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Aflevering
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De Amerikanen

De Amerikanen

20138
DramaMisdaad
Uitgebracht
30 jan 2013
Land
Verenigde Staten
Producties
DreamWorks TelevisionNemofilmsAmblin TelevisionFox Television StudiosFox 21 Television StudiosFX Productions
In de jaren 80, tijdens de Koude Oorlog, vertelt The Americans het verhaal van Elizabeth en Philip Jennings, twee Sovjet-KGB-agenten die zich voordoen als een Amerikaans echtpaar in de voorsteden van Washington D.C., en hun buurman Stan Beeman, een FBI-counterintelligentieagent.

About

Quick guide

Cold War spy drama set in suburban Washington, D.C. The series follows two KGB officers masquerading as a married couple.

The Americans follows Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, Soviet agents living undercover in a 1980s American suburb. Their routine family life masks covert operations that pit them against the FBI, especially agent Stan Beeman, who becomes a reluctant ally and friend. Over five seasons the show blends espionage, family drama, and moral questions as the couple balances loyalty to homeland and each other. With realistic dialogue and a tense atmosphere it explores how secrets fracture relationships while reflecting the paranoia of the Cold War era.

What to know

  • Story set during the 1980s Cold War.
  • Philip and Elizabeth pose as a suburban family.
  • Focus on tension between espionage work and family life.
  • FBI agent Stan Beeman is a key counterintelligence figure.
  • Realistic dialogue and period details.
  • Slow‑burn pacing and psychological depth.
  • Themes of loyalty, identity, and moral ambiguity.

Watch if

If you enjoy character‑driven drama with a steady build of tension, deep moral questions, and a realistic look at Cold War espionage, The Americans offers a slow‑burn narrative that rewards careful attention to dialogue and detail.

Skip if

Skip this show if you prefer fast‑paced action, frequent on‑screen violence, or light, uncomplicated plots. The Americans is dialogue‑heavy, slow‑burning, and deals with complex, often bleak themes.

crime violencedark tonedialogue heavyinvestigation heavylanguage strongmature themespolitical themespsychological elementssuspensefulwar themes
Cold War Context
The series is set in the 1980s, a time of heightened tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. It captures the paranoia of the era through news broadcasts, political rhetoric, and everyday life, creating a backdrop that informs every covert operation and personal decision made by the characters.
The Jennings Family
Elizabeth and Philip Jennings present themselves as a typical American married couple living in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. Their children, Henry and Paige, are part of their facade, while the couple secretly runs missions for the KGB. The show examines how they balance family responsibilities with the demands of espionage, often at great personal cost.
Stan Beeman's Role
Stan Beeman is a senior FBI counterintelligence agent who initially views the Jennings as suspects but gradually becomes entangled in their world. As a neighbor and friend, he must confront his own loyalties while protecting his family and job. His perspective offers a human counterpoint to the spies' clandestine operations.
Themes of Loyalty
Loyalty is a central theme, explored from multiple angles: loyalty to one's country, to a spouse, and to personal values. The series presents dilemmas where each character must choose between duty and love, illustrating the costs of such conflicts and the psychological strain they impose on individuals caught between two worlds.
Narrative Pacing
Unlike typical spy thrillers, The Americans adopts a slow‑burn approach, allowing character arcs to unfold gradually. Episodes are dialogue‑heavy and often focus on the domestic consequences of covert actions, creating a tense atmosphere that rewards patient viewers.
Production & Reception
Created by Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields, the show was produced by FX and filmed primarily in New York City and Washington, D.C. It received critical acclaim for its writing, performances, and historical authenticity, earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards over its five‑season run.

FAQ

22 Q&A
Who are the main characters in The Americans?
The core of the series are Philip and Elizabeth Jennings, a married Soviet spy couple living undercover, and Stan Beeman, an FBI counterintelligence agent who becomes their neighbor and occasional ally. The show also follows their children Henry and Paige, and various supporting figures.
What is the premise of the show?
The series follows the Jennings as they navigate life as a suburban family while carrying out covert KGB missions in the United States. Their dual identities create tension between personal relationships and professional duties. The story unfolds over five seasons.
How historically accurate is The Americans?
While the show is a fictional drama, it draws heavily from real Cold War events, political rhetoric, and cultural details. The production team consulted historians and former spies to ensure realistic portrayals of Soviet and American intelligence operations. Some elements are dramatized for storytelling.
Is this series suitable for teenagers?
The Americans contains mature themes, strong language, and occasional violence, making it more appropriate for adult viewers. Teenagers should be mindful of the complex moral issues presented. It is not a family‑friendly series.
What is the main theme of The Americans?
The show centers on loyalty and identity, exploring how the protagonists balance their national allegiance with their personal relationships. It examines the psychological toll of espionage and the moral ambiguity that arises from living a double life.
How many seasons and episodes does the show have?
The series ran for five seasons, comprising 75 episodes in total. Each season consists of 13 to 17 episodes, with the final season containing 20 episodes.
When did the show originally air?
The first season premiered in January 2013 on FX, and the show concluded with its fifth season in May 2018.
Who created The Americans?
The series was created by former CIA officer Joe Weisberg and his writing partner Joel Fields, who served as executive producers and head writers throughout the show’s run.
Are there any real historical events depicted?
Yes, the show references real events such as the Iran–Contra affair, the Reagan administration, and the fall of the Soviet Union. These moments are woven into the narrative to enhance authenticity.
Is there any real footage or archival material used?
The production incorporated archival news footage and period‑appropriate graphics to reinforce the 1980s setting. However, the primary scenes are staged and scripted.
Who is Stan Beeman’s role?
Stan Beeman is a senior FBI counterintelligence agent who initially suspects the Jennings but later becomes both an adversary and a reluctant ally. His interactions with the spies highlight the moral complexities of intelligence work.
Are there any recurring side characters?
The series features recurring figures such as Midge, a former KGB agent turned FBI informant, and Renee, a police officer with a hidden past. These characters add depth to the espionage network.
Does the show contain nudity or explicit scenes?
The series includes occasional nudity and sexual content, but it is largely focused on the psychological aspects rather than eroticism. The scenes are presented within the context of the characters’ relationships.
What kind of language is used?
The dialogue contains strong language, profanity, and occasional political rhetoric. This adds realism to the characters’ conversations and reflects the tense atmosphere of the era.
How does the show handle gender roles in espionage?
Both Elizabeth and Philip subvert traditional gender expectations by sharing duties and making strategic decisions. The show examines the power dynamics within a spy partnership and family structure.
Does the show explore technological aspects of espionage?
Yes, the series portrays period technology such as tape recorders, hidden microphones, and early computing devices, illustrating how spies adapted to limited resources.
Is the show available on streaming platforms?
As of 2024, The Americans is available for streaming on platforms such as Hulu, FXNOW, and Amazon Prime Video in certain regions. Availability may vary by country.
Are there any behind‑the‑scenes documentaries?
The series has a companion documentary that delves into production choices, historical research, and interviews with the cast and crew. It provides insight into the show’s creative process.
How has the series been received by critics?
Critics praised The Americans for its strong writing, complex characters, and atmospheric setting. It earned numerous awards, including Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
How does the show end?
The series concludes with the Jennings’ final covert operation and the resolution of several long‑running storylines. The ending is reflective and underscores the costs of a life of secrecy.
Does The Americans have a spin‑off?
As of now, no official spin‑offs have been produced, but the series has inspired related projects and discussions within the spy‑drama community.
What is the runtime of each episode?
Each episode runs approximately 43 to 45 minutes, fitting within a one‑hour television slot.

Acteurs

Keri Russell
Keri Russell
Elizabeth Jennings
Matthew Rhys
Matthew Rhys
Phillip Jennings
Holly Taylor
Holly Taylor
Paige Jennings
Keidrich Sellati
Keidrich Sellati
Henry Jennings
Noah Emmerich
Noah Emmerich
Stan Beeman
Costa Ronin
Costa Ronin
Oleg Igorevich Burov
Margo Martindale
Margo Martindale
Claudia