The Americans

:

Season 1
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 30, 2013
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 536 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 488 out of 536
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 536
  3. Negative: 26 out of 536
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User Reviews

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  1. drlowdon
    Nov 17, 2022
    8
    Set during the Cold War era of the early 80's The Americans focuses on Elizabeth (Russell) and Philip Jennings (Rhys), two Soviet KGB officers posing as a married American couple living with their children in North Virginia.

    The Americans is a fairly complex show and as a result many of the early episodes are spent setting the groundwork for the series. Consequently it didn't grab    Set during the Cold War era of the early 80's The Americans focuses on Elizabeth (Russell) and Philip Jennings (Rhys), two Soviet KGB officers posing as a married American couple living with their children in North Virginia.

    The Americans is a fairly complex show and as a result many of the early episodes are spent setting the groundwork for the series. Consequently it didn't grab immediately in the way that other drama series, such as Breaking Bad or The Shield, were able to but the interesting premise and excellent lead performances gradually drew me in and by the end of this first season I was starting to become invested in this show.    … Expand
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 18, 2021
    8
    Fantastic start to one of the most realistic (and nailbiting) espionage fiction. Erri and Matthew propel an otherwise slow paced family drama that happens to be about spys. Stick with this and you will be rewarded.
  3. edelsmith0
    Mar 8, 2019
    8
    Very good show, excellent acting and solid storyline. Pretty realistic, overall a very good job
  4. Maxvolt
    Oct 30, 2018
    10
    Great series! Without an excess of action and other debris, weekdays undercover spies are shown! The only thing that upsets is the terrible accent of the actors when they are trying to speak Russian :)
  5. stevenf49
    May 25, 2018
    10
    The Americans is part of The Golden Age Of Television. In the spirit of John Le Carre it shows the immoral corrupt insanity of the spy game that threatens us all. It is strongly character driven and it is part of The Golden Age of Television.Superb
  6. rachillustrate
    May 21, 2018
    9
    Strong season introduction to this spy thriller drama that includes a unique story, complex characters living complex lives, and an interesting conflict that only grows to be more interesting and complicated as the series evolves. Goes way beyond its Russian-spy hook.
  7. jaasieljunior
    Feb 13, 2018
    7
    Quando falamos em série de qualidade, obviamente o que nos vem em mente é a série The Americans. Uma série de espionagem a la Homeland era tudo o que esperávamos. E superamos a expectativa quanto ao enredo da série. Tratando -se da primeira temporada, estamos nos familiarizando com os personagens principais da história e obviamente a série poupa em cenas de ação em alguns momentos.Mas issoQuando falamos em série de qualidade, obviamente o que nos vem em mente é a série The Americans. Uma série de espionagem a la Homeland era tudo o que esperávamos. E superamos a expectativa quanto ao enredo da série. Tratando -se da primeira temporada, estamos nos familiarizando com os personagens principais da história e obviamente a série poupa em cenas de ação em alguns momentos.Mas isso é necessário para o aprofundamento e importância que iremos dar aos personagens nas próximas temporadas.… Expand
  8. WorldofLucky
    Feb 3, 2018
    9
    A top notch spy movie set in a perfect time period.

    Unlike other conspiracy series such as Homeland, The Americans focuses on my favorite time period, yes the same time period as Atomic Blonde, the 1980s and the cold war. I do realize this is my nostalgic teen years so I do have a feeling of connection, but I do believe it is good even without that. The acting is very good, the story is    A top notch spy movie set in a perfect time period.

    Unlike other conspiracy series such as Homeland, The Americans focuses on my favorite time period, yes the same time period as Atomic Blonde, the 1980s and the cold war. I do realize this is my nostalgic teen years so I do have a feeling of connection, but I do believe it is good even without that. The acting is very good, the story is compelling and the chemistry between the actors is perfect. The series keeps moving forward, and while sometimes it is like watching a slow motion train wreck, things don’t always go the way you think they will.

    I do like the fact that show doesn’t portray either side as evil. The agents on both sides have feelings, relationships and believe in their own ways of life. I think it is this part that really allows someone to just immerse themselves in the show.

    My only issue with the first season is the “will they, won’t they” dynamic that happens between Phillip and Elizabeth. I understand that they have to work things out. After all, they weren’t actually ever married, they were two Soviet KGB agents who started their life together 20 years before as a cover. It is nice to see how they react differently to the situation, but the almost fully commit as real spouses, and then to back off is annoying. The same with Jennings and his wife, the relationship drama is sometimes more than I prefer.

    Pros: If you like spy thrillers, the 1980s nostalgia, or just good acting it is all here.

    Cons: A little too much relationship drama.

    Season 2 is in my Amazon queue as we speak!    … Expand
  9. eva3si0n
    Aug 12, 2017
    9
    Really good series. Something reminds Homeland. In general an era is transferred not badly. Russian KGB have transferred doubly. In general attempt to transfer the Russian mentality and life not bad, but no more. The first that strains - it is accent with which speak Russian. The second is banality and stereotype of the western view of the Russian intelligence. And in general 1 seasonReally good series. Something reminds Homeland. In general an era is transferred not badly. Russian KGB have transferred doubly. In general attempt to transfer the Russian mentality and life not bad, but no more. The first that strains - it is accent with which speak Russian. The second is banality and stereotype of the western view of the Russian intelligence. And in general 1 season which is a little tightened the first series very slowly untwist a plot. Excellent ending. One of the best series about spies in which everything is serious.… Expand
  10. prizepatrol
    May 7, 2017
    10
    This is currently the best drama on television. Great acting, stories, and directing. Has the real feel of being in the 1980s. Will be sad at the end of the next season since that is the last one.
  11. JackMa
    May 1, 2017
    8
    对于中国人而言，本剧中的“事业”、“中央”等元素实在是太熟悉了，中国以前也是贫穷的共产国家，对于“排队也没东西可买”感同身受。对于西方观众难懂的革命友谊，中国观众很容易就能理解，这绝对是个加分项。
  12. dave2222
    Dec 4, 2016
    10
    How have I missed this great series up to now? The amount of research done to make this show what it is must have been staggering. BTW, lest anyone forget, this war is not over..What was Vlad Putin's job before the presidency of Russia? The people in control of Russia before the fall of the USSR are still in control, which makes this series even more chilling. And since Trump hasHow have I missed this great series up to now? The amount of research done to make this show what it is must have been staggering. BTW, lest anyone forget, this war is not over..What was Vlad Putin's job before the presidency of Russia? The people in control of Russia before the fall of the USSR are still in control, which makes this series even more chilling. And since Trump has expressed such admiration for Putin, and has commented about disassembling/realigning NATO,and Syrian independence, this effectively makes him a KGB agent..He has set back US policy and prestige to '60s levels, simply by what he says in public… Expand
  13. dierregi
    Oct 5, 2016
    9
    One of my very favourite series, it starts with a bang (a kidnapping attempt with Tusk by Fleetwood Mac as soundtrack) and brings back distant memories of Cold war.

    But the focal point, besides spying, murdering and general betrayal, is the relationship between Philip and Elizabeth, who live thier life as a cover until the moment they realise they might actually love each other. Some    One of my very favourite series, it starts with a bang (a kidnapping attempt with Tusk by Fleetwood Mac as soundtrack) and brings back distant memories of Cold war.

    But the focal point, besides spying, murdering and general betrayal, is the relationship between Philip and Elizabeth, who live thier life as a cover until the moment they realise they might actually love each other.

    Some humour is of the surrealistic type, such as Elizabeth posing as her husband's sister and attending his wedding with another woman.

    The actors do a fantastic job, the cast is working well together. One of the best shows ever    … Expand
  14. donaldist
    Jun 29, 2016
    7
    66/100
    I expect the rating to go up next season, as the show makes a lot of improvements as it works out its kinks. Starts out with a well-made action scene that's kind of empty, due to featuring characters with rather incoherent beats and strangely circular arcs; ends with an action scene that's riveting, thanks to that couple being in a lot more defined place thanks to some time apart.    66/100
    I expect the rating to go up next season, as the show makes a lot of improvements as it works out its kinks. Starts out with a well-made action scene that's kind of empty, due to featuring characters with rather incoherent beats and strangely circular arcs; ends with an action scene that's riveting, thanks to that couple being in a lot more defined place thanks to some time apart. There are definitely way too many times where the show just rushes through a plot or an arc that could use some slow burn; once it learns how to do that, I definitely expect something better out of this show. Anyway, there are some quite good performances here from Matthew Rhys, Keri Russell, Margo Martindale, and Noah Emmerich. My favorite episodes are further down in the season: the tragic character study "Only You", and the terrific, bait-and-switch finale "The Colonel".    … Expand
  15. multiwalrus
    May 19, 2016
    8
    3 seasons in, the show's quality continues to be top notch, edge-of-your-seat drama, which I didn't think could exist before watching it. The acting of Matthew Rhys is what really impresses me. I had never heard of the guy before, but he makes and carries this show. I wish he was in more stuff because he really is tremendous. Other notable performances are from Keri Russell and the3 seasons in, the show's quality continues to be top notch, edge-of-your-seat drama, which I didn't think could exist before watching it. The acting of Matthew Rhys is what really impresses me. I had never heard of the guy before, but he makes and carries this show. I wish he was in more stuff because he really is tremendous. Other notable performances are from Keri Russell and the protagonists' daughter. The rest of the actors are mostly above average in their performances. The flaws in the show are convolution or obvious slowdown to stretch the plot lines of some episodes, as well as a few of the characters being superfluous, boring, or someone you're supposed to like but you don't. These can take a bit of a toll on you while you watch, but are overshadowed by the good stuff.

    It isn't one you can sit and binge-watch, but all in all, very entertaining, and I highly recommend the show.    … Expand
  16. msolis82
    Apr 1, 2016
    8
    I really like The Americans, but season 4 is quite disapointing so far. I waited for ever to see how they were going to react to the daughter's **** but they keep dragging it out
  17. YorkMan
    Mar 4, 2016
    7
    The Americans is a good show, but unfortunately it falls into the 'network TV' trap of being bound by strict guidelines on what can (or can't) be shown, even in an 'M for Mature' timeslot/rating.

    The problem is that the whilst the show can explore adult themes, it can't have the characters display any actual adult sensibilities. So, whilst there are references to things like: Adultery,    The Americans is a good show, but unfortunately it falls into the 'network TV' trap of being bound by strict guidelines on what can (or can't) be shown, even in an 'M for Mature' timeslot/rating.

    The problem is that the whilst the show can explore adult themes, it can't have the characters display any actual adult sensibilities.
    So, whilst there are references to things like: Adultery, murder, kidnap, statutory rape, bondage, underage sex, drug usage etc....
    There's no profanity, no gratuitous violence, no blood, no sense of 'threat'.....

    It's a show which tries to engage an adult audience, but can only put very tame 'actions' on-screen.

    Which is a shame, because even watered-down it's still good. I just think it could have been fantastic if the writers/producers could put more meat on the bones, so to speak, when it comes to the lives of the two Russian spies, their children, and the workings of the FBI out to get them.    … Expand
  18. GreenGoblin215
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    Wow I have finally caught up in full with all three seasons of "The Americans" and it's the best Suspense/Drama show I have ever watched and I watch a ton of television shows. I will say this is a review for all three seasons and not just one or two of them. I will start off with the story which takes place in Washington, D.C. during the Cold War in the 1980's. The story progresses outsideWow I have finally caught up in full with all three seasons of "The Americans" and it's the best Suspense/Drama show I have ever watched and I watch a ton of television shows. I will say this is a review for all three seasons and not just one or two of them. I will start off with the story which takes place in Washington, D.C. during the Cold War in the 1980's. The story progresses outside of this conflict to center on a married KGB couple with children that are spies working for their Motherland Russia. I love the story because no show to my recollection has ever dived into a story like this one and least of all not centered on it. I will move onto the acting which is Superb. I mean Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell as the main protagonists are Incredible and really flesh the characters out. The other actors and actresses all do an Amazing job including Noah Emmerich as the FBI Agent. I will follow up now on the action which is in my opinion extremely scrutinized and I mean that in a great way. The action/espionage is done Masterfully as it was created by Joe Weisberg who used to be in the CIA. I believe he recreates that time period with exquisite detail. The action is not Game of Thrones violence but when it's there it's all out and running for the finish line. I will finish with the cinematography which is done flawlessly and every shot and angle is shot with a purpose. I will close by saying this is a Must See television show. I mean I can think of no other show that keeps my Heart racing every episode at what might happen next like this show does and you will not regret watching it of that I can assure you. I can't wait for Season 4.… Expand
  19. squamloon
    Jun 10, 2015
    10
    As a 1982 high school graduate, it's amazing to be taken back to my adolescent area in such a truthful yet dark way. In my opinion, it's the best show on TV at the moment.
  20. Anne415
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    This show is fantastic. Keri Russell is just amazing and the writing and plot lines are great. As someone that remembers the cold war and the USSR, it also seems fairly historically accurate. I mean it is a television show, but Casper Weinberger and Alexander Haig actually had those roles, so it is a little walk down memory lane. This is such a recent piece of history and I work withThis show is fantastic. Keri Russell is just amazing and the writing and plot lines are great. As someone that remembers the cold war and the USSR, it also seems fairly historically accurate. I mean it is a television show, but Casper Weinberger and Alexander Haig actually had those roles, so it is a little walk down memory lane. This is such a recent piece of history and I work with people in their 30's (I am in my late 40's) that do not remember this at all, nor did they learn of it in school. Considering the enemy today, it is almost a "remember the good old days" feeling when you knew exactly who your enemy was and the reason you were fighting. They also reference Afghanistan and the war with Russia and our part in that little piece of history as well. Anyway, very excellent show. I hope it stays on for years to come.… Expand
  21. rhobbel
    Mar 24, 2015
    10
    One of my favorite shows Brings back memories of the early eighties when Reagan was president. The different lives they portray while playing the all American family is exciting.
    I have to admit I thought the first season was better but things are picking up
  22. maxtotal22
    Feb 18, 2015
    9
    What a wonderful show. It sets in the 80ies and could be described as a docu-fiction. Real historic events are setting the scenario for the life of KGB sleeper spies in the US.
    My russian partner watches because of the excellent Russian language they are using, but we both stick to the show because it is well written and full of suspense.
  23. Ravens1294
    Feb 9, 2015
    10
    Damn, I wish I watched this show earlier. An amazing show with an interesting concept. The direction, writing, acting are all top notch. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys kill it as Elizabeth and Phillip, two KGB agents living in America. They act like an American family, but they're not. The family aspect of the show is used brilliantly unlike Homeland. The rest of the supporting crew isDamn, I wish I watched this show earlier. An amazing show with an interesting concept. The direction, writing, acting are all top notch. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys kill it as Elizabeth and Phillip, two KGB agents living in America. They act like an American family, but they're not. The family aspect of the show is used brilliantly unlike Homeland. The rest of the supporting crew is also amazing. The show is interesting because it's set in the early 1980's and it has a good sense of realism. Acting is intense and the show got even better as it went along.… Expand
  24. swagatgenome
    Sep 18, 2014
    10
    The Americans prove again that if you have a good script, great cast and pitch-perfect direction, its a recipe for success. Any John Le Carre fan would love this show-a no gimmick spy thriller where real-life spies live their lives through uncertainties and dangers that lurked in every corner during the Cold War! Can't wait to see the second season.
  25. Zipprian
    Sep 9, 2014
    10
    The Americans is probably the best show on basic cable. The writing is excellent, the music is perfect, and the acting is top notch. The show captures the 1980's perfectly.
  26. harmattan
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    Didn't expect much, but this show really snuck up on me and turned out to be one of the best, most engaging dramas on TV. Superbly acted by the leads and supporting cast. A great period piece that will certainly illicit some bitter-sweet nostalgia in anyone of lived through the 80s. Although the first season had its slow moments, the series grows its beard in serious ways in the secondDidn't expect much, but this show really snuck up on me and turned out to be one of the best, most engaging dramas on TV. Superbly acted by the leads and supporting cast. A great period piece that will certainly illicit some bitter-sweet nostalgia in anyone of lived through the 80s. Although the first season had its slow moments, the series grows its beard in serious ways in the second season -- stick with it and it'll pay off leaps and bounds.… Expand
  27. ds4d03xzdpaqs
    May 10, 2014
    8
    I loved season one of this series.

    It's a unique approach taken by focusing on the KGB agents as opposed to the FBI guys, presenting the viewer with an odd sense of duality in routing for both groups of agents to succeed.

    The acting is good, and the sub plots help flesh out some of the episodes that otherwise could be a bit mundane.

    Very enjoyable.
  28. NurseVal11
    Mar 11, 2014
    10
    FX has done it once again! I was hooked on The Americans from the getgo. I cannot begin to tell you what a great show this is. It leaves you on the edge of your seat from the 1st minute to the last. The plot has more twists and turns than a pretzel. I have seen the first 2 episodes of Season 2 and I am not disappointed. What I especially love about this series, is the realism of the 1980sFX has done it once again! I was hooked on The Americans from the getgo. I cannot begin to tell you what a great show this is. It leaves you on the edge of your seat from the 1st minute to the last. The plot has more twists and turns than a pretzel. I have seen the first 2 episodes of Season 2 and I am not disappointed. What I especially love about this series, is the realism of the 1980s applied into the series, the cars, the clothes,phones,even the food. It helps bring this era alive and really adds "life" to the series. The Americans is a smart,snappy show thanks to the actors, writers and producers giving special nod to Graham Youst who also produced another one of my favorite shows, Justified.… Expand
  29. Suburbandc
    Mar 4, 2014
    10
    Retro, cool and cliche "the Americans" is a classic spy drama that takes place during the golden age of espionage. At the height of the Cold War with micro films and radios, a couple balances the trials and tribulations of relationship and family with the shady underworld of information gathering under the watchful eye of the motherland and the FBI. The tension is tangible the action isRetro, cool and cliche "the Americans" is a classic spy drama that takes place during the golden age of espionage. At the height of the Cold War with micro films and radios, a couple balances the trials and tribulations of relationship and family with the shady underworld of information gathering under the watchful eye of the motherland and the FBI. The tension is tangible the action is calculated and the sex is close up and personal. I can't get enough.… Expand
  30. LanSolo
    Mar 2, 2014
    8
    I watched the pilot episode, and I thought it was a great show. Unfortunately, at $3.49 (CAD) per episode on iTunes, I won't be watching any more episodes unless they are released on Netflix. Whoever set that price is pretty greedy. I wouldn't pay any more than $0.99 per episode for any TV show.
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Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best TV Season of 2013
14
#14 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013
1
#1 Most Shared TV Season of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Kansas City Star
    Reviewed by: Sara Smith
    Feb 1, 2013
    80
    [A] smart espionage drama.
    Read full review
  2. The Detroit News
    Reviewed by: Tom Long
    Feb 1, 2013
    67
    The Americans has potential. The way it uses recent history as a reflector of modern deceits while bouncing the concept of patriotism around mixes nicely with the hang-by-your-fingertips story turns.
    Read full review
  3. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Jan 31, 2013
    75
    It's tense, engrossing, mildly ludicrous--and worth checking out before the Cold War melts. [11 Feb 2013]
See all critic reviews »