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. Zeffan
    Apr 30, 2013
    8
    First of all, I am a huge fan of series like Homeland, The Killing, The Walking Dead and so on. The Americans is not like Homeland at all, and I have watched The Americans until episode 12. Though the main point plot is a bit similar, which is about preventing an attack on motherland, yet they are different. The Americans is about KGB spies, complicated marriage, and it offers many plotFirst of all, I am a huge fan of series like Homeland, The Killing, The Walking Dead and so on. The Americans is not like Homeland at all, and I have watched The Americans until episode 12. Though the main point plot is a bit similar, which is about preventing an attack on motherland, yet they are different. The Americans is about KGB spies, complicated marriage, and it offers many plot twists and turns. However, the bad thing about The Americans is, that it sometimes rushes to conclude a problem which is big in a single episode. Nevertheless, it is a great series that keeps you at the edge of your seat most of the times. The main performances by Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, and Noah Emmerich are intense.… Expand
  2. shellview
    Mar 9, 2013
    8
    At first I wasn't sure how I felt about "The Americans", but the last two shows have made me realize how much I like it. The episode of March 6 was the best one so far. The first few episodes had major holes and was not very believable. The last two episodes were well crafted with a tightly woven script. The dialogue was better developed and now feels more like the way people reallyAt first I wasn't sure how I felt about "The Americans", but the last two shows have made me realize how much I like it. The episode of March 6 was the best one so far. The first few episodes had major holes and was not very believable. The last two episodes were well crafted with a tightly woven script. The dialogue was better developed and now feels more like the way people really talk. The twists in the last two episodes were surprising and exciting. Whether there was a change in writers or they realized the errors of their ways I now look forward to watching "The Americans"… Expand
  3. Jhwarfield
    Sep 6, 2013
    9
    The Americans stands on its own as a great drama, but it is simply fun to revisit a time in history where the world seemed so etched in stone. How we have changed...maybe.
  4. WayneThomas412
    Mar 8, 2013
    8
    I'm starting to think FX does no wrong. Their programming has been incredible lately. I decided to watch The Americans for two reasons, 1. American Horror Story season 2 came to an end and I needed to fill that void. 2. I love history, and the idea of Russian spies intrigued me. It's a quick show. A bit hard to grab at first but if you stick with it, It's one hell of a ride! The fightingI'm starting to think FX does no wrong. Their programming has been incredible lately. I decided to watch The Americans for two reasons, 1. American Horror Story season 2 came to an end and I needed to fill that void. 2. I love history, and the idea of Russian spies intrigued me. It's a quick show. A bit hard to grab at first but if you stick with it, It's one hell of a ride! The fighting scenes are terrific and the dialog is incredibly smart.… Expand
  5. Sisyphus
    Apr 11, 2013
    9
    Instead of the leads in ‘The Americans’ who have been dissected enough by everyone, I’d like to talk about one of the ancillary characters.There’s the archetype of the Seductress, the Siren, in Literature, TV and Cinema the lady who uses her let’s say Womanly charms to get men to do her bidding. Here’s how it plays out in any visual medium –well endowed Women sleep with Men and thenInstead of the leads in ‘The Americans’ who have been dissected enough by everyone, I’d like to talk about one of the ancillary characters.There’s the archetype of the Seductress, the Siren, in Literature, TV and Cinema the lady who uses her let’s say Womanly charms to get men to do her bidding. Here’s how it plays out in any visual medium –well endowed Women sleep with Men and then these poor saps proceed to grant there wish as soon as the act is done tell them their life story and inconsequential things like revealing where the nuclear launch codes are and such. Men know it’s hogwash they’ve known it all along, all the Film TV Show creators want the audience to believe that is all there is to it and all men are indeed that stupid (I’ll grant you some are) and for some reason the audience decides to play along. Every single time, same MO large breasted woman a squirrely little Man seduction 101! Meet Nina (I have no idea who is playing that role she works for the KGB in an administrative capacity it’s made clear to us she doesn’t do any “spy” stuff. I was mesmerized by her performance. I doubt too many people will notice it or talk about it. But I urge you to observe her closely Nina is pretty but not stunning, definitely not the stuff the fantasies of teenage Boys are made of. Watch how she interacts with men there are no suggestive glances, she never flirts with them or for that matter does anything at all to indicate she might have a romantic interest in them. She looks vulnerable but does not try to come across as a damsel in distress. She’s always fully clad Not even a hint of cleavage, the camera too always stays on her face. She is very conscious of the effect she has on men and yet very deliberately underplays her sexuality she speaks softly, always polite and demands absolutely nothing from them, Men find themselves instinctively drawn to her because it’s so apparent that she doesn’t have an agenda. Her handler is an intelligent FBI agent who’d good at being one despite himself he somehow ends up wanting to rescue her (so to speak). I was completely in thrall of her, she has played this role with such consummate finesse that you’ll totally understand why men end up wanting her. The lore of ‘Mata Hari’ would have us believe that she was some kind of a Sexual Goddess, I somehow doubt that there had to be something more to her, I believe she might have been someone like Nina. And like our FBI agent I promise you the thought will cross your mind about what she might be wearing underneath those garbs and when his Boss tell him “Woman like that could have us for breakfast. Did she have you for breakfast Stan” you’ll know exactly what he means. Male protagonist is played by Matthew Rhys (unknown name to me), he has given a stellar performance as a KGB agent hiding in plain sight (at par with our Mr.Brody from Homeland), Rhys too could have easily played the lead in Homeland. The only weak link in this otherwise tightly knit espionage thriller is the female lead played by Keri Russell. The problem is, Claire Danes has acted the hell out of the role she plays in Homeland the comparison therefore is inevitable. Unlike Carrie Mathison who survives on hers wits Keri’s character is something else altogether. We see her more than once beating men weighing 120kgs to a pulp, I don’t care if you were trained by the KGB in the cold and desolate grounds of Siberia for 5 years or lived among the Shaolin monks for a decade, fact is if you weigh 40Kgs you’r not going to take a 140Kg gorilla down. It’s not about skills it’s just biology. The show is still a very pleasant and refreshing change from countless other espionage dramas we have seen. One overused and quite frankly rather annoying plot device which writers use is “hacking”. Need access to information no problem just hack the_fill agency name here_database, generic meaningless drivel which is indicative of poor and lazy writing. You find yourself in a corner, get imaginative and have the characters hack there way out of whatever quandary they find themselves in the real “hacks” in my opinion are the writers here.Good thing it’s set in the 1980s so people have to rely on some good old fashioned John le Carre style spycraft to get the desired results and access to information. Sure, some parts of the show do defy belief at times but they never come close to being incredulous, what’s also different is during such parts unlike other shows characters don’t say that the caper they are planning is brilliant and flawless, like the Audience they too know it’s stupid, will not work and could get them killed and they say precisely that. Tough not to like a Hero brave enough to acknowledge that.Just so you know where I’m coming from, ‘Homeland’ is a 10 in my book if you liked that show you’ll like this one too.… Expand
  6. 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
  7. briantweed
    Apr 24, 2013
    10
    Love this show!! It's fantastic! Excellent acting, Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys are amazingly good. The script is extremely original and well written.
  8. TrueSpongeFan
    Jun 8, 2013
    10
    People who think this is like the Homeland are mistaken. I just praised this show for having a great twist and great action. The best action show in years.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. stormD23
    Jan 30, 2013
    9
    Brilliantly written, acted, and directed. Russel and Rhys are perfect in their roles, and the dynamic between their characters is excellent. "The Americans" is a top tier, prestigious show, that only comes around once in a blue moon. It will fit in perfectly with shows like Homeland, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Justified, and Mad Men.
  15. JoyTheWizard
    Jan 31, 2013
    9
    I disagree with some of the reviews below. This show is not like Homeland at all, Homeland and The Americans have different plots (Homeland is about the CIA, The Americans is about KGB officers). I think that if you give the show a little time, you will find that it is an interesting show and is very enjoyable. The performance of the actors is amazing as well. This show is definitely a must watch.
  16. theahsanhaseeb
    Jan 31, 2013
    9
    The Americans may prove to be one of the best series of 2013 in the upcoming episodes. The premise is excellent, no one has touched it on the television level and it is an absolute treat to watch this, hats off to FX for making this project. Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell, the two lead cast members are wonderful, their characters seem believable especially with the merger of their personalThe Americans may prove to be one of the best series of 2013 in the upcoming episodes. The premise is excellent, no one has touched it on the television level and it is an absolute treat to watch this, hats off to FX for making this project. Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell, the two lead cast members are wonderful, their characters seem believable especially with the merger of their personal lives with their professional lives. It's a shame that FX has been making wonderful series like the Shield, Nip/Tuck, Sons of Anarchy, Justified, American Horror Story and now, the Americans, but doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Maybe it's time when that happened. I waited so long to watch it and I must say that the pilot didn't ruin the anticipation but that doesn't mean it had the best start.. The beginning is superb, but the rest of the episode doesn't seem too exciting with the exception of the ending which gives rise to a whole new intense future of the series. You can't judge the entire show on the basis of only one episode, so we are gonna have to wait for how things turn out to be. The Americans, if dealt with properly, might become one of the best series in no time and possibly get nominated for major awards.… Expand
  17. IronBoundKevin
    Jan 30, 2013
    9
    Excellent pilot. Russel and Rhys are excellent, as is Emmerich. The first ten minutes are extraordinary, and while the rest of the episode fails to match those opening segments, it's still a great start. Easily the best new show this year, and I'll be looking forward to each episode eagerly.
  18. nautico
    Jan 31, 2013
    8
    I think this one's a lot of fun. It reminded me (very broadly) of "I Led Three Lives," the mid-50s TV drama about Herbert Philbrick, an ad executive who got inside the Communist party as a spy for the FBI. My only complaint has to do with the contrivance of the next door neighbor who just happens to be a counterspy, not to mention that neighbor's brazen move to scope out the spy couple byI think this one's a lot of fun. It reminded me (very broadly) of "I Led Three Lives," the mid-50s TV drama about Herbert Philbrick, an ad executive who got inside the Communist party as a spy for the FBI. My only complaint has to do with the contrivance of the next door neighbor who just happens to be a counterspy, not to mention that neighbor's brazen move to scope out the spy couple by breaking into their garage just a bit too soon in the series. S'OK though. I'm not going to nit pick the script any further. Much better to just lie back and enjoy the capers.… Expand
  19. Rewrite
    Feb 19, 2013
    9
    This show present a unique concept. The casting and acting are very good perhaps I am biased towards actors who are mostly unknown (beside Keri Russell, but she more than makes up for it by playing a totally different character from her other roles) and not cutesy. On top of all that 80's nostalgia what's not to love?
  20. Dobby
    Mar 8, 2013
    10
    Six episodes in, and I think that The Americans is one of the best new shows this season. Kerry Russell and Matthew Rhys do a terrific job playing Russian spies posing as an American husband-wife couple during the 80s. The show has just the right amount of action, espionage and family drama. and the fact that they have two kids (born in the USA), also adds to the complexity of the plot.Six episodes in, and I think that The Americans is one of the best new shows this season. Kerry Russell and Matthew Rhys do a terrific job playing Russian spies posing as an American husband-wife couple during the 80s. The show has just the right amount of action, espionage and family drama. and the fact that they have two kids (born in the USA), also adds to the complexity of the plot. Also, for two actors who generally star in dramas, I have to say that Russell and Rhys pull off some pretty bad-ass fight scenes!… Expand
  21. geedup
    Mar 4, 2013
    8
    THis show has come on slowly but has me almost entranced. I grew up in the 80's and the paranoia is definetly identifiable. Which the show portrays well. There is also something about watching the hatred for America thru these characters, although some more than others. The storyline has become more intense, and although the show is only 4 or so episodes deep, I have no idea where it isTHis show has come on slowly but has me almost entranced. I grew up in the 80's and the paranoia is definetly identifiable. Which the show portrays well. There is also something about watching the hatred for America thru these characters, although some more than others. The storyline has become more intense, and although the show is only 4 or so episodes deep, I have no idea where it is going to lead.Which leads me to continue watching it.… Expand
  22. alx3000
    Feb 23, 2013
    10
    Shockingly good. If you're expecting another 1-dimensional jingoistic action-adventure where all the characters do stupid things all the time, look elsewhere. The acting is brilliantly downplayed, the plot is engaging and clever and the juxtaposition of the US and Russian characters, hopes, dreams and beliefs is very perceptive. You end up caring about *all* the people involved, and yetShockingly good. If you're expecting another 1-dimensional jingoistic action-adventure where all the characters do stupid things all the time, look elsewhere. The acting is brilliantly downplayed, the plot is engaging and clever and the juxtaposition of the US and Russian characters, hopes, dreams and beliefs is very perceptive. You end up caring about *all* the people involved, and yet it's exciting enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. We're only at episode 4, but so far this show is the The Wire of the spy world.… Expand
  23. trustmeiknow
    Mar 11, 2013
    10
    What a great show it has a lot of historically correct action and drama, I feel it has a great cast and fx did a wonderful job on it. I am looking forward to what is to come on what of the greatest spy shows of our time.
  24. boiler613
    Jan 31, 2013
    10
    Great pilot! To begin, what's not to like about a spy thriller set in the 80's with a huge twist. It actually had me, a patriotic military member, routing for the Ruskies. The character relationships are off to a great start and will no doubt become more in depth as well as a huge part of the show. I can't wait for the next episode! I still don't know if I should be routing for the FBI orGreat pilot! To begin, what's not to like about a spy thriller set in the 80's with a huge twist. It actually had me, a patriotic military member, routing for the Ruskies. The character relationships are off to a great start and will no doubt become more in depth as well as a huge part of the show. I can't wait for the next episode! I still don't know if I should be routing for the FBI or the sleeper agents!… Expand
  25. boredbychoice
    Feb 9, 2013
    9
    Only two episodes in, I'm sure this is a show I'll look forward to every week. The three main characters are absolutely brilliant and the flashback segments blend in perfectly with the show's overall narrative. It's tragic that the ratings fell so drastically in the second week and I really hope they recover in the subsequent weeks. It would be truly terrible to lose such a promisingOnly two episodes in, I'm sure this is a show I'll look forward to every week. The three main characters are absolutely brilliant and the flashback segments blend in perfectly with the show's overall narrative. It's tragic that the ratings fell so drastically in the second week and I really hope they recover in the subsequent weeks. It would be truly terrible to lose such a promising series so early on.… Expand
  26. cmpuke
    Apr 12, 2013
    10
    I really don't see too many similarities between the Americans and Homeland beyond the obvious fact that both shows are dealing with espionage and the toll it takes on it's practitioners. The Americans is far more interested in the family dynamic and the strain that a life of double dealings, violence and lies puts on the agents' loved ones than Homeland in my opinion, whereas HomelandI really don't see too many similarities between the Americans and Homeland beyond the obvious fact that both shows are dealing with espionage and the toll it takes on it's practitioners. The Americans is far more interested in the family dynamic and the strain that a life of double dealings, violence and lies puts on the agents' loved ones than Homeland in my opinion, whereas Homeland has more of a knack for the procedure and artistry of doggedly pursuing it's targets. Both are excellent shows and are marvelously written, acted, and directed, but I think they are disparate enough in tone and are interested in different if not similar themes. I find the Cold War fascinating so maybe I'm just an easy mark for this material, but it has quickly ascended to my personal top five current television dramas alongside Breaking Bad, Mad Men, GoT, and Justified. If you like edge of your seat suspense and great acting then this show fits the bill. Noah Emmerich especially turns in a tour de force performance. I can't recommend this show enough. I have to question the attention span and overall IQ of the tiny handful of complainers on here who claim the show is boring or slow, but to each their own I guess. How about the genius who thinks the 80s are too recent to be historical and too old to be interesting? That is one top-notch perspective. Ah, but I digress, just watch this show if you like insightful, intelligent drama with a highly original point of view and a fascinating premise.… Expand
  27. Blasthoff
    Apr 24, 2013
    10
    I love the concept of this series. I was a child in the '50s when I first heard of how Soviet spies were implanted and it has always intrigued me. The TV series has aired eleven episodes and I have to say it has only gotten better as it goes along. It is entertaining and leaves you wanting to come back for more. The characters are well played and enjoyable. My only worry is theI love the concept of this series. I was a child in the '50s when I first heard of how Soviet spies were implanted and it has always intrigued me. The TV series has aired eleven episodes and I have to say it has only gotten better as it goes along. It is entertaining and leaves you wanting to come back for more. The characters are well played and enjoyable. My only worry is the chronology of the time setting doesn't leave a lot of time to explore. Then again, MASH ran almost 4X longer then the Korean War itself. This series is definitely worth watching every week.… Expand
  28. Motcritic
    Dec 12, 2013
    10
    One of the best shows ever produced by american television. It has the right pace and stays within the realms of plausibility, characters look like any other flawed human being, with their own dramas and inner conflicts. The show doesn't try to portrait anyone as the "bad" guy, its just a bunch of people tied into a messed world trying to do their best to protect what they believe isOne of the best shows ever produced by american television. It has the right pace and stays within the realms of plausibility, characters look like any other flawed human being, with their own dramas and inner conflicts. The show doesn't try to portrait anyone as the "bad" guy, its just a bunch of people tied into a messed world trying to do their best to protect what they believe is right.

    People seem to criticize this show for being slow paced, yes it is slow paced, but that is the goal, do we need another completely unbelievable and ridiculous show with the usual cliche bad commies and the strong patriotic american hero?

    It's refreshing to see american television evolving and producing good shows that actually have a plot and believable characters.    … Expand
  29. JPG127
    Jan 31, 2013
    8
    Overall a good show so far. It is an episode one so we will have to see where it goes from here. Not quite as strong as the Shield, Sons of Anarchy or Justified. But still pretty good.
  30. 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
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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 »