Watch The Strain

The Strain is a thrilling and captivating horror television series that aired on FX from July 2014 to September 2017. The show, created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, is based on their best-selling novel trilogy of the same name. The series stars Corey Stoll, Mia Maestro, David Bradley, and Kevin Durand in the main roles.

The Strain opens with the arrival of a mysterious virus that quickly spreads across New York City. The virus, initially thought to be a strain of influenza, starts to turn people into bloodthirsty creatures called Strigoi. Dr. Ephraim "Eph" Goodweather (Corey Stoll), the head of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in New York City, is tasked with investigating the outbreak. He soon joins forces with Abraham Setrakian (David Bradley), a Holocaust survivor and former vampire hunter, to combat the virus and the Strigoi. Along with Setrakian's colleague and former roommate, Felix (Miguel Gomez), and CDC colleague, Nora (Mia Maestro), Eph sets out on a dangerous mission to stop the virus from spreading and save humanity.

The Strain's unique take on the classic vampire mythos sets it apart from other vampire-themed shows, movies, and books. The Strigoi are not elegant, charming, or glamorous; they are grotesque, violent, and savage. They have elongated stingers that they use to infect their victims with the virus that turns them into Strigoi. The Strigoi are controlled by a master vampire who is intent on creating an army of Strigoi and taking over the world.

The show's cinematography, special effects, and makeup are top-notch. The Strigoi are horrific, and their transformation scenes are genuinely terrifying. The use of practical effects and prosthetics, rather than over-reliance on CGI, makes the show's creatures feel more tangible and real. The show's use of color, particularly red, and its use of shadows and darkness create a sense of danger and unease that permeates throughout the show.

One of the show's strengths is its characters. Corey Stoll's Eph is a complex character struggling with personal demons while battling the virus and the Strigoi. David Bradley's Abraham Setrakian is a fan favorite with his dry wit, tragic backstory, and no-nonsense attitude. Mia Maestro's Nora is a capable and intelligent ally to Eph, with her own heartbreaking backstory. Kevin Durand's Vasiliy Fet is a standout character, an exterminator, and a man with a plan who quickly becomes an essential part of the team.

The Strain also manages to balance its horror elements with humor, particularly through Abraham Setrakian's interactions with the other characters. The show's use of flashbacks to explore characters' backstories, particularly Abraham Setrakian's experiences during the Holocaust, adds depth and dimension to the characters and the show's mythology.

The Strain's first season is its strongest, with its tight pacing, excellent character development, and intriguing mythology. However, the show struggles to maintain its momentum in subsequent seasons, particularly in its third and final season. The show introduces new characters and plotlines that feel somewhat disconnected from the show's original premise, diluting the show's focus and impact.

Overall, The Strain is an engaging and terrifying horror show that offers a fresh take on the vampire mythos. Its characters are compelling, the special effects are impressive, and its mythology is intriguing. While the show's later seasons are not as strong as its first, the show's unique premise and excellent production value make it worth watching for fans of horror and vampire fiction.

The Strain is a series that ran for 4 seasons (46 episodes) between July 13, 2014 and on FX