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
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  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. Videshi
    Oct 23, 2016
    4
    I really wanted to like this show, because it started out very well, had some great horror elements, and really seemed like it was going to be a genuine mix of science and myth. However, it's written really, really poorly. The writing is beyond lazy. Expect to see a "throw your arms up in surprised disbelief" plot hole at least once per episode.

    Plots are started and then dropped out of    I really wanted to like this show, because it started out very well, had some great horror elements, and really seemed like it was going to be a genuine mix of science and myth. However, it's written really, really poorly. The writing is beyond lazy. Expect to see a "throw your arms up in surprised disbelief" plot hole at least once per episode.

    Plots are started and then dropped out of nowhere all of the time. It's very, very unclear in the first season how it is that the world, or even New York at large, doesn't know about the vampires... Despite the CDC collecting their corpses, the worms that spread them, and all of the bodies from one center they're studying them at vanish (there was only ONE man working in the entire centre, and no one ever checks up on him and his findings were not recorded or given to anyone......?!?). Then even arrest the main character for murder, despite the attacks from vampires being public and very apparent, them having an actual body, actual evidence, a recording they were going to use to inform the CDC (who already would have known, but the evidence plot was dropped too so that just goes away). He's still considered a fugitive two seasons away, which still makes no sense... I can go on and on but I'll stop here.

    So... If you can completely turn your brain off from any kind of reality, then you may enjoy this. Personally, so many "are the writers children?" moments happen that I just found this immensely disappointing.    … Expand
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. RainXIII
    Sep 9, 2015
    5
    The show has a good story, but it is wasted.thanks to the poorly written Characters. In almost every major scene they act completely stupid and waste precious time with meaningless conversations. All in all a good show, but don´t start to think about what happens there, you´ll be disappointed by all those stupid actions the characters perform. With better Characters this show could haveThe show has a good story, but it is wasted.thanks to the poorly written Characters. In almost every major scene they act completely stupid and waste precious time with meaningless conversations. All in all a good show, but don´t start to think about what happens there, you´ll be disappointed by all those stupid actions the characters perform. With better Characters this show could have been so awesome.… Expand
  11. 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.
  12. Galo75
    Aug 26, 2015
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have to say I am utterly disappointed on how this show has been turned into a boring poor imitation of The Walking Dead with no budget. The vampires walking all of a sudden in apartment buildings while the characters are delivering Indian food? Really?! The MASTER looks like the Chupacabras, yes that 1dls low budget film made a few years back. Just terrible. The acting, the chemistry is just not there. I can not believe we are on the 7th episode of Season 2 and NOTHING moves anywhere, I am literally browsing my IPAD during the show as nothing seems to happen until the last five minutes of each episode.

    They recasted Eph's son, good riddance! But the new kid is even worse. Eph is more pumped and is showing more skin for any fans out there, but it looks far distant now from being a researcher. The first episodes were pretty good in season 1, now it has just become a hot mess where bad acting, absence of chemistry between the characters and laughable sequences are sinking this show. Poor Del Toro, he is probably twisting in his grave, no pun.    … Expand
  13. Riddler68
    Aug 19, 2015
    0
    **** terrible. I've been looking forward to this but in the end it's just the worst series I've ever watched. It has no logical aspect, it seems like all the characters there are kind of immune to intelligence, like seriously [SPOILER ALERT] if you would be spitting blood, losing your genitals and hair wouldn't you **** run to the hospital or something? Like what the **** and don't tell**** terrible. I've been looking forward to this but in the end it's just the worst series I've ever watched. It has no logical aspect, it seems like all the characters there are kind of immune to intelligence, like seriously [SPOILER ALERT] if you would be spitting blood, losing your genitals and hair wouldn't you **** run to the hospital or something? Like what the **** and don't tell it's the voice thats telling them not to do so, all 3 or 4 of these survivers from the plane seemed not to be possesed at the beginning and they've been spitting blood... and not just that this women that found her man chained in the shack is **** mentally challanged.... ah look, the movie isn't worth any second of your life so don't waste time with it.… Expand
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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!
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. Realtalkmedia
    Jun 21, 2015
    3
    This show has the most potential I've seen out of shows in the past two years. However IT SUCKS!
    Whoever wrote the dialogue is clueless. They have no sense of situational awareness and don't know how people talk or would react in certain situations. ALSO whoever casted this show is also clueless and whoever designed the Nosferatu (head vampire) is a ripoff artist, they basically took Las    This show has the most potential I've seen out of shows in the past two years. However IT SUCKS!
    Whoever wrote the dialogue is clueless. They have no sense of situational awareness and don't know how people talk or would react in certain situations. ALSO whoever casted this show is also clueless and whoever designed the Nosferatu (head vampire) is a ripoff artist, they basically took Las Plagus from Resident Evil 4 and the Nosferatu from the original 1920's film and tried to coin it off as their own. Each episode gets progressively worse, more far fetched and there is no continuity when it comes to the virus at all. Also either the writers told the main characters to act clueless/oblivious and **** stupid the entire show or these characters are some of the most retarded people ever.

    I've never seen a more brilliant idea get tarnished by a **** production team and half assed script writers. They literally probably watched 10 **** apocalypse type movies and took the most generic **** from each one and just slapped it into their plot. Writing a script, especially when its trying to be realistic fiction, is a very laborious process. You need to pay attention to continuity and realism yet this show by episode 3 it seems like they just said **** it, we'll do what we want".

    VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS SHOW. I'm appalled that this got renewed for another season despite how bad it is, it's literally comparable to a low budget Syfy film, yet the budget per episode is probably infinitely higher, but way way way less entertaining.

    The Rat Cop guy and Old Jewish guy are the only two well produced characters in the show. In fact the only two remotely good things about the show at all. Literally these two characters are the only thing that kept me from turning off this show after the 2nd episode.

    If you are even remotely intelligent and have a sense of basic common sense DO NOT watch this show as it will only frustrate you. Another generic apocalyptic show that has no original properties to it whatsoever.    … Expand
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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...
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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!
  26. jorel75
    Oct 28, 2014
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The problem with Zombie-like - Vampire-like TV or Movie themes, is that it is been there for a very long time, some writers and directors pushed our expectations by introducing twists to what we know to make it engaging e.g. walking dead (Gruesome Season 1) and WWZ - kind of.
    The strain attempts to play on that same tune by introducing Vampires to a Zombie themed series, albeit the acting mostly is good, the scenes are entertaining, the flashback are great, overall the story is not that surprising and when an episode reaches a high climax , it suddenly loses it and replace the climax with a little disappointment. Take the Master, who looked very scary but once they showed us his full face you think, damn that's one awful make up, another area is where he seems extremely powerful but then he is not (season finale showdown) and what with the rewind scene, that was so lame. Same applies to the Zompires who can be extremely tough, yet you can escape them, bash them, shoot them, overpower them with bare hands.
    The characters are cool, although their development from what they are to what they become is too quick.
    Overall, it is good to watch, but not as engaging as I expected.
    The other disappointment is New York city, you really can't really feel the disastrous impact considering the 100s of turned citizens    … Expand
  27. genericusename
    Oct 24, 2014
    6
    It's a decent show. Not great by any means, but it's an enjoyable way to waste an hour. It's campy at times, and the lead actor is, simply put, bad. Still, the supporting cast (especially David Bradley) is strong and most of the effects outside of the Master's look are pretty good. There are also some genuinely scary moments. It's a quality summer show.
  28. ahnehnois
    Oct 11, 2014
    5
    It's really just a long-form B movie. The technical craftsmanship is generally good (though the main bad guy was pretty underwhelming), but characters can be stilted and stereotyped and plot developments are frequently ludicrous.

    For example, the actor playing the lead, a CDC doctor, is quite credible and interesting, but dialogue mistakes at times clearly betray the writers' ignorance    It's really just a long-form B movie. The technical craftsmanship is generally good (though the main bad guy was pretty underwhelming), but characters can be stilted and stereotyped and plot developments are frequently ludicrous.

    For example, the actor playing the lead, a CDC doctor, is quite credible and interesting, but dialogue mistakes at times clearly betray the writers' ignorance of medicine. The vampires are a convincing piece of makeup and special effects work, but they'll kill people instantly or spend ten minutes flailing around trying to catch a fifth grader depending on what the plot demands.

    On the whole, it works not because it is great TV, but simply because it hasn't been done before. A long-form serialized B movie with better production values is not a bad thing. Their take on vampires is interesting, if nonsensical (they keep talking about a vampiric virus, but apparently that in turn is carried by supernatural worms; what kind of infection is this?). Their unoriginal use of Nazis inspires sighs, but the Holocaust survivor turned badass old guy is fun. In the end, the horror tropes; the scares and gore, the lessons the characters learn, the moments of clarity, seem to be enough to make the series' flaws worth bearing. If you're a fan of this sort of thing, anyway.    … Expand
  29. 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
  30. Marviken
    Oct 9, 2014
    0
    The acting is subpar, the plot is a mess with plotholes big as the Grand Canyon, characters are from average to a painful train wreck.
    It´s not the worst show ever, the production value is okej but it just lacks credibility and suspense.
    I love Kevin Durand and he is a good actor but in this he feels like a parody of him self with a crapy accent. There are few redeeming qualities of    The acting is subpar, the plot is a mess with plotholes big as the Grand Canyon, characters are from average to a painful train wreck.
    It´s not the worst show ever, the production value is okej but it just lacks credibility and suspense.
    I love Kevin Durand and he is a good actor but in this he feels like a parody of him self with a crapy accent.
    There are few redeeming qualities of this show. This show is in many ways very similar to Helix which also have crapy actors, bad script, plot holes unlikable characters but at least it had some suspense. You wanted to know what happened next, in the season final of the strain I got so bored I fast forward.

    This could have bin a great show, the "jews" back story was great and was easily a 9 in terms of quality to bad the rest of the show is barley a 5 and the season final wasnt even a 2.

    The "hacker" chick is a joke, she is painfully bad and mister "Holmes" is almost as bad.    … Expand
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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
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