The Americans

:

Season 2
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 30, 2013
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 339 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 313 out of 339
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 339
  3. Negative: 16 out of 339
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  1. alx3000
    Apr 7, 2014
    10
    Several episodes in, The Americans continues as strong as ever. If you were afraid the writers were going to resort to lazy plot devices, especially the usual one (the previously clever characters start inexplicably doing stupid things) in an attempt to make it more accessible or exciting, then you can relax. The plotlines are still complex yet subtle, as is the brilliant acting from bothSeveral episodes in, The Americans continues as strong as ever. If you were afraid the writers were going to resort to lazy plot devices, especially the usual one (the previously clever characters start inexplicably doing stupid things) in an attempt to make it more accessible or exciting, then you can relax. The plotlines are still complex yet subtle, as is the brilliant acting from both leads. The writing is perceptive - it feels like you're watching real people, and compassionate - you actually care about them. The only thing not to like about this is that it will remind you how terrible almost everything else on TV is.… Expand
  2. baoboa
    Apr 11, 2014
    10
    Whats not to like about a gritty spy show with relatively unknown actors!? Sure it has some cheesy character moments (its set in the early 80's after all, so like no DUH!), but 99.99% of it is fantastic acting and great edge of your seat entertainment! Love it.
  3. fjf92
    Feb 28, 2014
    9
    With a lot of intriguing questions to answer amazing cast and great writing .... the Americans looks set to build upon a very solid first season and blow us off our feet with its second coming. I am sincerely hoping that Margo Matindale makes a return too.
  4. eva3si0n
    Aug 16, 2017
    9
    2 season very great begin, much more is more more dynamic. In the 2nd season have told about much that held back in the first season. The heat of events is much higher. From it sometimes it seems that the series depart from severe reality. The last 3 series in general hold at the screen, such emotions were only in a final series of 1 season. Excellent continuation.
  5. ThePutinator
    Mar 5, 2014
    10
    Yes, it's better than Homeland. Good performances from the main cast and an interesting story. Makes me wonder if my relatives are Russian spies.

    If you're tired of continuous American propaganda (I hope it never goes down that path), I highly recommend it.
  6. JIgnacio
    Mar 1, 2014
    10
    Only 1 episode of this new season aired but 'The Americans' is a much more confident show than it ever was. It's well acted, well written and the story the show is telling is extremely compelling. Must watch tv. Absolutely loved it.
  7. ozymandias79
    Mar 15, 2014
    8
    It's really hard to fault "The Americans" and its an interesting feeling to be rooting for the supposed bad guys. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys are a great pairing of solid actors, especially Rhys. My only qualm is that Annet Mahendru's character Nina is probably getting too much screen time this season. The subplot is dull and the time could be better spent elsewhere.
  8. dhgold
    Mar 11, 2014
    10
    What a great program!

    The acting, dialog and plotting are fantastic. How else can you explain the fact that one can feel real empathy for the leads as dedicated and loving parents who also happen to be stone cold killers who are sworn enemies of our country?

    It is one of the most intelligently written programs on TV, one that never ceases to surprise and entertain.
  9. staubin
    Apr 2, 2014
    9
    I rarely direct a review of a show at a reviewer on this site, but come on nononsense, you are full of nonsense. You're watching a show about Russian secret agents, who routinely murder people, and the FBI, who also routinely murder people... and you're complaining about sex? Oddly everyone in America can watch people getting shot in the back of the head, or getting their necks broken,I rarely direct a review of a show at a reviewer on this site, but come on nononsense, you are full of nonsense. You're watching a show about Russian secret agents, who routinely murder people, and the FBI, who also routinely murder people... and you're complaining about sex? Oddly everyone in America can watch people getting shot in the back of the head, or getting their necks broken, but show a couple in bed and that's too much for you? Your comments show the hypocrisy of the entire TV viewing public; Americans will watch the most violent television in the world, so long as no one drops the f-word or engages in simulated non-visible oral sex.… Expand
  10. ds4d03xzdpaqs
    May 10, 2014
    5
    I loved season one of this show. However, as season 2 of The Americans draws to a close, the formulaic approach of each episode begins to grate, despite more focus being given on the effects the agents roles have on their relationships with their families.

    Acting itself is good, but plot and character development are becoming painfully slow and often unconvincing (the Martha sub-story    I loved season one of this show. However, as season 2 of The Americans draws to a close, the formulaic approach of each episode begins to grate, despite more focus being given on the effects the agents roles have on their relationships with their families.

    Acting itself is good, but plot and character development are becoming painfully slow and often unconvincing (the Martha sub-story for example).

    FX have announced they expect the series to be on screens for the next five years or more. Season 3 and onwards will need to have significant redevelopment and a fresh approach to prevent the show descending into the realms of farce.    … Expand
  11. zubarsky
    Apr 2, 2014
    8
    I really like the show but it makes me wonder how they can still do the things they do. They can clearly see that the US is not the awful place that their government had brainwashed them to believe. They also have very American children. It reminded me of the 911 hijackers that were here for a while and were still able to behave like monsters.

    One of the best parts of the show is    I really like the show but it makes me wonder how they can still do the things they do. They can clearly see that the US is not the awful place that their government had brainwashed them to believe. They also have very American children. It reminded me of the 911 hijackers that were here for a while and were still able to behave like monsters.

    One of the best parts of the show is that you find yourself rooting for them but become conflicted by what they are doing.    … Expand
  12. nononsense
    Mar 12, 2014
    2
    I love the plotline. I love the cast. However i loathe the extreme sexual content. Do we really need to see them engaged in 69?? Do we need to see blowjobs??? Sadly i will never watch this show again.
  13. high90
    Feb 28, 2014
    2
    Am I missing something, I watched the first season and wondered what all the hype was about. A couple of psychopaths living together who have no problem killing and manipulating everyone they come into contact with, are we supposed to care what happens to them ? I certainly didn't. Season two more of the same.
  14. jeremyp
    Mar 12, 2014
    7
    This is almost a good show. It's biggest drawback is it's reliance on spy craft that is at times ludicrous. The disguises are as poor as those in high school plays. Are we to believe that these two never converse in Russian? Are we to believe the FBI secretary is as dumb as a rock? Don't the kids ever wonder why their parents know less about America than they do (no born and bred RussiansThis is almost a good show. It's biggest drawback is it's reliance on spy craft that is at times ludicrous. The disguises are as poor as those in high school plays. Are we to believe that these two never converse in Russian? Are we to believe the FBI secretary is as dumb as a rock? Don't the kids ever wonder why their parents know less about America than they do (no born and bred Russians are going to be that steeped in Americana, or have accents that flawless)? Who risks palming off secrets in broad day light being followed by agents? The boat floats but the leaks are a diversion from the plot.… Expand
  15. Lisa24
    Jun 7, 2014
    7
    Overall I like the show, but some episodes drag. When it is good, it is excellent, but when there isn't much going on, the filler is tedious. It is easy to care about Matthew Rhys character Phillip, but Keri Russell's character is always irritated and angry. This past season the storyline with their daughter Paige was also boring and I tended to fast forward through those parts. IOverall I like the show, but some episodes drag. When it is good, it is excellent, but when there isn't much going on, the filler is tedious. It is easy to care about Matthew Rhys character Phillip, but Keri Russell's character is always irritated and angry. This past season the storyline with their daughter Paige was also boring and I tended to fast forward through those parts. I must say though, the last episode of the season was great!… Expand
  16. roxiehart
    May 16, 2014
    8
    I really love this show but its soo boring. It takes a lot of effort to get through an episode without falling asleep. Its a good show though, maybe just not for me.
  17. harmattan
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    This show had a very, very good first season. In the second season, however, this show becomes hands down one of the best action-dramas on TV that defines the phrase "growing the beard". Thoroughly engadging, smartly written and superbly acted. Russell and Rhys lead a terrific cast. This is not only the most realistic action shows in years, but it's also one of the most realisticThis show had a very, very good first season. In the second season, however, this show becomes hands down one of the best action-dramas on TV that defines the phrase "growing the beard". Thoroughly engadging, smartly written and superbly acted. Russell and Rhys lead a terrific cast. This is not only the most realistic action shows in years, but it's also one of the most realistic family dramas I've ever seen.… Expand
  18. geedup
    May 7, 2014
    8
    The 2nd season so far (from what i understand almost didn't happen) has begun to develop alot more plot twists and turns than the first season seemed to have. Main characters are being developed further-sometimes polarizing for the viewer. The show is based in the 80's, and as per the first season, it is amuzing to watch the show take place with this 80's backdrop. Further, use of russianThe 2nd season so far (from what i understand almost didn't happen) has begun to develop alot more plot twists and turns than the first season seemed to have. Main characters are being developed further-sometimes polarizing for the viewer. The show is based in the 80's, and as per the first season, it is amuzing to watch the show take place with this 80's backdrop. Further, use of russian to give some authenticity to the show (despite the lack of authenthicity of their accent).… Expand
  19. FleshWorld
    May 10, 2014
    9
    It's truly an underrated show. What draws me in completely is the local color in the greater DC area and the total immersion in the 80s. The two lead actors are simply phenomenal. I've got a friend in Russia who tells me the language is absolutely on the money. Apparently when Hollywood typically does Russian language in American TV shows it's a total joke, but they went for authenticityIt's truly an underrated show. What draws me in completely is the local color in the greater DC area and the total immersion in the 80s. The two lead actors are simply phenomenal. I've got a friend in Russia who tells me the language is absolutely on the money. Apparently when Hollywood typically does Russian language in American TV shows it's a total joke, but they went for authenticity here which I appreciate.… Expand
  20. Ravens1294
    Feb 9, 2015
    10
    If you thought season 1 was amazing, you're going to love season 2. Season 2 is better on every level and the stakes are higher. The show is slicker, faster, and better than ever. The story is wrapped even better, the action is intensified, and the endgame is completely shocking. Season 2 definitely makes The Americans one of the best shows on TV right now.
  21. RMDsilva
    Jan 7, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Second season disappointed me because of two main things:

    1st: The relationship between Philip and Elisabeth became much more superficial:
    Much more often than in the first season, I get the feeling that they do not actually talk. Problems come up, they feel strongly about them but instead of actually building dialogue, they state their opinions and change the subject.
    It was endearing to see shows of affection from time to time, but these also suffered a bit from gratuity. Might've missed a detail or two, but the scenes related to Elisabeth wanting to know how "Clarke" was with Martha.. that was really weird. Not only they didn't talk about it, as.. well, she just burst out crying after he "showed" her.. and then the topic never comes up again? Everything's fine?

    Second issue is a major spoiler: the main storyline is wholly based on a kid shooting up two highly trained agents (who are his parents, yes) and then him and the Centre proceeding to maintain a sort of charade into how he didn't know about it and then there's some ex-filtration which goes conveniently wrong.. and so on.
    It just wasn't that interesting, convincing and whatnot. The ARPANET scenes were quite funnier, even if a bit nonsensical as well.    … Expand
  22. tspeidel
    Mar 26, 2014
    10
    The best recruitment tool the KGB could have devised. I lived down the street from a real KGB family in North Jersey and they were no where near as good looking and capable. I love this fantasy couple as they attempt to undermine triumphant capitalism while trying to keep their marriage together.
  23. 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
  24. josiec
    Jan 29, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It was great to see my favorite TV couple back again, but I felt like I needed Cliff's Notes to get through this first episode. I'm fairly good at keeping track of the plot and character details of a complicated TV show or movie and my wife is not very good at it. But we are both avid watchers of this show and have seen all the episodes. Well, I was more confused than usual and my wife was completely lost. We had to pause the show at least a dozen times so I could explain to her what was going on and once or twice I wasn't completely sure. For example, that lady from the Canadian-American whatever. Have we seen her before, or was this a new sub-plot? I think this is a new thing, but I wasn't sure.

    I miss Margo Martindale, but I love Frank Langella. I think he will be a great addition to the show.

    My wife was also a little put out by by what she thought was an increase in violence, like the explicit head-shot in that video. I was surprised by it, and not particularly put off, but I hope that explicit violence does not become a regular part of the show. I don't think it adds anything to the tension. If anything, I find myself taken out of the show for a moment while I reflect on the creative choice that the violence represents. I'd rather not be jolted by not necessary (for dramatic purposes) explicit violence that takes me out of the story.

    They could have pulled away at the last second from the video and cut to a character's face so you see their reaction to the gunshot. You'd still know it was a head-shot. You'd still know it was brutal and gory. And the character's reaction is actually the most important part of the scene to the story.

    I hope we haven't seen the last of Nina. And if they do end up executing her in some Russian prison, I hope that Annet Mahendru gets her own TV show.

    I loved the depiction of the est training. I'm not saying that est and it's spin-offs were completely lacking in value, but they were pretty stupid and they certainly empowered a lot of people to do and say completely rude and ridiculous things. For example, it's possible that focusing on your partner's orgasm could be a non-experience, but it could also be a wonderful experience. Things aren't so cut and dried in the way that est portrayed them.

    I look forward to the coming season. I think the season's focus on the Paige question will be a very fruitful plot choice.

    One of the things I think is interesting about this show is that you find yourself rooting for KGB agents. Not so much for their mission, but for them as people. It's similar to when we were watching The Sopranos and rooting for thuggish mobsters. We're kind of horrified by what they're doing, but care about them as people. There's something kind of cool about that.    … Expand
  25. eli_fjr
    Nov 7, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Intense but I think I liked it. At this point just watch it so you don't feel left out.… Expand
  26. jaasieljunior
    Feb 13, 2018
    10
    O mais interessante de se assistir a série é que por aparentar ser uma novela (embora não seja), você acaba vendo necessárias as cenas dramáticas em alguns momentos. De fato, comparando com a primeira temporada, a série evolui positivamente e isso se deve às ricas atuações .
  27. WorldofLucky
    Feb 3, 2018
    9
    Not only is it still a good series, it got better as well.

    The series continues with following their family as Philipp and Elizabeth continue spying. It starts with a horrific death of another “illegal” couple they are friends with, and wraps the season up with finding out who and why the murder happened. They got over the whole “will they, won’t they” situation and established the    Not only is it still a good series, it got better as well.

    The series continues with following their family as Philipp and Elizabeth continue spying. It starts with a horrific death of another “illegal” couple they are friends with, and wraps the season up with finding out who and why the murder happened.

    They got over the whole “will they, won’t they” situation and established the two main protagonists (are they protagonists if they are the Soviets?) who love each other. We get a bit more of a larger overarching story and the plots run together well.

    The only real negative I have is not the actress playing Paige, their 14 year old daughter, and not the actual writing, I just hate the whiny self-entitled privilege that she works from. That is a good writing thing, but its the part of the series that drives me nuts.

    Pros: This is still better than Homeland, and a great thriller.

    Cons: I still hate angsty 14 year old drama.    … Expand
  28. rachillustrate
    May 21, 2018
    9
    Season 2 evolves greatly from its predecessor with stronger and smarter writing. The excitement, tension and drama contained in each episode consistently blew me away, save for a a slightly underwhelming finale. Oleg, played by Costa Ronin, was a great addition to the cast and quickly became one of my favorite characters. Paige begins to play a larger role, which allows the show to focusSeason 2 evolves greatly from its predecessor with stronger and smarter writing. The excitement, tension and drama contained in each episode consistently blew me away, save for a a slightly underwhelming finale. Oleg, played by Costa Ronin, was a great addition to the cast and quickly became one of my favorite characters. Paige begins to play a larger role, which allows the show to focus on the consequences of choosing ideology over family. It also can’t go without mentioning how incredible the acting is from everyone involved, specifically Kerri Russel, Matthew Rhys and Noah Emmerich.… Expand
  29. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 18, 2021
    9
    Whatever held back season one is shed here. The story rises to the leads calibre. Faithful to a key to it's period along with phenomenal set designs this shows plays like the start of something brilliant. Forcing you to the edge of your seat irrespective of the skill of the Jennings the threat o discovery won't let you rest.
  30. Colleenkelly
    Sep 18, 2019
    9
    I love this show. It is entertaining. I love sexy spy type movies and shows so it fits the bill. I don't mind all the sex at all. I know some reviewers did but that's part of the excitement of it all. It's dramatic. The acting is very good but I will say in this season I wish the writers made Page's parents kinder to her. I mean if they love her they should treat her with more love andI love this show. It is entertaining. I love sexy spy type movies and shows so it fits the bill. I don't mind all the sex at all. I know some reviewers did but that's part of the excitement of it all. It's dramatic. The acting is very good but I will say in this season I wish the writers made Page's parents kinder to her. I mean if they love her they should treat her with more love and compassion. They are VERY harsh on a young girl trying to do her best. She is just a sweet kid and they treat her with so much disdain. I also think it was weird when their son was crying and pleading with them saying "I'm a good person, I'm a good person...". It was heartbreaking that they never said anything to him like "Of course you are. You just made a mistake." I mean they kill innocent people. I don't know. I think they can be really callous toward their kids and it makes me like their characters less. I think it would have been a better way to write the story with the Jennings having more turmoil about what they do. If they were always torn between their deep love and compassion for their children and the kind of work they have to do for the Russians. That would have actually created MORE drama which would have left audiences MORE hooked. But they just seem pretty cold and callous toward her. Kids get curious. It's part of childhood and adolescence. I think they are pretty mean to her just for being a kid - and a REALLY GOOD kid for that matter. Kids know when you're lying to them and just because they are kids doesn't mean lying to them all the time is okay. Seeing them struggle with that kind of compassion for her AND needing to do their work for the Russians would have been much more engaging in my opinion. But I will say I haven't finished this season yet so while that is my opinion so far, maybe they come around and start treating her better. We'll see.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best TV Season of 2014
52
#52 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
61
#61 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    Feb 27, 2014
    80
    Elizabeth and Philip react with the appropriate amount of fear for and protectiveness of Paige and Henry. No doubt, this will further widen the cracks already forming in their political/professional resolve, but there is no going back: The Americans puts the kids front and center.
    Read full review
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Feb 27, 2014
    100
    Sometimes watching greatness expand and realizing that a foundation is in place for the future (excellent writing, superb acting, a clear conceptual vision) is just the kind of assurance you need to cement your allegiance.
    Read full review
  3. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    Feb 27, 2014
    80
    The Americans can be wrenchingly emotional, and it’s terrifically well paced. But it doesn’t take itself overly seriously, and while the show looks pretty good it’s not the most cinematic series on the block.
    Read full review
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