379 reviews
Pretty Entertaining
The Strain is about a viral outbreak in New York City that turns you into a vampire. It follows a team, led by the head of CDC and other residents of the city, as they look for a cure to this virus all the while as they wage war against the evil that plagues their city. It's a show that never slows down and at times doesn't make a whole lot of sense but you'll still have a good time watching it. The best thing about this show is Corey Stoll, who finally gets a job as a lead on a show and he doesn't disappoint. This show may not be for everyone but for anyone who enjoys a good vampire or supernatural show then you'll probably enjoy this too.
The kid...oh the kid
- cantordelanoche
- Aug 21, 2017
- Permalink
Everyone is right... the kid
Everyone is so right about the kid. The kid from the first season is okay but the new kid actor they got after him ruined the show!! He's a terrible actor i'm sorry :(
- yenifersay
- Jul 18, 2021
- Permalink
Interesting!
I finally finished watching The Strain recently and have to say I really enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I'm a fan of vampire genre and deadly outbreak type shows so I'm not really sure why I out it off for so long. This is a lot different than any other vampire/deadly virus show that I've ever seen. I was definitely entertained from start to finish. All the characters and their background stories were all very interesting. Like most shows there are a few annoying characters but for the most part they're all pretty good. They also reward you with a great ending for sticking with it through the four seasons. It's hard to stick a good ending that is satisfying but this show pulls it off.
- Supermanfan-13
- Nov 5, 2022
- Permalink
[7.6] Worth watching for Richard Sammel performance alone
A superb drama, fantasy, horror series by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. I loved its uncompromising vibe and atmosphere, its "gruesome" screenplay, its near outstanding development and to some great extents its acting, besides Corey Stoll and Max charles who nearly undermined the series flow, especially in the last season.
One of the few series that truly combines horrific screenplay, storyline plots and gripping visual effects since the first episode.
Highly recommended and one of Guillermo del Toro's brightest and finest works.
One of the few series that truly combines horrific screenplay, storyline plots and gripping visual effects since the first episode.
Highly recommended and one of Guillermo del Toro's brightest and finest works.
- Screenplay/storyline/plots: 7.5
- Development: 8.5
- Realism: 7.5
- Entertainment: 8.5
- Acting: 7.5
- Filming/photography/cinematography: 9
- VFX: 8
- Music/score/sound: 8
- Depth: 7
- Logic: 5.5
- Flow: 8
- Drama/fantasy/horror: 7.5
- Ending: 7.
I like the show but I HATE that kid!!!!
- berry-54430
- Aug 29, 2016
- Permalink
Great watch if you don't nit-pick too hard
Yes, it has its flaws. It's full of plot holes and annoying over-used tropes. Yes, the kid character is incredibly annoying but I guess he drives the plot forward. Yes, the actor playing the kid is terrible and only has two emotions: Squinting with his mouth closed and squinting with his mouth open. Yes, in classic horror movie fashion everybody takes horrible decisions, they don't make sure their mortal enemy is actually dead, they go on silly speeches before going for the kill, allowing the antagonist to escape.
But overall, it was pretty enjoyable and different.
Great acting, apart from the kid.
7/10.
But overall, it was pretty enjoyable and different.
Great acting, apart from the kid.
7/10.
- chrismugea
- Jan 22, 2023
- Permalink
I HATE THAT KID
I loved the series. Would have been much better if they killed off Zack in season 1. That kid was a worthless character. But other than that aggravating annoyance, the series was great. I was hooked from the beginning.
- allisoncarroll1971
- Aug 16, 2022
- Permalink
Single most annoying character in tv history
A refreshing take on classic vampire / zombie shows
I recently decided to watch "The Strain" as my Halloween series over October and can say I was pleasantly surprised by how well the story unfolded. The main characters, aside from the kid, were all fantastic. This show has a good balance of story telling, along with action and drama to keep you entertained. Furthermore, they did not stretch it out too long. 4 seasons was the perfect amount and the ending was good / provides closure to the series.
Reading other reviews I did see a lot of negative comments regarding the kid. And while I agree he was not a great actor nor did his decision end of season 3 make much sense, I feel that season 4 built on his character a lot and made the ending more satisfying.
Reading other reviews I did see a lot of negative comments regarding the kid. And while I agree he was not a great actor nor did his decision end of season 3 make much sense, I feel that season 4 built on his character a lot and made the ending more satisfying.
- williehayes-33689
- Nov 7, 2023
- Permalink
I never thought a character could be more unlikable than Joffrey or Ramsey from GOT....
But this kid has got them beat hands down! I like the show overall and he's the only part of the show I could do without.
- bdizz-44734
- Apr 28, 2018
- Permalink
Even Better Today in 2022
- TheConChronicles
- Nov 3, 2022
- Permalink
Start out strong then fizzled
I like Del Torro's work so I was anticipating this show for some time. It started off strong, good concept, different take on things & I enjoyed maybe the first half of the season. The effects were good for TV. Then it became cheesy & super predictable. The acting from some of the cast was barely mediocre. The boy/son was hard to watch, he came off bratty & not a great actor (sorry, I know he's a kid) The ending, I won't spoil but was disappointing for a season finale. I highly doubt I will tune in for season 2 when there are so many other, better put together shows available like The Knick or Penny Dreadful. The best story line was about the old man when he was younger but that was it. Sorry, not a fan.
Couldn't go past season 2
- kefacatoncu
- Jul 22, 2017
- Permalink
My Progress Through This Series
Season 1: I was so excited I could not stop watching it. I love Vampire stories but not like Twilight, you are not supposed to fall in love with vampires. That is why I could not get into Twilight... but this story has got me completely hooked and I cannot wait to see what is in store for us in the coming seasons.
Season 2: So far I am absolutely loving this series, here is my character assessment.
Zach - He is a complete JERK and I am not sure what I would do if I was Eph, probably let him go.
Fet - What can I say about Fet except he is the epitome of machismo and I absolutely LOVE his sense of humor and MAN is he sexy!!!!
Setrakian - This character from the beginning caught my attention and I want to know how his character turns out.
Season 2: So far I am absolutely loving this series, here is my character assessment.
Zach - He is a complete JERK and I am not sure what I would do if I was Eph, probably let him go.
Fet - What can I say about Fet except he is the epitome of machismo and I absolutely LOVE his sense of humor and MAN is he sexy!!!!
Setrakian - This character from the beginning caught my attention and I want to know how his character turns out.
- gogreenlmenvironmental
- May 1, 2023
- Permalink
Amazingly dark
Do not listen to the bad reviews, this TV show makes you want to watch more. Great acting and great writing. Each series gets darker and you see more character development as the world descends into chaos. Guillermo Del Toro has made a fantastic TV series worth watching.
- acochrane-95980
- Feb 20, 2020
- Permalink
Starts as interesting homage to Bram Stoker's classic novel 'Dracula' - and is soon let down by mediocre writing
- gogoschka-1
- Jul 13, 2014
- Permalink
Has potential, if the writing doesn't kill it.
An interesting show with potential, but it's still too early for the jury to render a verdict. The cliché characters could be it's undoing. The writers need to stop insulting the intelligence of their audience and do their homework. As indicated by other reviewers, the CDC would never handle a biological threat in such an off-handed casual manner. And would anybody really believe they would allow a single corner to undertake the autopsies of an entire plane of dead passengers? We get it's science fiction but please don't insult the intelligence of the audience with such blatant plot flaws. This show has the potential to be another Walking Dead, but if the sloppy writing continues it will just be plain dead. My finger are crossed with hopes of some better writing to follow.
- scott-desalliers
- Jul 23, 2014
- Permalink
Don't trust the bad reviews, either they've seen just a few eps or wrong audience
I'll start off by saying that this series compelled me to create an IMDb account.
There are many things that makes this show one of my all time favorites: 1) The intense, noir setting 2) No unwanted random scenes (Everything contributes to the plot) 3) Fast paced (the beginning is a little slow but it's very gripping) 4) Del Torro and his direction 5) Great animation and CGI 6) Very believable and rational story line 7) Dark atmosphere and background 8) Apocalypse and survival strategies
I'm a person that enjoys dark, intense setting with good story line and action I love shows like Death Note (anime), Lost, Game of thrones, the 100, etc
If you like any of the above mentioned shows or a thrilling, dark themed apocalyptic series, you're going to absolutely love this!
People who are asking so many questions right at the beginning of the show and are calling this stupid, are dumb AF. Literally everything is explained as the show goes on!
The first episode is captivating to say the least. It's a little slow after that, but it picks up pace real quick and from that point on wards it's one crazy ride with some kick-ass characters and a dark, apocalyptic atmosphere.
There are many things that makes this show one of my all time favorites: 1) The intense, noir setting 2) No unwanted random scenes (Everything contributes to the plot) 3) Fast paced (the beginning is a little slow but it's very gripping) 4) Del Torro and his direction 5) Great animation and CGI 6) Very believable and rational story line 7) Dark atmosphere and background 8) Apocalypse and survival strategies
I'm a person that enjoys dark, intense setting with good story line and action I love shows like Death Note (anime), Lost, Game of thrones, the 100, etc
If you like any of the above mentioned shows or a thrilling, dark themed apocalyptic series, you're going to absolutely love this!
People who are asking so many questions right at the beginning of the show and are calling this stupid, are dumb AF. Literally everything is explained as the show goes on!
The first episode is captivating to say the least. It's a little slow after that, but it picks up pace real quick and from that point on wards it's one crazy ride with some kick-ass characters and a dark, apocalyptic atmosphere.
- leoabir-07756
- Aug 23, 2017
- Permalink
Good Vamp fun
I've been really looking forward to this series having read the books and thinking they were perfect for TV. The casting has been spot on, although John Hurt leaving was a bit of a disappointment, everyone has been good. COry Stoll's hair however seems a bit off putting. It is a series I'd recommend binge watching however as I think the sense of urgency from the books has somewhat lost for the weekly episodal first series. The great thing about the approach to the old and tested vampire mythology here is that it's fresh mix of science and religion. This will be expanded upon in the coming series which is good to hear. Only other complaint is the Master. Abandoning CGI effects for more traditional left him looking a bit more comical than intimidating for me unfortunately. That left aside however it's movie quality stuff in a TV series and worth a watch for any horror fan - updated now for the 3rd series, unlike the books which gallop along at an excellent pace this is being drawn out with unnecessary fluff. Unfortunate that.
- jonnytheshirt
- Oct 15, 2014
- Permalink
Cheesy fun!
I Love this series. It's cheesy as hell, but at the same time highly entertaining if you can accept it for what it is.
The take on the vampire theme is very unique, you could enjoy it for that alone.
Production is mostly good, cgi is ok and not annoying.
Acting is between acceptable and top notch, the actor playing Eichhorst does a great job and so do some others from the cast. Both child actors are horrible tbh.
Setting and scenery are well worked in.
The story is quite cheesy, with a lot of deus ex machina moments where main characters survive unsurvivavle situations. But that doesn't stop you from being highly entertained at the same time. Also the good guys and the bad guys being a genius at one moment and incredibly dumb 3 seconds later is something that happens quite often. But somehow the show manages to work that in without making you lose your interest.
Tldr: embrace it for what it is and you'll have a great time watching it!
The take on the vampire theme is very unique, you could enjoy it for that alone.
Production is mostly good, cgi is ok and not annoying.
Acting is between acceptable and top notch, the actor playing Eichhorst does a great job and so do some others from the cast. Both child actors are horrible tbh.
Setting and scenery are well worked in.
The story is quite cheesy, with a lot of deus ex machina moments where main characters survive unsurvivavle situations. But that doesn't stop you from being highly entertained at the same time. Also the good guys and the bad guys being a genius at one moment and incredibly dumb 3 seconds later is something that happens quite often. But somehow the show manages to work that in without making you lose your interest.
Tldr: embrace it for what it is and you'll have a great time watching it!
- masta_maze
- Apr 28, 2023
- Permalink
Finally watching S:4 in 2024
I originally joined the series in 2015, watching the first two seasons. I enjoyed it..... enough.... to continue through the 3rd season when it was released.
Many folks complain about the actor who portrayed Zack. Yes, the actor was not the best, however, the actor was not the main problem. It's the character. What an absolutely stupid kid! His character and character choices are so poorly written. The actions he makes, which do drive the story forward, could have EASILY been written for anyone of the 'bad guys'.
When S:4 was released, I didn't even watch. I had no desire to.
However, here I am in 2024 on S:4,E1 giving it a shot.
I am already annoyed with Zack....
Many folks complain about the actor who portrayed Zack. Yes, the actor was not the best, however, the actor was not the main problem. It's the character. What an absolutely stupid kid! His character and character choices are so poorly written. The actions he makes, which do drive the story forward, could have EASILY been written for anyone of the 'bad guys'.
When S:4 was released, I didn't even watch. I had no desire to.
However, here I am in 2024 on S:4,E1 giving it a shot.
I am already annoyed with Zack....
I love this series!
Been meaning to get more into it I watched around 6 years ago before I was doing reviews even then I loved The Strain. Very interesting especially the Sci-Fi/horror aspects, some of it is a little stale but for the most part worth watching! Nice to see Corey Stoll with hair most projects he doesn't have any he looks better with hair. For someone has a lot of sleep struggles I'm gonna thoroughly enjoy a series like this that has a lot with investigating weird phenomena's and various other occurrences. There's not enough horror series or at least not enough that aren't about zombies or poorly made teenager shows, I'm surprised there's not more like Fringe or creatures I'd love that.
- UniqueParticle
- May 22, 2023
- Permalink
Very nice
The pilot looked very promising and it just started getting better and better. The story is very nice and the effects are quite good for cable television.
The acting is nice but is not the main point of the show, some characters are not as believable as they should but generally it is pretty good.
Of course I am a little biased since this like apocalypse stuff + vampires + fallen angels and all kind of stuff that I love.
Anyhow if you don't like the genre then don't watch it just because of Del Torro. It is not like super original and incredible enough to make a fan of someone that is not a fan of the genre.
The acting is nice but is not the main point of the show, some characters are not as believable as they should but generally it is pretty good.
Of course I am a little biased since this like apocalypse stuff + vampires + fallen angels and all kind of stuff that I love.
Anyhow if you don't like the genre then don't watch it just because of Del Torro. It is not like super original and incredible enough to make a fan of someone that is not a fan of the genre.
Season 2 ruined a perfectly good thing
Review for Season 2: The Strain very quickly turned to absolute garbage after the end of Season 1. It's mainly the writers' and the directors' fault. Most of the actors did the best they could with what they were given. And the special effects were still okay though not as good as Season 1. It's truly the story that took a turn for the worst. And it was impossible to care about anyone when their choices become so unbelievable. But the most grating part was the new actor for the boy, Zach, who the writers and directors chose to let play the most annoying character imaginable. I almost didn't finish this season. And I certainly won't be wasting my time on Season 3 or 4. Such a shame when Season 1 was such a promising beginning.
- dopefishie
- May 24, 2020
- Permalink