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. IceMetalPunk
    Jun 4, 2013
    10
    This review will be short, because there's not much that needs to be said. This show speaks for itself. The brilliant writing, the balance of sci-fi and realism, the wonderful direction, and most of all, Tatiana Maslany's almost unbelievable septuple-role acting...nothing on TV now compares. There's a balance between "that's impossible!" and "that's exactly what would happen!" that letsThis review will be short, because there's not much that needs to be said. This show speaks for itself. The brilliant writing, the balance of sci-fi and realism, the wonderful direction, and most of all, Tatiana Maslany's almost unbelievable septuple-role acting...nothing on TV now compares. There's a balance between "that's impossible!" and "that's exactly what would happen!" that lets even the most staunch critic suspend disbelief. There's an investment in the characters that makes us relate to every one of them (even the psychotic, homicidal ones), and even though we know it's Tatiana in all 7 of those title roles, when watching that becomes incredibly easy to forget. If Orphan Black doesn't win an award during its lifetime, then the television industry will surely be overlooking a gem. I am, and will forever be, proud to call myself a member of the Clone Club.… Expand
  2. harliquin83
    Apr 28, 2013
    10
    i usually wait a while before i write an opinion of a new show but i'm afraid my head is gonna' spin off sometime during the next episode and you will all miss my bits of wisdom. i don't care about plot holes. i don't care about accent mistakes. when i find that i have to tell myself to breath or when i scream at the tv for taking a commercial break, it's a keeper.
  3. dunker
    Apr 6, 2013
    10
    After watching a couple of episodes, I really like this show. It's a "supernatural" thriller, but not a "horror" show. The plot twists are intriguing, and the acting is uniformly excellent.
  4. karoollo
    Jun 6, 2013
    10
    This show is so amazing and addictive! I haven't seen anything like this for a very long time. Main characters are great, story is great and everything is great. I'm looking forward to the second season! Great recommendation for Orphan Black!
  5. 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
  6. rachiebabie
    Sep 20, 2013
    10
    Incredible. Tatiana Maslany might just be the new Meryl Streep. Playing all the different characters and giving them their own each individual identity takes talent which Maslany obviously has in plentiful. The writing delivers on the premise/concept and the first season was an absolute pleasure to watch.
  7. EmilyKimberly
    Mar 31, 2013
    10
    Tatiana Maslany dazzles. Good mix of suspense, humor, and heart. Definitely going to stick with it as I'm curious how much will be character vs conspiracy. Was impressed and entertained.
  8. roguejaguar
    Apr 2, 2013
    10
    Pilot was FIERCE. I really enjoy the filmography and the acting thus far. And the storyline is awesome so far. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Fantastic.
  9. Robynn2345
    Apr 14, 2013
    10
    This is a great new show. I didn't know what to expect and I love it!! Great plot and acting and very suspenseful. A must-see. After seeing all 3 episodes, everything is making sense and I can't wait to see what is next!
  10. divinedesign
    Apr 28, 2013
    10
    Brilliant acting. Truly remarkable. Tatiana Maslany is beguiling & so natural in her many characterizations, that I completely forget that I am only watching one actress. I've seen actors attempt this before & it never works. She has perfected the style, making one overlook the impossibilities of a clone pretending to be another person & fooling those close to them. The show is thrilling,Brilliant acting. Truly remarkable. Tatiana Maslany is beguiling & so natural in her many characterizations, that I completely forget that I am only watching one actress. I've seen actors attempt this before & it never works. She has perfected the style, making one overlook the impossibilities of a clone pretending to be another person & fooling those close to them. The show is thrilling, suspenseful, exciting, & addictive. And I am easily bored, but not watching Orphan Black. Not yet, anyway. Excellent writing, great characters. Keep up the good work. I'm hooked!… Expand
  11. emy_lovers
    May 20, 2013
    10
    There isn't bad language, no T&A, no lurid sex, it's just high voltage, very hip and modern television. It also has great music and mind-twisting story lines mixed with witty dialog. I recall ever being as captivated by a television program as Orphan Black just one time Each has very unique mannerisms, vocabularies, accents, confidence levels, etc. The personalities among the clones areThere isn't bad language, no T&A, no lurid sex, it's just high voltage, very hip and modern television. It also has great music and mind-twisting story lines mixed with witty dialog. I recall ever being as captivated by a television program as Orphan Black just one time Each has very unique mannerisms, vocabularies, accents, confidence levels, etc. The personalities among the clones are vast, from the orphaned Brit Sarah, to the psycho-killer Helena. Other clones include: the repressed suburbanite Allison; the dread-locked PhD student Cosima, the drab cop Beth and still others. For a young actress (28), Ms. Maslany ranks in my estimation with acting greats such as Helen Mirren and other classically trained actors with extensive, big theater experience. It is noteworthy how the egos of the clones have been shaped by nurture (or lack thereof) more predominantly than by nature.
    So Well worth a view!    … Expand
  12. Sarah_B_S
    Jun 14, 2013
    10
    Tatiana Maslany is unreal. The show starts off slow, but, by the third episode you will be hooked. This is one of the best shows i have ever seen. I cannot wait for next season. Maslany should be a lock for the Emmy.
  13. thelobster
    Jun 16, 2013
    10
    The last show that came this close to week to week quality was The Sopranos. Orphan Black is by far the most creative program of this decade. Without having to be overly abrasive, overtly sexual, or stuck in a type-cast predictable performance... Tatiana Maslany proves beyond any doubt that she will be an actress worth seeing in any ROLE, at where at anytime, because...she's playing themThe last show that came this close to week to week quality was The Sopranos. Orphan Black is by far the most creative program of this decade. Without having to be overly abrasive, overtly sexual, or stuck in a type-cast predictable performance... Tatiana Maslany proves beyond any doubt that she will be an actress worth seeing in any ROLE, at where at anytime, because...she's playing them right now!

    BBC America/ Space TV were exactly the right place for this program to launch. It's cutting edge goes to prove that 50 somethings like me can find "High Quality Entertainment" that leaves in a cloud of dust of the RETREAD crap that the majors are tossing out to us in the Repackaged mold of "New"...

    Thank you for everyone behind the scenes and in front of the camera at this AWESOME show...the twists and turns, plot complications are exactly what we were not thinking (Garbage Disposal Death...yeah I could see that in Season 2 of the Sopranos, but not in Orphan Black, but that is how great it is!)...

    I am looking forward to next year and beyond.    … Expand
  14. GeekFurious
    Jun 22, 2013
    10
    Most sci-fi writers seem to view their material as existing on some plane that doesn't appear in the viewer's reality. That is why so much of sci-fi is dismissed by the masses. They can't identify with it. That is why I was very pleasantly surprised to see the ORPHAN BLACK writers focus more on elements that ground the characters in reality as opposed to hitting us over the head with theMost sci-fi writers seem to view their material as existing on some plane that doesn't appear in the viewer's reality. That is why so much of sci-fi is dismissed by the masses. They can't identify with it. That is why I was very pleasantly surprised to see the ORPHAN BLACK writers focus more on elements that ground the characters in reality as opposed to hitting us over the head with the weirder stuff.

    Sure, there is weird stuff in this show. Hell, there is some really weird stuff in this show. But because we actually care about the characters and because every performance is so solid, we believe in the world even when things get goofy. Great story telling makes suspension of disbelief easier. Great performances along with great story telling make all problem areas disappear. You are just along for the ride and willing to go wherever the writers steer the show.

    And then, obviously, there is Tatiana Maslany. If nothing anyone has said about the fantastic story telling moves you to check this show out, do it for the love of talent. She has so much of it.    … Expand
  15. labonath151
    Jul 21, 2013
    10
    This is a phenomenal show. It has a fascinating sci fi premise about clones, secret organizations, and so on and so forth, and the acting and writing is really good. I can't praise Tatiana Maslany enough as all the characters she plays. I have three episodes left to watch in the first season, and I am already pumped for the next season.
  16. YasserDjoko
    Sep 12, 2013
    10
    A MUST-WATCH The first scene is shocking, the pilot is intriguing, and the whole series is just awesome From action to comedy to Sci-Fi. There isn't an episode that won't keep you on the edge.. I can't believe I have to wait until next spring to see how the whole thing is gonna go. One last thing, Tatiana Maslany is just one hell of an actress.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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 .
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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!
  30. MethylONE
    Apr 21, 2013
    9
    I reviewed this after the pilot and gave it an 8, the show is good, they have built on the premise and Tatiana Maslany is doing a great job for such a strange character. I raised my rating to 9. I'm actually looking for this actress in some other stuff now.

    This idea was a windfall for the writers, they have so much to work with.
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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

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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
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