The Strain

:

Season 1
  • 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. Mixed: 7 out of 38
  3. Negative: 2 out of 38
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Critic Reviews

  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Jul 14, 2014
    60
    Outside of Stoll, The Strain struggles to develop its characters in the first few episodes.
  2. The Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kristi Turnquist
    Jul 11, 2014
    60
    The Strain gets off to a busy, icky, unpretentious start, mixing the vigor of a '50s Grade-B horror movie with a convoluted mythology about an ancient virus that turns victims into vampires.
  3. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Zach Hollwedel
    Jul 11, 2014
    60
    For fans craving the next dark, disturbing weekly watch in the spirit of The Walking Dead, The Strain will prove too cheeky and eye-roll inducing. Those that appreciate late '90s B-horror flicks such as The Faculty might enjoy The Strain for the kind of creepy, often goofy ride it is, even though it never gets too deep.
  5. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Jul 9, 2014
    60
    The Strain isn’t great TV but it offers enough unexpected gross-out moments that it’s OK summer popcorn fare.
  6. RogerEbert.com
    Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Jul 7, 2014
    60
    The premiere is fantastic; a must-see for those willing to handle the gore. Sadly, the wheels start spinning in subsequent episodes as the show lacks the urgency needed to carry its arguably silly subject matter.
  7. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Zack Handlen
    Jul 11, 2014
    58
    There are ominous signs of an oncoming crisis, and it’s possible that, once that crisis finally arrives, the show might shed its more tedious elements and become something worth watching. As of now, it proves roughly the same as its literary equivalent: a few cool ideas, and a whole lot of dross.
  8. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: David Wiegand
    Jul 11, 2014
    50
    The Strain is watchable, but honestly, that isn't good enough when you're talking Guillermo del Toro and FX. In both cases, we expect more.

Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Best TV Season of 2014
12
#12 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
7
#7 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 405 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 312 out of 405
  2. Mixed: 47 out of 405
  3. Negative: 46 out of 405
  1. chaznet
    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. Luisgar9
    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. jhaught1
    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 »
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