The Strain: Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

84% Tomatometer 64 Reviews 79% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings

Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, the head of the CDC's New York-based Canary Project, is called upon to investigate when an airplane lands with everybody on board dead. What his team discovers is a viral outbreak that has similarities to an ancient strain of vampirism. As the virus begins to spread, Goodweather works with his team and a group of the city's residents to wage a war that could hold humanity's fate in its hand. The show's executive producers include Oscar-nominated writer Guillermo del Toro and Emmy-winning producer Carlton Cuse.

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The Strain — Season 1

The Strain — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

The Strain makes the most of its familiar themes through an effective mix of supernatural thrills and B-movie gore -- though it may not appeal to everyone.

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Critics Reviews

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The Strain: Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes (1) Danette Chavez Chicago Reader It's this deft switch in tone... that inspires my confidence that interest in The Strain will spread. Jan 24, 2019 Full Review The Strain: Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Jace Lacob BuzzFeed News Some of the most intense and disturbing scenes ever on television. Jan 24, 2019 Full Review The Strain: Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes (3) Randy Cordova Arizona Republic Fans of gore will love what the special effects crew has come up with. These aren't sexy, True Blood-style vampires. Jan 24, 2019 Full Review The Strain: Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes (4) Randy Dankievitch TV Over Mind The Strain concludes its first season as it opened it: loud, shadowy, and stupid. Feb 26, 2020 Full Review The Strain: Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes (5) Álvaro P. Ruiz de Elvira El Pais (Spain) A B series in all its aspects. [Full Review in Spanish] Nov 15, 2018 Full Review The Strain: Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes (6) Robin Pierce Starburst There is a real sense of urgency and mounting dread as the series unfolds. It never slows down, it never lets up. Rated: 9/10 Nov 15, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (146) audience reviews

D K I think this thing is a bit overrated. I know I'm watching it later than it aired but it has some really stupid decisions by its supposedly smart people. Leaving several strigoi alive that would have saved others if they were killed is the biggest fallacy. Matt, for example, so he could infect the wife, was a clumsy plot device. Clumsier still is they fail to recognize how stupid this was and leave the wife alive too so she can become a big thorn in their side in the future. The deliberately slow plodding pace to which they attempt to kill "the master" allowing him to escape in season's end was also poorly done. You expect better with someone like Del Toro in front. Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/09/24 Full Review Juan Carlos A Really good series. Very creative vampire story. different. Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/24/23 Full Review saby s Overall good, entertaining though predictable in parts. The CGI and makeupp was mostly good .. until the showed the Master. He looks like clown! And not a scary one like in zombieland, but a funny, second rate, bad prosthetics clown. Takes the scariness and tension right away whenever he appears. Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/18/23 Full Review Kronos B A bloody outstanding TV show that sets a new standard for supernatural thrillers. The storytelling is exceptional, weaving together horror, suspense, and mystery with surprising twists. The production quality is impeccable, from stunning visuals to haunting cinematography. The talented cast delivers extraordinary performances, led by Corey Stoll and David Bradley. The character development is excellent, and the world-building is immersive. Definitely a must-watch, offering a thrilling and captivating experience throughout. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/13/23 Full Review Zane S Ah, "The Strain." Is this the vampire-based horror TV series many were thirsting for, or just another washed-up reimagining of classic lore? Brace yourselves because your ol' Grumps is here to dissect the mess of a show that struggled to keep its head above water.The show's premise is based on Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan's novel trilogy. It revolves around a CDC team, led by Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, that must combat an ancient vampire-virus hybrid threatening to annihilate humanity. With del Toro and Hogan involved, you'd think it could only be a feast for the senses, right? Well, not quite, so let me give you a rundown of its strengths and weaknesses before labelling it a masterpiece or a catastrophic disaster.First, I'll consider where this show didn't completely botch the job. The special effects and makeup deserve praise, as they render the grotesque vampires convincingly spine-chilling. The set designs were convincing enough to make one feel the impending doom lurking around every corner of New York City.Despite these impressive visual elements, "The Strain" tries to revive a tired idea by mashing together unremarkable characters and monotonous subplots. It seems as if the creators just threw in every cliché imaginable in hopes that something would stick, from the alcoholic protagonist to his estranged family or the WWII flashbacks to battling vampires while sacrificing depth in the process.The pacing seems to have been directed by a drunk tortoise, stuttering along at a snail's pace one moment and then wildly sprinting in another. Our motley crew of heroes fights for survival, but it's hard not to wish for just a little respite from their company.Don't get me started on the overall acting quality; it ranges from decent to downright abysmal, like a drunken karaoke night where you're stuck with people you'd rather avoid. The characters and their relationships are about as deep as a puddle after a light rainfall, making it difficult to build empathy with any of them.In summary, "The Strain" has some creative ideas, but its execution falls pitifully short of its potential. Trapped in its sluggish pacing and haunted by the ghosts of clichés, the show barely earns over a brief nod of acknowledgment for its special effects and vampire design. As much as it pains me, I must give "The Strain" a dismal score of 1 out of 5. That's right, kids, you're better off sinking your teeth into the creators' literary works or searching for another, less strain-inducing TV outing to sate your appetite for vampires.So there you have it, a show that could've been a highlight in the realm of horror, now miserably lurking in the shadows of mediocrity. Trust your ol' Grumps to tell it like it is; you'll never be led astray. If you'll excuse me, I have more ghastly spectacles waiting to be critiqued! Farewell, and remember – not everything that glitters is gold, and certainly not this strain-ful attempt at modern vampire fiction. Rated 1/5 Stars • Rated 1 out of 5 stars 05/23/23 Full Review Anthony L I really enjoyed the new take on the "Vampire" or Stregoi as they are called in the strain. The cast was excellent and had real chemistry throughout. The story was so well written it kept me interested and entertained. I couldn't wait until season 2. Definitely one of the best horror/action series I have seen in a long time. Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Strain — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

David Bradley Professor Abraham Setrakian Corey Stoll Dr. Ephraim Goodweather Kevin Durand Vasiliy Fet Mía Maestro Dr. Nora Martinez Richard Sammel Thomas Eichhorst Natalie Brown Kelly Goodweather
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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jul 13, 2014 Night Zero Dr. Ephraim Goodweather and his team investigate a plane that lands in New York City with everyone on board dead; pawnbroker Abraham Setrakian is convinced that something sinister is beginning. Details Episode 2 Aired Jul 20, 2014 The Box The four survivors begin manifesting strange symptoms, but Eph and Nora's attempt to quarantine them is thwarted; Setrakian receives a surprise visit from an old acquaintance. Details Episode 3 Aired Jul 27, 2014 Gone Smooth Eph and Nora fight to save Capt. Redfern's life; a spike in rat attacks signals Fet that something inexplicable is happening below the city; Setrakian begins his own merciless plan to stop the spread of the disease. Details Episode 4 Aired Aug 3, 2014 It's Not For Everyone A secret autopsy demonstrates the bizarre progression of the mystery virus; Eph and Nora race to find the father of the youngest victim of the plane tragedy; Ansel takes desperate measures to protect his family. Details Episode 5 Aired Aug 10, 2014 Runaways Eph reluctantly joins Setrakian's quest in hopes of gathering enough evidence to warrant a citywide quarantine; Fet encounters the unexpected inside the subway tunnels; a medical emergency threatens Palmer's master plan. Details Episode 6 Aired Aug 17, 2014 Occultation It's the beginning of the end as Setrakian realizes that the upcoming eclipse is the apex for viral infection; meanwhile, Eph is arrested after warning Kelly to leave with Zack before the plague spreads; Eichhorst has one last job for Gus. Details Episode 7 Aired Aug 24, 2014 For Services Rendered Setrakian, Eph and Nora formulate a plan to track down the Master using Jim as bait; Eichhorst and Setrakian's pasts are revealed; Neeva struggles to protect the children while encountering a mysterious stranger. Details Episode 8 Aired Aug 31, 2014 Creatures of the Night Setrakian gains a new and unlikely disciple after discovering the potency of ultraviolet light against the strigoi; a quick trip to a Brooklyn convenience store turns into a deadly all-night siege. Details Episode 9 Aired Sep 7, 2014 The Disappeared Eph learns that Kelly is missing; Dutch reveals her role in Palmer's plan; Gus is forced to make a difficult decision about Felix. Details Episode 10 Aired Sep 14, 2014 Loved Ones Eph investigates Kelly's disappearance and struggles with what he finds; Dutch pursues a plan to retaliate against Palmer; Fitzwilliam makes a surprising choice. Details Episode 11 Aired Sep 21, 2014 The Third Rail Setrakian leads Eph, Fet and Nora in the hunt for the Master's lair; Zack risks his safety for Mariela's sake. Details Episode 12 Aired Sep 28, 2014 Last Rites Dutch returns with a plan to broadcast Eph's warning about the vampiric plague; Eichhorst launches his own attack against the pawn shop; Palmer receives a special visitor; Gus gears up for the on-coming fight. Details Episode 13 Aired Oct 5, 2014 The Master Eph and Fet recon for an all-out assault that Setrakian assures them will finally kill the Master; Gus aligns himself with a strange new force. Details

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The Strain — Season 1

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Director
Peter Weller

Executive Producer
Guillermo del Toro, Chuck Hogan, Carlton Cuse, Gary Ungar

Network
FX

Rating
TV-MA

Genre
Drama, Fantasy, Mystery & Thriller

Original Language
English

Release Date
Jul 13, 2014
The Strain: Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

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