The Americans: Season 1
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 30, 2013
  • Season #: 1
Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
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  1. Hitfix
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    Jan 30, 2013
    91
    Based on the admittedly small sample size of two episodes, The Americans feels like it could very comfortably slot in with the upper tier of FX dramas. That's about as good as it gets.
  2. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Jan 28, 2013
    91
    The Americans enthralls with its complexities, simplicities and overall derring-do.
  3. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    Jan 28, 2013
    91
    Smart newcomer with a pair of leads that turns The Americans into a likely winner.
  4. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Rob Brunner
    Jan 18, 2013
    91
    [An] absorbing spy thriller. [25 Jan/1 Feb 2013, p.113]
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  5. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Dorothy Rabinowitz
    Jan 25, 2013
    90
    The Americans unfolds a thoroughly seductive tale of sleeper KGB agents.
  6. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Jan 23, 2013
    90
    It's too early to really judge Americans against Homeland, but if the latter is getting away from what hooked you in the first place, then you might find what you're missing on Americans.
  7. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Gail Pennington
    Jan 30, 2013
    88
    The Americans isn't just a heart-pounding action drama; by presenting heroes who are also villains, it also confronts viewers with TV's deepest moral dilemma since "The Sopranos."
  8. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Paige Wiser
    Jan 29, 2013
    88
    It's a fresh, compelling story about a couple of KGB operatives pretending to live the American dream as a married couple with kids in suburban Washington, D.C.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 134 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 36
  3. Negative: 4 out of 36
  1. boiler613
    10
    Great pilot! To begin, what's not to like about a spy thriller set in the 80's with a huge twist. It actually had me, a patriotic military member, routing for the Ruskies. The character relationships are off to a great start and will no doubt become more in depth as well as a huge part of the show. I can't wait for the next episode! I still don't know if I should be routing for the FBI or the sleeper agents!… Full Review »
  2. theahsanhaseeb
    9
    The Americans may prove to be one of the best series of 2013 in the upcoming episodes. The premise is excellent, no one has touched it on the television level and it is an absolute treat to watch this, hats off to FX for making this project. Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell, the two lead cast members are wonderful, their characters seem believable especially with the merger of their personal lives with their professional lives. It's a shame that FX has been making wonderful series like the Shield, Nip/Tuck, Sons of Anarchy, Justified, American Horror Story and now, the Americans, but doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Maybe it's time when that happened. I waited so long to watch it and I must say that the pilot didn't ruin the anticipation but that doesn't mean it had the best start.. The beginning is superb, but the rest of the episode doesn't seem too exciting with the exception of the ending which gives rise to a whole new intense future of the series. You can't judge the entire show on the basis of only one episode, so we are gonna have to wait for how things turn out to be. The Americans, if dealt with properly, might become one of the best series in no time and possibly get nominated for major awards.… Full Review »
  3. stormD23
    10
    Brilliantly written, acted, and directed. Russel and Rhys are perfect in their roles, and the dynamic between their characters is excellent. "The Americans" is a top tier, prestigious show, that only comes around once in a blue moon. It will fit in perfectly with shows like Homeland, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Justified, and Mad Men.… Full Review »
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