The Strain
Seen it?2014 | 4 seasons | 44 min | Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama, Mystery
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and sci-fi fans. If you loved True Blood or The Originals, start here.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- 4 seasons: a few months of evenings, episodes of about 44 minutes, about 34 hours in all.
- What might put you off
- Rated TV-MA: meant for adults.
A high concept thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team, and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers, wage war for the fate of humanity itself.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
84% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.5 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 DGA Award.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Ran for 4 seasons and reached a wide audience
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 560K people sought it out in the past year
Season by season
The show overall is a Saturday Special. Here's how each season stacks up; Season 4 is the high point.
Season 12014 · 13 episodes · 7.3 out of 10Sunday
Season 22015 · 13 episodes · 6.8 out of 10Weeknight- Season 32016 · 10 episodes · 7.0 out of 10Sunday
- Season 42017 · 10 episodes · 7.4 out of 10Sunday
Trailer
More like this
True Blood Saturday SpecialAnother vampire fantasy series, and a Saturday Special.
The Walking Dead: Dead City Sunday Safe BetAnother survival drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Originals
Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved vampire fantasy series.
Z Nation Weeknight WatchAnother survival mystery, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Last of Us Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed survival drama.
Cast & crew
Created by Guillermo del Toro, Carlton Cuse
- Corey StollEphraim Goodweather
- Kevin DurandVasiliy Fet
- Miguel GómezGus Elizalde
- David BradleyAbraham Setrakian
- Jonathan HydeEldritch Palmer
- Richard SammelThomas Eichorst
- Max CharlesZach Goodweather
- Ruta GedmintasDutch Velders
- Rupert Penry-JonesMr. Quinlan