The Strain

:

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

Where To Watch

Stream On
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Expand

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. movingpictures
    May 18, 2020
    10
    Season 1: Wonderful from the first to the last. The perfect blend of detective meets gothic meets outbreak meets adventure meets body horror. It seriously has it all! My only complaint is that the characters are a little thin, but that's 100% forgivable given the fast pace and the feeling that they're keeping it fresh with plot twists and reveals!
  2. Molehead
    Mar 7, 2019
    10
    I thought this series was well written! Unlike the Walking Dead, I never had moments scratching my head asking "What were they thinking!' The series ended with solid closure, which is a rarity in most shows. If you like horror, then this series is a must see!
  3. temptershell
    Oct 8, 2017
    8
    Good season but poof final episode. I think the book trilogy is quite better than last few episodes. Lot’s of action and specific situation of cities situation is huge jump from topic of vampires invasion but it’s ok for whole storyline. It could be better but I’m ok with final season.
  4. Tagirix
    Sep 26, 2016
    10
    The Strain is the most exciting TV show I have ever watched. I have no idea how they maked it so good, but the reason why it is so cool, fascinating, and addictive is that they have made up a great plot. The plot which makes you worry about the heroes. The plot which makes you watch every new episode after it comes out. That is what makes The Strain one of the greatest TV shows ever. JustThe Strain is the most exciting TV show I have ever watched. I have no idea how they maked it so good, but the reason why it is so cool, fascinating, and addictive is that they have made up a great plot. The plot which makes you worry about the heroes. The plot which makes you watch every new episode after it comes out. That is what makes The Strain one of the greatest TV shows ever. Just my humble opinion, FYI.… Expand
  5. spartacus215
    Aug 26, 2016
    10
    I will start off by saying that I just recently binge-watched Seasons One and Two within roughly a two week time span and I absolutely love the show. P.S This is a review for both seasons 1&2. The story takes place in present day New York spanning most of the five boroughs and it's about a Vampire Plague that starts to ravage NY. The story is wonderfully executed as it does take time forI will start off by saying that I just recently binge-watched Seasons One and Two within roughly a two week time span and I absolutely love the show. P.S This is a review for both seasons 1&2. The story takes place in present day New York spanning most of the five boroughs and it's about a Vampire Plague that starts to ravage NY. The story is wonderfully executed as it does take time for the infection to spread and they don't rush that at all which I admire. The story overall is excellent especially with all the intricate and minor details that are shared and the flashbacks of key characters. The acting is remarkable for what the premise is at hand and usually one person stands out to me in a show but here there were a good three to five people that were Awesome. I mean you have Abraham,Fet, Eph and even the villain Eichorst were Superb. The actors really sell it on screen. The action is dope with the blood and gore effects being top-notch. The action scenes in S1 are cool and in S2 they are crazy and in S3 they look to be Insane. The action will not leave you disappointed at all and will leave you wanting more of it. The cinematography was executed perfectly with everything feeling in the place that it should. I will close by saying that if you have not watched this Phenomenal show yet then you're missing out especially since S3 airs this Sunday on 8/28/2016. Watch it on HULU or buy it either way please support it. Take Care.… Expand
  6. WJS
    Oct 25, 2015
    7
    Effectively creepy with good acting and effects, it ultimately drags itself down as each episode plays out like a clone of the last. As the series continues, it starts to show many similarities with "Blade II", which was directed by Guillermo del Toro, who also created this show. Some of the situations are very melodramatic.
  7. Xaphan_Red
    Oct 15, 2015
    7
    The premise behind the The Strains story is a good one, and DelTorro works it well, keeping up tension and pace to good effect. What does let it down though is the predictable nature of the main protagonists. To say they are 2 dimensional is a little harsh, but, and its something I can't quite decide on, its either the acting or the writers development of them that seems to leave themThe premise behind the The Strains story is a good one, and DelTorro works it well, keeping up tension and pace to good effect. What does let it down though is the predictable nature of the main protagonists. To say they are 2 dimensional is a little harsh, but, and its something I can't quite decide on, its either the acting or the writers development of them that seems to leave them somewhat wooden. I get in a place where I am fascinated as to where the story is going, but can then easily win a bet as to how the characters will react or even what they will say. Overall though, worth watching.… Expand
  8. NotoriousFraud
    Oct 8, 2015
    8
    Season one of 'The Strain' is an excellent entree into the Guillermo Del Toro created mythos (co-written by Chuck Hogan) that gives a fair share of frights as well as dark humor.
  9. jerkwheat
    Aug 28, 2015
    8
    With the exception of Zach, every character on this show has some depth. The thing people don't get is how much camp is intentionally present. This show doesn't take itself too seriously, but a lot of critical reviews I've read are by people who don't seem to get that. I'm glad the critics have come around - this show deserves a lot more hype than it gets.
  10. thegamefreak
    Aug 8, 2015
    10
    the strain was an excellent show the way the plot unfolds is interesting and it keeps you wondering what will happen next i really enjoyed this show great exicution throughout
  11. SchroederRock
    Aug 3, 2015
    8
    A show that can outdo The Walking Dead, The Strain is a TV experience that is almost unparalleled in its masterful delivery of entry-level horror and action, deepened by interesting characters that seem capable of being killed of at any moment (though this is no Game of Thrones). It's more vampire than zombies, but the show capitalizes on the popularity of the genre and delivers with someA show that can outdo The Walking Dead, The Strain is a TV experience that is almost unparalleled in its masterful delivery of entry-level horror and action, deepened by interesting characters that seem capable of being killed of at any moment (though this is no Game of Thrones). It's more vampire than zombies, but the show capitalizes on the popularity of the genre and delivers with some freshness. I love these disaster-ridden shows when quality is valued over quantity, and The Strain is certainly a quality show that seems like it can only get better. I highly recommend it!… Expand
  12. tpotz
    Jul 17, 2015
    10
    LOVE this show! Engaging characters, new twist on vampire lore, plenty of "edge of your seat moments." Love the marriage of biological science with sci-fi vampire additions combined with futuristic political game playing. This show has it all....hope it continues for many more seasons, but no more character switches!! The team fighting the good fight must stay intact!
  13. brentwshelton1
    Jun 28, 2015
    7
    I imagine most people have seen the pilot at this point. Gotta admit the first 2/3 of it was god awful with regards to dialogue, character development, and plot. However, the last 1/3 grabbed my attention and made me give it another shot. I'm totally hooked at this point. There are frequent moments of very hokey dialogue and plot conveniences. But this show is a total guilty pleasure showI imagine most people have seen the pilot at this point. Gotta admit the first 2/3 of it was god awful with regards to dialogue, character development, and plot. However, the last 1/3 grabbed my attention and made me give it another shot. I'm totally hooked at this point. There are frequent moments of very hokey dialogue and plot conveniences. But this show is a total guilty pleasure show - I know it will never get an Emmy nod (LOL) but it has enough of a story line that keeps me tuning in every week and occasionally some surprising twists.… Expand
  14. NFW
    Jun 25, 2015
    7
    Season one of THE STRAIN features cheesy writing, cliche characters, predictability, and a couple unintentionally funny moments, then again, I think that's entirely the point.
  15. pete1977
    May 2, 2015
    10
    Love the series. This is the type of series that is entertaining and keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. It is something different and not like the regular series on television. There are lots of shows that should have been cancelled after the first season. Shows like THE FLASH, AGENTS OF SHIELD, THE LAST SHIP and many others. This show is my favorite show and can't wait for season 2.
  16. jzyk93
    Dec 11, 2014
    10
    This is one of the most addicting and exciting shows I've ever seen! You're hooked after the first episode and the story is great. This is based off of the book series written by Chuck Hogan and Guillermo del Toro.
  17. rusigabedra
    Nov 15, 2014
    10
    You will enter a place where everyone can harm you. This is the real way how a vampire tv show should have be done, great! Hope there will be a chapter 2-3-4...
  18. CartoonHead
    Nov 6, 2014
    10
    It takes a few episodes to get going, but OMG. This show is so good and criminally underrated. Easily my favourite show on TV right now and probably only second to Game of Thrones as favourite show of all time. It is kinda similar to the Walking Dead but the monsters pose a MUCH better threat and it is not bogged down but set rules as surprises, mysteries and twists a plenty. Like theIt takes a few episodes to get going, but OMG. This show is so good and criminally underrated. Easily my favourite show on TV right now and probably only second to Game of Thrones as favourite show of all time. It is kinda similar to the Walking Dead but the monsters pose a MUCH better threat and it is not bogged down but set rules as surprises, mysteries and twists a plenty. Like the end of Episode 4 really knocked my socks off. The main character is a bit of a drip but aside from that it has Walder Frey decapitating Vampires with a walking stick sword and a silver shooting nail gun. I mean come on, this just writes itself.… Expand
  19. thetvreviewman
    Nov 4, 2014
    7
    The Strain may have cliche characters and not the greatest script of all time, it still offers the audience some great vampire action scenes. The episodes can be a little up and down though.
  20. tulippeonies
    Oct 28, 2014
    7
    The Strain is a fresh take on the vampire apocalypse we all fear and love. From the always innovative and twisted mind of Guirrelmo Del Toro, The Strain is the best popcorn horror entertainment on television (FX Network). If you love B-movie antics, visceral action, terrifying creatures and humorously disgusting scenes then this show is what you've been waiting for!
  21. Rainwhole
    Oct 9, 2014
    8
    The Strain is a mostly solid, monster-filled extravaganza that hits almost every level a new TV show should. The conflict at hand is appealing, and unlike other shows in this genre, the involvement of the main characters feels more essential to the context of the world.

    The characters is where the Strain falters a bit. Three of the characters: Vasily, Nora, and Gus are truly interested    The Strain is a mostly solid, monster-filled extravaganza that hits almost every level a new TV show should. The conflict at hand is appealing, and unlike other shows in this genre, the involvement of the main characters feels more essential to the context of the world.

    The characters is where the Strain falters a bit. Three of the characters: Vasily, Nora, and Gus are truly interested characters that you can't help but fall in love with. The rest of the characters go from "ok" to annoying. The futility of the characters is less present than in other shows, but I truly hope we don't have to see some of them in the future.

    A horror TV-show is nothing without solid special effects and aesthetics. Here's where you see Del Toro's touch. Every shot feels like a painting exploring different forms of lighting and coloring. The special effects are particularly great and mostly practical. In fact, the few occasions the effects are not done practically they feel out of place.

    The Strain has a bright future as it stands right now. I hope FX continues the good work and begins to take more risks in their upcoming events.    … Expand
  22. Etoby
    Oct 9, 2014
    8
    The show doesn't provide a great amount of depth or thought provoking story lines. It is just fun to watch. Anything with vampires and a potential apocalypse starts off with a win/win. Add in some interesting characters and a decent plot and you have an entertaining show. This isn't a show where the next day you necessarily talk to other people about the episode and how intriguing itThe show doesn't provide a great amount of depth or thought provoking story lines. It is just fun to watch. Anything with vampires and a potential apocalypse starts off with a win/win. Add in some interesting characters and a decent plot and you have an entertaining show. This isn't a show where the next day you necessarily talk to other people about the episode and how intriguing it was, and what will happen next. It is a more "in the moment" show where it is just fun to watch because they keep the momentum fairly fast paced. Was a little disappointed at the look of The Master...kind of looks like a large Vampire Amphibian hybrid.… Expand
  23. victoriantz
    Oct 6, 2014
    10
    I love Strain.Its very entertaining,full of suspense and I love all the characters.I might say story line is original youll never know whats coming next.More power:)
  24. gmonster320
    Oct 4, 2014
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm a sucker for any vampire or apocalyptic show and this fits the bill on both accounts. Vampires have invaded New York City and they're not the sparkly sexy vampires from "Twilight". These are hard core, fast moving, stinger spitting, vicious vampires. They're kinda a cross between vampires and zombies. Maybe we should call them vombies. Its up to the CDC (Eph and Nora), an old pawnbroker (Abe), a rat exterminator (Fet), a hacker (Dutch), and a con with a heart of gold (Gus) to save the world. We know a season 2 of "The Strain" is coming so dont expect any resolutions this year (which is fine with me since I want to see lots more of this world). One of the best characters on the show is Eichorst. His presence and delivery is excellent. You'll love to hate him.

    I would have given "The Strain" a higher rating than "7" but some of the dialogue is so God awful that its laughable. And "The Strain" can you please get rid of Eph's toupee/rug/hairpiece? We all know its not real. It's like a small animal died on his head. It is distracting and I should be keeping an eye out for vampires instead. Also (SPOILER ALERT) I find the look of the Master to be not nearly as menacing as I had hoped. He looks like a big muppet dressed in black. I heard someone else describe him as "frog face" (which is perfect). And I'm still up late nights wondering where he gets those rings for his big giant fingers.    … Expand
  25. GiantDad
    Oct 3, 2014
    10
    The show brings a mix of the "Walking Dead" and Morgan Freeman's "Outbreak".

    I don't see many tv shows like this very often, so this is a very big factor in how I rate it.
  26. tehtic
    Sep 29, 2014
    9
    Great twists on modern vampires. Have found this new series to be awesome. The writing is not outstanding but they accomplish what few other series have been able to and that is to be intriguing. The master vampire is quite hokey and unbelievable. That said the twist on the vampire epidemic is something original. A great out-of-the-box thinking. The cast seemed to pull things together andGreat twists on modern vampires. Have found this new series to be awesome. The writing is not outstanding but they accomplish what few other series have been able to and that is to be intriguing. The master vampire is quite hokey and unbelievable. That said the twist on the vampire epidemic is something original. A great out-of-the-box thinking. The cast seemed to pull things together and make them believable. Must say I look forward to this each week.… Expand
  27. SwampDonkey
    Sep 26, 2014
    9
    *spoilers* Del Toro and company should be especially proud of episodes like in the gas station, However, for Fx's sake, I hope we get some relief from the female mother/daughter/hacker...they are all lame! Gore is fine, just need some real hotties like season 1 of The Walking Dead.
  28. Qishere
    Sep 22, 2014
    10
    This show is the most entertaining, addictive series of the Summer Season.

    Due in large part to the influence of the Cinema Master of Horror, Guillermo Del Toro, the high production values make this a story that you eagerly tune in to every Sunday on FX. The terrible creatures that threaten humanity fascinate us due in large part to their quasi-personality of plague giver and    This show is the most entertaining, addictive series of the Summer Season.

    Due in large part to the influence of the Cinema Master of Horror, Guillermo Del Toro, the high production values make this a story that you eagerly tune in to every Sunday on FX.

    The terrible creatures that threaten humanity fascinate us due in large part to their quasi-personality of plague giver and vampire. Make no doubt, these creatures are loathsome, dark hunters without a scintilla of remorse. Nor is there even a hint of physical allure in their changed bodies. Horribly, they want only to feed and infect loved ones and any one who gets in their way. The combined CGI and acting is brilliant, making you cringe and jump with each vampire attack.

    Ultimately, it is the surviving humans and their stories that balance out the horrors they have to face. It is this balance that makes us care for the survivors and it's ultimately the tension that is created by the suspense of what is around the corner for them and will they survive it or fall prey to the plague of rapacious vampires that now populates their world.

    Will a boy who is a son help his father locate his mother before she's infected? Can an East Harlem thug deal effectively with this infection that threatens his world? Can a Holocaust survivor, with his past in dealing with this plague, organize/train a rag tag team of vampire hunters? More important, can the vampire hunters stop the plague?

    Much like The Walking Dead, this show is beautifully cast. In large part, it is the actors who enthrall us, who entertain us. I did not notice a single weakness in the cast.

    The writers creatively explore the varied human stories and do it with the style that embraces this epic story with enough variation to continue to delight. Like the survivors come to know, there is no comfort in a sure thing. Tragedy or happiness is guaranteed no one.    … Expand
  29. daroczi
    Sep 21, 2014
    10
    Finally, a dark horror series that isn't surreal and ghostly! It's just a bloody good time. This is my first review on here and I'm urged to do it just to help the odds that this series continues.
  30. imthenoob
    Sep 18, 2014
    10
    The Strain was super hyped for me, I was interested in it the moment it was announced, and I am glad it lived up to the hype. The plot is very interesting and features a wide array of characters that can branch off into different, intersecting story lines. The acting is very good as well thanks to the experienced cast. There is violence but it's spread out, The show runners are clearlyThe Strain was super hyped for me, I was interested in it the moment it was announced, and I am glad it lived up to the hype. The plot is very interesting and features a wide array of characters that can branch off into different, intersecting story lines. The acting is very good as well thanks to the experienced cast. There is violence but it's spread out, The show runners are clearly more focused on the story aspect than the gore aspect and that's a good thing.

    Overall, It's definitely a front runner for best new show of the year. It's been very entertaining so far and I can't wait to see what happens next.    … Expand
prev
Page:

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    Aug 7, 2014
    70
    he series doesn’t have the best pacing, or the best dialogue (“Well, if the mountain won’t come to Muhammad, we’re going to the morgue”), and in some areas it doesn’t even try: never has a show set in New York but filmed in Toronto felt more like a show set in New York but filmed in Toronto. (When Astoria appeared, full of burning garbage cans, all of Queens raised its eyebrows.) And yet the show overflows with greasy satisfactions, simply because it commits so fully to its own goofiness.
    Read full review
  2. Sioux City Journal
    Reviewed by: Bruce Miller
    Jul 14, 2014
    80
    Ominous, creepy and utterly engaging, The Strain is like the perfect drive-in movie.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    Reviewed by: Cynthia Fuchs
    Jul 14, 2014
    80
    The series takes some time to put this team together, even in the same area of New York. And while you’re waiting for that plot turn, you’re treated to a series of lurid images, from yucky to jolting.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »