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The Strain

The Strain

20147
DramaMystikkSci-Fi og Fantasy
Utgitt
13. juli 2014
Land
USA
Produksjoner
MiradaDouble Dare You
Et høykonseptthriller som forteller historien om Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, leder for CDCs Canary Team i New York City. Han og teamet hans blir kalt til å etterforske et mystisk virusutbrudd med kjennetegn ved en gammel og ond vampyrisk stamme. Etter hvert som stammen spres, kjemper Eph, teamet hans og en samling av vanlige New Yorkere for menneskehetens skjebne.

About

Quick guide

A city‑wide battle against an ancient vampire virus.

The Strain follows Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, head of the CDC’s New‑York Canary team, as he and his crew confront a mysterious viral outbreak that bears the hallmarks of an ancient vampiric strain. Over four seasons, the team fights the spreading infection while uncovering a dark conspiracy involving political corruption and a powerful master vampire. The series blends horror and drama, showcasing tense investigations, rapid‑paced action, and an atmosphere thick with dread and intrigue.

What to know

  • Four seasons, 46 episodes total
  • Premiered July 13 2014, concluded September 17 2017
  • Episodes run 39–70 minutes each
  • Created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan
  • Focus on CDC Canary project and viral outbreak
  • Mix of horror, mystery, and political drama
  • Contains graphic violence and strong language
  • Set in New York City, blending urban and supernatural elements

Watch if

If you enjoy intelligent horror with a strong investigative core, layered character arcs, and a blend of supernatural stakes and political drama, The Strain will keep you engaged from start to finish.

Skip if

If you are averse to graphic violence, intense gore, or mature language, or if you prefer light‑hearted supernatural shows, this series may be too dark for you.

dark tonehorror elementsfast pacedintense actioninvestigation heavylanguage somelanguage strongpsychological elementswar themessuspensefulsome gore
Plot Overview
Across four seasons, the CDC’s Canary project uncovers a viral outbreak that transforms infected New Yorkers into ravenous vampires. The team battles the contagion while discovering the political forces fueling it and the ancient master behind the strain. The narrative escalates from a single aircraft incident to a city‑wide crisis.
Main Characters
Dr. Ephraim Goodweather leads the team, supported by CDC scientist Nora Martinez. The seasoned pawnbroker Abraham Setrakian provides street smarts, while ex‑rat exterminator Vasiliy Fet joins as a reluctant ally. The enigmatic Master, a centuries‑old vampire, drives the overarching threat.
The Strain Virus
Derived from a dormant ancient pathogen, the Strain turns victims into aggressive, blood‑thirsty vampires. It spreads through bodily fluids and requires a complex, evolving approach from the Canary team to develop containment protocols and a possible cure.
Canary Project
The CDC’s Canary team is a rapid‑response unit specializing in outbreak investigation. They use forensic science, field operations, and strategic alliances to track the spread, isolate cases, and devise containment measures against the Strain.
Vampire Lore
The series expands classic vampire lore with a focus on an ancient, powerful master who orchestrates the Strain’s spread. The lore intertwines mythic elements with contemporary science, creating a unique hybrid narrative.
Production & Style
Directed by Guillermo del Toro and produced by FX, the show blends horror aesthetics with fast‑paced storytelling. The visual style is gritty and realistic, using practical effects and a dark palette to enhance suspense and emotional stakes.

FAQ

78 Q&A
What does Eph do in The Strain?
Ephraim Goodweather is a CDC doctor who investigates a mysterious outbreak in New York City.
Who is Zach Goodweather?
Zach Goodweather is Ephraim Goodweather's young son, who becomes involved in the fight against the vampires.
Did The Strain get canceled?
Yes, The Strain finished its planned run and was not canceled prematurely.
What does Fet do in The Strain?
Vasiliy Fet is a exterminator who becomes a key ally in the fight against the vampire infestation.
What is the origin of the vampires in The Strain?
The vampires in The Strain are created by ancient parasitic worms that infect humans.
What is Nora Martinez's role?
Nora Martinez is a doctor and a member of Ephraim Goodweather's team, helping to fight the strigoi.
Who is Abraham Setrakian?
Abraham Setrakian is a Holocaust survivor and a professor who has dedicated his life to fighting the Master.
Who is Eldritch Palmer?
Eldritch Palmer is a wealthy businessman who makes a deal with the Master, seeking immortality.
How does The Strain end?
The series concludes with a final confrontation where the Master is defeated, and humanity has a chance to rebuild.
Are the vampires in The Strain like other vampires?
No, the vampires in The Strain are biological creatures infected by worms, not supernatural beings.
Is Eichhorst a Nazi?
Yes, Thomas Eichhorst is a former SS officer who serves the Master.
Who is the main bad guy in The Strain?
The main antagonist is known as The Master, an ancient and powerful strigoi.
Who is Dutch in The Strain?
Dutch is a hacker who becomes an ally to Eph and Nora, helping them in their fight.
Who is Thomas Eichhorst?
Thomas Eichhorst is a high-ranking strigoi and a loyal servant to The Master, with a dark past.
What are the worms in The Strain?
The worms are parasitic organisms that infect humans, turning them into the strigoi, or vampires.
What is Setrakian's backstory?
Abraham Setrakian's backstory involves his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and his lifelong quest to destroy The Master.
Is The Strain finished or rushed?
The Strain completed its story arc over four seasons and is considered finished, with its ending providing closure.
What happens to Zach in The Strain?
Zach Goodweather experiences a difficult journey, at times siding with his father and at other times manipulated by the strigoi.
Does Zach betray his dad?
Zach makes choices that strain his relationship with his father, sometimes acting against Eph's wishes.
How do the worms spread the infection?
The worms spread the infection through direct contact, often by burrowing into a host.
What is the Master in The Strain?
The Master is the ancient progenitor of the strigoi, a powerful and intelligent vampire-like creature.
Who is Ephraim Goodweather?
Ephraim Goodweather, often called Eph, is the lead CDC epidemiologist investigating the vampire outbreak.
Does The Strain have a good ending?
The ending of The Strain provides resolution to the main conflicts, though opinions on its quality vary among viewers.
What is The Strain about?
The Strain is a horror television series about a deadly vampire-like outbreak that threatens New York City.
Who is Vasiliy Fet?
Vasiliy Fet is a Ukrainian exterminator who becomes a key fighter against the strigoi infestation.
How many seasons of The Strain are there?
The Strain has 4 seasons.
Why do some vampires dodge bullets?
Some vampires can dodge bullets because they are super fast and strong.
Who created The Strain?
The Strain was created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.
Why can some vampires move in sunlight?
Some vampires can move in sunlight because they are a different kind of vampire that is not harmed by the sun.
What are the differences between the books and the show?
The show changes some characters and events from the books, but the main story is similar.
How do they try to stop the Master?
They try to stop the Master by finding his true form and killing him.
Is The Strain worth watching?
Many people find The Strain exciting and suspenseful, but it is also very gory.
How does the show explain the vampire powers?
The show explains the vampire powers as being caused by a parasite that turns people into vampires.
Who are the Ancients in The Strain?
The Ancients are older, more powerful vampires who are part of the Master's army.
What is the IMDb rating for The Strain?
The IMDb rating for The Strain is 7.3 out of 10.
Was The Strain based on a book?
Yes, The Strain was based on a series of books by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.
Who is Kelly Goodweather?
Kelly Goodweather is Zack's mother and Ephraim's ex-wife, who becomes infected and turned into a vampire.
Does Quinlan die?
Yes, Quinlan dies at the end of the series.
Why didn't they chop off the Master's limbs?
They didn't chop off the Master's limbs because he is a powerful vampire and they were afraid of him.
What is the Master's plan?
The Master's plan is to spread his infection and turn all humans into his vampire spawn.
Can the Master be killed?
Yes, the Master can be killed, but it is very difficult.
What is the deal with Quinlan?
Quinlan is a dhampir, half-human and half-vampire, who fights against the Master.
When did The Strain start and end?
The Strain started in July 2014 and ended in September 2017.
Is the whole world affected?
The infection spreads throughout the world, but the show focuses mainly on New York City.
What happens to New York City?
New York City becomes overrun by vampires and is largely destroyed.
What is the Master's weakness?
The Master's weakness is sunlight and fire, like other vampires, but he also has other specific vulnerabilities.
What happened to Kelly?
Kelly was turned into a vampire and became a hunter for the Master, but she was eventually killed.
Is Quinlan a good guy or bad guy?
Quinlan is a complex character who is mostly a good guy, fighting against the vampires, but he has his own agenda.
What is the significance of the silver coffin?
The silver coffin is where the Master's original body was kept, and it was a way to contain him.
What is the 'blackout' in The Strain?
The 'blackout' refers to the period when the vampire infection is spreading rapidly and society is collapsing.
Is The Strain gory?
Yes, The Strain is known for being very gory. It features a lot of blood, violence, and disturbing imagery. The show does not shy away from showing the gruesome details of the vampire-like creatures and their attacks.
Did the showrunners add new characters?
Yes, the showrunners did add new characters to The Strain. Some characters were created specifically for the TV series and did not appear in the original books. This was done to expand the story and create new plotlines for the show.
Where was The Strain filmed?
The Strain was primarily filmed in Toronto, Canada. Many scenes were shot in various locations around the city, using its urban landscape to create the atmosphere of New York City.
What was Nora's role in fighting the Master?
Nora was a key member of the team fighting the Master. She was a scientist who helped develop strategies and tools to combat the strigoi. She was also a skilled fighter and often worked alongside Ephraim and Fet.
What are the main themes of The Strain?
The main themes of The Strain include survival, the breakdown of society, the nature of humanity, and the struggle against overwhelming evil. It also explores themes of loss, sacrifice, and the fight for control.
How did the survivors rebuild?
The survivors didn't exactly rebuild in the traditional sense. They focused on staying alive and fighting the strigoi infestation. They formed small, mobile groups that moved around, trying to evade the creatures and find safe havens.
What are the creature effects like in The Strain?
The creature effects in The Strain are quite intense and often disturbing. The strigoi have a distinct and frightening appearance, with long, whip-like tongues used for feeding. The makeup and visual effects contribute to the show's horror.
What do Fet, Dutch, and Gus after the end?
After the end of the main conflict, Fet becomes a key figure in the new human resistance, helping to clear out strigoi nests and rebuild. Gus uses his experience to lead a new group of survivors, creating a community. Dutch also plays a role in the new order, often working with Fet.
Why did Dutch help the Master at first?
Dutch initially helped the Master because she was manipulated and coerced by his forces. She was tricked into believing she was working for a greater good, but her actions were ultimately used to further the Master's agenda.
How did Nora die?
Nora died when she chose to end her own life to avoid turning into a strigoi. After being infected, she realized there was no cure and decided to take her own life to prevent the transformation and the potential harm she could cause.
What was Jim Kent's role?
Jim Kent was initially an CDC colleague of Ephraim. He played a conflicted role, sometimes acting against Eph's wishes due to fear or self-preservation, but he eventually tried to make amends and help the team.
What fears does The Strain explore?
The Strain explores fears such as loss of control, the collapse of civilization, the horror of infection and transformation, and the fear of the unknown. It also touches on primal fears of invasion and predation.
What does the ending mean for humanity?
The ending suggests a grim future for humanity, with the strigoi threat largely triumphant and the world drastically changed. It implies a long and difficult struggle for any remaining humans to survive and potentially reclaim the planet.
Did Jim betray Eph?
Yes, Jim Kent did betray Ephraim to the authorities at one point. This was driven by fear and a desire to protect himself and his family, but he later regretted his actions and sought to help Eph.
Does Dutch and Fet end up together?
Yes, Dutch and Fet do end up together. Their relationship develops throughout the series, and they become a strong couple who support each other in their fight against the strigoi.
Does Gus become a vampire?
No, Gus does not become a vampire. He remains human throughout the series and becomes a leader among the survivors, using his skills and resilience to help protect others.
Did they change character fates from the books?
Yes, there were changes made to character fates from the books. Some characters who survived in the books died in the show, and vice versa. Some storylines and character arcs were also altered for the television adaptation.
What are some plot holes in The Strain?
Some viewers have pointed out plot holes related to the spread of the virus, inconsistencies in the strigoi's behavior, and convenient coincidences that help the protagonists. The rapid evolution of the virus and the effectiveness of certain countermeasures are also questioned.
What happened to Palmer in the end?
Mr. Palmer died from a sudden illness caused by the paradox virus he was infected with. His death was a significant event as he was a key human antagonist working with the Master.
How long does it take to become a vampire in the show?
The transformation into a strigoi in The Strain can happen relatively quickly, often within hours or a day after infection. The process involves the worm-like parasites that infect a host and begin to change them.
What kind of music is in The Strain?
The Strain features a dark and atmospheric musical score, often utilizing unsettling and tense music to build suspense. The soundtrack includes electronic elements and orchestral pieces that enhance the horror and drama.
Are the Ancients scarier than the Master?
The Ancients are presented as ancient and powerful beings with their own agendas, adding a different layer of threat. While the Master is the primary antagonist for much of the series, the Ancients represent a more mysterious and potentially larger-scale danger.
What is the Master's final form like?
The Master's final form is a massive, monstrous, and mutated version of himself. He becomes a much larger and more terrifying creature, reflecting his ultimate power and his corrupted, ancient nature.
Did Nora die?
Yes, Nora died in the series. She chose to end her own life to avoid turning into a strigoi after being infected.
Is The Strain scary?
Yes, The Strain is generally considered a scary show. It relies on jump scares, gore, disturbing creature designs, and a pervasive sense of dread to create a frightening viewing experience.
What is the deal with the rats at the end?
The rats at the end of "The Strain" are not explained in the show. The show focuses on vampires, not rats.
Why did the FBI not believe Eph?
The FBI didn't believe Eph at first because his claims about vampires seemed unbelievable and there wasn't enough proof. Eldritch Palmer, who was working with the vampires, also spread fake information to make it look like carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of the strange events. This made the CDC, including Eph, get kicked off the case.
Did Eph have proof of the vampires?
Eph had some proof of the vampires, like videos and samples of the worms that caused the infection. However, it was hard to convince others because the evidence seemed strange and some people were working to hide the truth.

Skuespillere

Corey Stoll
Corey Stoll
Dr. Ephraim Goodweather
Kevin Durand
Kevin Durand
Vasiliy Fet
Miguel Gómez
Miguel Gómez
Augustin 'Gus' Elizalde
David Bradley
David Bradley
Professor Abraham Setrakian
Jonathan Hyde
Jonathan Hyde
Eldritch Palmer
Richard Sammel
Richard Sammel
Thomas Eichorst
Max Charles
Max Charles
Zach Goodweather
Ruta Gedmintas
Ruta Gedmintas
Dutch Velders
Rupert Penry-Jones
Rupert Penry-Jones
Mr. Quinlan