• Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 13, 2014
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 38
  2. Negative: 2 out of 38
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Critic Reviews

  1. Reviewed by: Sara Smith
    Jul 11, 2014
    30
    The show’s recycled vampire mythology fails to justify this level of bloodletting, which even fans of “The Walking Dead” might find gratuitous.
  2. Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    Jul 9, 2014
    30
    Despite a great deal of visible effort, the first four episodes of The Strain never succeeded in making Corey Stoll's epidemiologist character even remotely compelling. Unfortunately most of the other characters are even more superficial and predictable, which made it nearly impossible to stay engaged when they began doing dumb things. The only real bright spot in The Strain is David Bradley.
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 405 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 46 out of 405
  1. Jul 13, 2014
    10
    Very entertaining, an extended summer blockbuster.

    It's good they get the CDC stuff out of the way in the first episode, it's not very
    Very entertaining, an extended summer blockbuster.

    It's good they get the CDC stuff out of the way in the first episode, it's not very authentic in many obvious ways -- but so what, no need for the bio-hazard suits after episode 1 ;-)

    Hopefully they'll wind up the story line in 1 season, or do 1 season for each book, and not drag it out -- it could easily turn into another Walking Dead, with luck it won't.
    Full Review »
  2. Jul 14, 2014
    10
    This show has a lot of promise. The characters are interesting. The show, overall, is entertaining and brilliant, and this is just the pilot.This show has a lot of promise. The characters are interesting. The show, overall, is entertaining and brilliant, and this is just the pilot. I expect it to improve as we meet the vampires in their true form. Full Review »
  3. Jul 14, 2014
    3
    The show has a semi-interesting premise, but the dialogue and acting are just laughable. It's really hard to get the feeling of dread theyThe show has a semi-interesting premise, but the dialogue and acting are just laughable. It's really hard to get the feeling of dread they want you to feel with Corey Stoll saying all of that cringey dialogue in that horrible toupee. Full Review »