ‘Mirror Image’ the same situation as ‘Counterpart’, in fact the lead actress Vera Miles in the TZ 1960 episode clearly mentions several times the ‘counterpart’ world seeing her ‘other self’ and that ‘they’ were trying to take over. Originality died with the invention of fire.… Expand
  25. AWESOM-0
    Jan 1, 2020
    10
    Awesome show, every once in awhile you go blindly into a show and get completely floored.
  26. geewah
    Jan 25, 2021
    9
    One of 2018's best and most original tv shows.
    A compelling political sci-fi drama, with a few smart twists to keep you hooked.

Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Best TV Season of 2017
45
#45 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Feb 1, 2018
    60
    The spy/conspiracy story is kind of a dud, but Howard's a keeper. [5-18 Feb 2018, p.11]
  2. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Jan 30, 2018
    80
    It’s a slower burn than you might expect, but it also grows a little more rewarding with every episode. It’s one to keep an eye on.
    Read full review
  3. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Jan 25, 2018
    91
    Counterpart blooms and grows as an absorbing sci-fi/spy thriller with elemental questions about how identities can be forged and changed by environments and circumstances.
    Read full review
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