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. 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
  2. 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
  3. deltanz
    Jul 13, 2013
    10
    Smart show with great performances! Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Noah Emmerich and Margo Martindale are amazingly well in the show, and Annet Mahendru also deserves attention playing Nina. The story is compelling and takes you back to the vibe of the 1980s. The first season was extremely well written, with one of the best season finales of the year! Congratulations to the FX and the entireSmart show with great performances! Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Noah Emmerich and Margo Martindale are amazingly well in the show, and Annet Mahendru also deserves attention playing Nina. The story is compelling and takes you back to the vibe of the 1980s. The first season was extremely well written, with one of the best season finales of the year! Congratulations to the FX and the entire team for bringing us an amazing spy show surrounded by drama!… Expand
  4. bob516
    Mar 24, 2013
    10
    Better than I expected, I am liking it much more than Homeland. I love the use of 1980's issues, politics and historical events. I am impressed with the personal dynamics of the families and the comparison of the two married families that happen to across the street from each other. This is one show I really look forward to each week, and I am pleasantly surprised with each episode.
  5. baoboa
    Mar 16, 2013
    10
    This is by far the best thing on TV right now. FX has really outdone themselves with this one. Hopefully they realize the gem that they have on their hands and wont cancel it, like HBO/Showtime always do... This show proves that a cast of relatively unknown actors can, with a good script, put to shame high budget dumbed down cliche' fluff that seems to be the TV norm these days (seeThis is by far the best thing on TV right now. FX has really outdone themselves with this one. Hopefully they realize the gem that they have on their hands and wont cancel it, like HBO/Showtime always do... This show proves that a cast of relatively unknown actors can, with a good script, put to shame high budget dumbed down cliche' fluff that seems to be the TV norm these days (see 'Vegas, the Following, Ripper Street etc.). If you're into well written dramas, suspense, thrillers, spy type shows/films with a great story line, then this one is definitely for you! Reminds me of the original 'Bourne Identity film. Killer!!!… Expand
  6. toliverjohn
    Jul 26, 2013
    10
    I really looked forward to watching this show each week. As is so often the case in real life, the good guys and bad guys are hard to tell apart. I think Keri Russell has done a good job with her part especiall some of the flashbacks.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. jackinlondon
    May 27, 2013
    10
    The Americans, a new drama by FX, written by a former CIA officer about two high level KGB spies who have been planted in the US and are able to pass themselves off as a normal American couple, works on so many levels that it is certain to both have a long life as well as compel viewers to repeated watching. Like Sopranos and Breaking Bad, it is as much about the dynamics of family life asThe Americans, a new drama by FX, written by a former CIA officer about two high level KGB spies who have been planted in the US and are able to pass themselves off as a normal American couple, works on so many levels that it is certain to both have a long life as well as compel viewers to repeated watching. Like Sopranos and Breaking Bad, it is as much about the dynamics of family life as it is about it's main theme (in this case, espionage during the latter years of the Cold War). Keri Russell is outstanding as Elizabeth, an enigmatic but highly professional KGB officer who struggles to balance her dangerous missions with her relationship with Philip (Matthew Rhys) and their two children. The moral dilemmas presented here leave one with lots of food for thought. The show is entertaining, superbly acted and directed, and enthralling. We can't wait for season two!… Expand
  15. 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.
  16. anishsana
    Oct 5, 2013
    10
    Hands down, one of the best TV shows of all time. This is a show where clever people outsmart each other, unlike Breaking Bad, where you can mostly bet the characters to do the wrong thing.
  17. Stellen
    Feb 13, 2014
    10
    Superb series, one of the best written shows in the last decade. It has an excellent cast who perform their roles well. Very believable and since the author is an ex.CIA officer, probably quite close to reality.
  18. 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
  19. BugeaterQQ22
    Feb 28, 2014
    10
    Best show on television. The finale was just amazing. Great realism with good politics combined with fantastic charter development.

    Oh .. and not afraid to kill off major characters which always keeps you guessing.
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  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. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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.
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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 »