Orphan Black

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Season 1
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 533 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 462 out of 533
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 533
  3. Negative: 52 out of 533
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User Reviews

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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Jan 3, 2022
    8
    Tatiana Maslany is a class act in this show taking on multiple characters that each feel fleshed out. The question or fear of having a doppelganger exist somewhere in the world is given a terrifying answer. Instantly gripped by the grim pilot and pivoted by the charismatic Sarah you attach to her and others quickly, rooting for them on their quest for answers.
  2. AWESOM-0
    Jun 1, 2020
    8
    Orphan Black is a good show and Tatiana Maslany is great! There are great performances from the other cast as well and overall the show is well written and well done. If season 1 is the setup they did a good job and I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops.
  3. JLuis_001
    Nov 21, 2018
    7
    It was actually pretty good. Tatiana Maslany is amazing in the show and I found it very interesting although with some pacing issues and plot problems.

    But I do recommend it .
  4. mellonhead
    Dec 31, 2017
    9
    An entertaining and exciting show. Season one is one of its best, mostly because it's not confusing yet The story is off to a strong start, the acting is great, the characters are good (though Helena and Alison get a lot better), the action is good, and there are good bits of humor. All are a reliable recipe for a solid start.
    GRADE: A-
  5. Dzimas
    Oct 29, 2016
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There are many reasons to like this series from the engaging plot to Tatiana's cute butt, which is much on display in the first two episodes of the opening season. It's kind of like Stepford Wives meet The Cloning of Joana May, although aimed more at teenagers than an older audience. The other worldly plot breaks down too quickly into domestic melodrama and Tatiana keeps her clothes on through the remainder of the season. The Neolution story is little more than a campy hook, or should I say a tail, with a just as campy religious counter force meant to play both sides of the cloning debate.

    Caught in the middle of this nightmare is the fetching Sarah Manning, who apparently had escaped detection before encountering a doppleganger on a train platform one evening, and deciding to assume her identity. The first four episodes move at a very brisk pace as the writers lay out the characters, but then bogs down in the middle episodes as it seems they decide to play their scenario for laughs after the rather grisly beginning. Tatiana Maslany comes across as a young Holly Hunter in her role as the "suburban **** Allison. Not to worry though it all comes together in the suspenseful closing episodes.

    I don't know if it is enough to keep me going though, as Sarah's most engaging "sibling" was probably Helena, and she seemed to come to a rather ignominious end. However, there are enough dark forces at work to bring her back. One can only imagine all the tangents this story will take in succeeding seasons, as Cosima appears to have cracked the code, but I suspect whatever center it has will long be lost.    … Expand
  6. JungleWise
    Oct 26, 2016
    9
    Maslany is engaging. Pure acting genius. Can't wait to see who's behind "Rachel's Eye". The lesbian thing seems tired and forced. Sure do miss Gramma, she was a hoot.
  7. kismetric
    May 1, 2016
    10
    This is a well-written series that leaves you wanting more after each episode. Tatiana Maslany does an impressive job performing the many roles of the clone sisters. Definitely worth watching!
  8. JustShai
    Apr 3, 2016
    9
    Well written, well acted, brilliant and absorbing Sci-Fi-Drama-Thriller series out of Canada made for the BBC. Kudos to Tatiana Maslany for her spectacular chameleon-like qualities as lead actress playing multiple characters and the special effects/ editing crew for making it look all so believable. I have waited years to see such a smart, cutting edge, earth- based near future sci-fiWell written, well acted, brilliant and absorbing Sci-Fi-Drama-Thriller series out of Canada made for the BBC. Kudos to Tatiana Maslany for her spectacular chameleon-like qualities as lead actress playing multiple characters and the special effects/ editing crew for making it look all so believable. I have waited years to see such a smart, cutting edge, earth- based near future sci-fi series like this which is not only science based but full of moral and ethical arguments. As a plus we get good cops, bad guys you love to hate..secret societies, body hackers, evil geniuses , blonde assassins and a really cute kid! Perfect for binge- watching on Netflix.… Expand
  9. depo
    Jan 22, 2016
    9
    This show keeps getting better and better, not in the commercial way that tries to please everyone. Featuring an incredibly talented Tatiana Maslany, at times funny, at times macabre, with great thrills, action and an intriguing plot that holds it all together. All the good ingredients you would expect in an intelligent tv serie today! Highly recommended.
  10. sendintheclowns
    Sep 4, 2015
    9
    A delight to watch. The skill and energy of the star is the cream topping on a must-watch show. Light weight plot and screenwriting actually works best to not distract from the lead's performance.
  11. viny
    Jul 27, 2015
    10
    Amazing TV show. Quite difficult to understand in the first episodes but yeah... Tatiana Maslany has done such a great job... Unbelievable that she could play all those caracters. I have been quite amazed when she was playing a character that was supposed to play another character because we know that it is not completely the second character (it soudns complicated and it is !). I love theAmazing TV show. Quite difficult to understand in the first episodes but yeah... Tatiana Maslany has done such a great job... Unbelievable that she could play all those caracters. I have been quite amazed when she was playing a character that was supposed to play another character because we know that it is not completely the second character (it soudns complicated and it is !). I love the mystery around each characters. Bluffing.I would recommend it to everybody!… Expand
  12. Nonac
    Jul 22, 2015
    7
    A perfect first season. A very good second season. And a ''comme-ci comme-ca'' third season.
    One of the most anticipated and best ideas of the last years that after this season 3 turns into a ''normal'' series. I dont know, maybe they are doing it for the money/fame , i dont know the reason but WHY to complex it even more? you had such a wonderful idea and you are trying to destroy it.    A perfect first season. A very good second season. And a ''comme-ci comme-ca'' third season.
    One of the most anticipated and best ideas of the last years that after this season 3 turns into a ''normal'' series. I dont know, maybe they are doing it for the money/fame , i dont know the reason but WHY to complex it even more? you had such a wonderful idea and you are trying to destroy it.
    Hope it gets betters.

    -Nonac    … Expand
  13. Anna2015
    Jun 19, 2015
    10
    A fantastic tv show! Would defiantly recommend to all my friends. Can not wait for the next episodes I have just watched all of the three seasons in a binge watchathon.
  14. Desert_Rat
    May 31, 2015
    10
    Tatiana Maslany is awesome! She captures the nuances of the identical sisters brilliantly. And moreover she portrays the subtle difference when one sister is imitating another. The story takes amazing twists and turns so you're never sure what's going to happen next. Sometimes you're not sure what just happened until it becomes clear later in the episode or in the next episodes. A welcomeTatiana Maslany is awesome! She captures the nuances of the identical sisters brilliantly. And moreover she portrays the subtle difference when one sister is imitating another. The story takes amazing twists and turns so you're never sure what's going to happen next. Sometimes you're not sure what just happened until it becomes clear later in the episode or in the next episodes. A welcome contrast to most TV where you can see what's coming a mile away. This show is up there with the best TV ever.… Expand
  15. Chimpsonson70
    Apr 20, 2015
    10
    This is by far the best series on television, Internet, anywhere - probably the best series ever made. Outstanding on every level - writing, acting, character development - such depth. Really explores the range of the human experience through such an inventive, and fully realized premise. A great artistic achievement, and again, ridiculously under appreciated by U.S. critics (the EmmysThis is by far the best series on television, Internet, anywhere - probably the best series ever made. Outstanding on every level - writing, acting, character development - such depth. Really explores the range of the human experience through such an inventive, and fully realized premise. A great artistic achievement, and again, ridiculously under appreciated by U.S. critics (the Emmys - what a joke).… Expand
  16. HamsterPrincess
    Apr 7, 2015
    9
    Brilliant show with fantastic Tatiana Maslany. Waiting for new season now! Alison, Cosima, Sarah, Helena, Rachel, Paul, Felix, Kira and Cal are all coming back.
  17. RadiantRadmila
    Mar 4, 2015
    10
    A single actress is making this one of the best shows I've ever seen. Tatiana Maslany is brilliant and her portrayals of all these characters is amazing! Highly recommended. I watched all of here movies after seeing her here and she is really an amazing actress. Emmy should be ashamed not to give her the award, but it's just politics. Emmy has no credibility with artistic scores for a longA single actress is making this one of the best shows I've ever seen. Tatiana Maslany is brilliant and her portrayals of all these characters is amazing! Highly recommended. I watched all of here movies after seeing her here and she is really an amazing actress. Emmy should be ashamed not to give her the award, but it's just politics. Emmy has no credibility with artistic scores for a long time now.… Expand
  18. thetvreviewman
    Nov 4, 2014
    9
    Orphan Black continues to offer some great science fiction plots while mixing in comedy, romance, and an amazing multi role performance from Tatiana Maslany.
  19. vinkl
    Oct 3, 2014
    8
    The main actress is truly amazing! I love watching her perform. I am looking forward to Season 3 and hoping it doesn't disappoint. 8/10

    Cosima...I love you! =]
  20. dredstimpson
    Sep 15, 2014
    10
    Best show I've seen in a long time. It takes a couple of episodes to get going, but the payoff is enormous. the themes are broad and controversial. We as a society have no idea what is happening in the background of our lives. This is a taste.
  21. RickyPann
    Jul 7, 2014
    10
    Interesting take on an old theme with a fresh approach. Well written sci-fi drama with numerous clever less predictable subplots common in the Genre.Explores,female empowerment and corporate military conspiracies of ethical genetics. Meaty characters, great acting, well shot and constructed.. Impressive, clever and entertaining .
  22. sophiedebry
    Jun 10, 2014
    9
    I've discovered this series last year, and i'm not disappointed!
    Tatiana Maslany is incredible, and plays the part of the different clones very well. I also like her brother in the series Jordan Gavaris even if there are too much gay stereotypes...
    It's interesting to see how relationships evolve over time between the sisters. I always try to guess what is going to happen but it's    I've discovered this series last year, and i'm not disappointed!
    Tatiana Maslany is incredible, and plays the part of the different clones very well. I also like her brother in the series Jordan Gavaris even if there are too much gay stereotypes...
    It's interesting to see how relationships evolve over time between the sisters.
    I always try to guess what is going to happen but it's sometimes twisting!
    I look forward to see the next episode!    … Expand
  23. oblivinatti
    May 29, 2014
    10
    This is a seriously good show. Superb acting, story, and pacing. Give it a chance as it starts off slow. Once you get into the meat of it though, you will be on the edge of your seat trying to prepare yourself for the next wild plot twist. And it will keep wanting more.
  24. DarthLlama
    May 28, 2014
    10
    Seriously, one of the best shows on TV in the last 10 years. Tatanya Maslany is an absolutely incredible actress who plays so many different roles masterfully. Plot is well constructed and interesting, it moves at a good pace that keeps the story progressing without losing the viewer. It's intelligent, but not overly complex and best of all it's a unique concept which is very rare theseSeriously, one of the best shows on TV in the last 10 years. Tatanya Maslany is an absolutely incredible actress who plays so many different roles masterfully. Plot is well constructed and interesting, it moves at a good pace that keeps the story progressing without losing the viewer. It's intelligent, but not overly complex and best of all it's a unique concept which is very rare these days. I cannot recommend this show highly enough.… Expand
  25. SlyckNickChick
    Apr 19, 2014
    9
    A British Punk Rocker, a Suburban house mom, a Scientist, a self mutilated murderer and other characters played by one woman, the amazing Tatiana Maslany. For a science fiction series this show is excellent and very entertaining, what I enjoy most about the show is Tatiana and all the cloned characters she plays, it blows my mind how talented she is. I am looking forward to season 2A British Punk Rocker, a Suburban house mom, a Scientist, a self mutilated murderer and other characters played by one woman, the amazing Tatiana Maslany. For a science fiction series this show is excellent and very entertaining, what I enjoy most about the show is Tatiana and all the cloned characters she plays, it blows my mind how talented she is. I am looking forward to season 2 which is starting tonight and cant wait to see what the writers have in store for Orphan Black. I have to rate this show at a nine because of all the amazing characters Tatiana plays. If you have not watched this show you're definitely missing out, watch at least one episode and I guarantee it will leave you wanting more.… Expand
  26. EderOlivas
    Mar 20, 2014
    10
    One of the best entertaining shows of 2013. First of all let's just say that Tatiana Maslany delivered the best acting performance of the year. She didn't play one, two or three, she played like six different characters in this show and what's remarkable about it is that she managed to portray them in a unique way. By the time you're done with one episode you want to see the next one rightOne of the best entertaining shows of 2013. First of all let's just say that Tatiana Maslany delivered the best acting performance of the year. She didn't play one, two or three, she played like six different characters in this show and what's remarkable about it is that she managed to portray them in a unique way. By the time you're done with one episode you want to see the next one right away. This shows that the series is well written. Also, Jordan Gavaris (Felix) and Maria Doyle Kennedy (Mrs. S.) deliver very good acting performances. Yes, it is a sci-fi show, but a drama in its core and that perfect combination is what makes this show really good.… Expand
  27. Cleverchris
    Mar 9, 2014
    10
    I would call this quintessential cyberpunk. From the syncopated white noise to the isolation of modernity. Even if there was never another episode the first season ranks to me as a visual achievement that rivals literature.
  28. marieception
    Jan 23, 2014
    10
    Tatiana Maslany makes it look incredibly easy to play 3-8 clones every episode. There are always many situations to develop (good for the writers), plus the supporting cast and the production team in general do a quite great job.
  29. HaneenKhatib
    Nov 19, 2013
    8
    A refreshing Sci-Fi Drama and the actress has done an impeccable job in playing numerous characters perfectly, at no point would you feel it's the same person
  30. GCRinehart
    Nov 2, 2013
    10
    This show is as if Abrams, and Shawn Ryan were put in a room and forced to come up with the next great television show. It is amazing to behold from the beginning. Characters that rope you in, mystery that keeps you guessing and tension that never lets up make this a must watch.
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Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best TV Season of 2013
20
#20 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013
14
#14 Most Shared TV Season of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Jeff Jensen
    May 15, 2013
    100
    Slowly, a smartly constructed epic is taking shape.
    Read full review
  2. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Tirdad Derakhshani
    Apr 1, 2013
    80
    [A] gritty, visceral, and emotionally engaging thriller.
    Read full review
  3. RedEye
    Reviewed by: Curt Wagner
    Apr 1, 2013
    88
    As Sarah makes one shocking discovery after another, Orphan Black weaves an increasingly intricate, suspenseful tale.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »