The Americans (2013)
A measured Cold War drama unfolds as KGB spies live a tense, gritty suburban life in 1980s Washington.
Set during the Cold War period in the 1980s, The Americans is the story of Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, two Soviet KGB officers posing as an American married couple in the suburbs of Washington D.C. and their neighbor, Stan Beeman, an FBI Counterintelligence agent.
How intense is The Americans?
The Americans is mildly scary, with light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated TV-MA.
What The Americans feels like
- Tone
- tensegrittysuspensefulmelancholyatmospheric
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream The Americans
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 10, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Americans for you?
Is The Americans scary?
Only a little. The Americans has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is The Americans gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is The Americans sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is The Americans OK for kids?
It is rated TV-MA, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 1, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3.
Where can I stream The Americans?
The Americans is streaming on Hulu.
Does The Americans have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Bittersweet. It earns its ending, but not everyone gets what they want.
Cast and crew
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