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Season 1 – Orphan Black

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Orphan Black Mar 2013 Sci-Fi Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 34 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Sarah is a street-wise woman with a troubled past as an English orphan who bounced around foster homes before being taken in by Mrs. S, who uprooted her and her foster brother, Felix, to North America. She has made bad decisions in her life but always strives to do right by daughter Kira. When Sarah witnesses the suicide of Beth, a woman who looks like her, she decides to steal Beth's identity -- boyfriend and money included -- in an attempt to begin a new life for herself and Kira, with whom Sarah hopes to reunite. But assuming Beth's life -- Sarah eventually learns that Beth was her clone -- doesn't go as smoothly as she anticipates because Beth was a cop caught in the middle of a deadly conspiracy, making Sarah the new target. Sarah must fight to stay alive while trying to escape from the complex web. As more threads appear, Sarah is pulled deeper, and Felix becomes her one true confidant.
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Orphan Black — Season 1

Orphan Black — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Orphan Black is a wild science fiction ride that incorporates dramatic sensibilities which can turn from suspenseful to light at a moment's notice.

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Critics Reviews

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Kelly Lawler USA Today 11/10/2021
The first few outings of BBC America's light science fiction drama were a revelation, and not just because of star Tatiana Maslany's Emmy-winning performance as multiple clones with distinct personalities. Go to Full Review Emily Gaudette Bitch Media 01/20/2021
Experimental and gleefully fun. Go to Full Review William Thomas Empire Magazine 11/03/2017
4/5
The show flits happily between creepy and comic without missing a beat. Go to Full Review Jennifer Bisset CNET 03/29/2023
Orphan Black is best watched without knowing too much going in. Go to Full Review Gem Seddon SFX Magazine 11/16/2018
The performance of its lead actress, Tatiana Maslany, whose nuanced turns as a series of clones is nothing short of breathtaking. Go to Full Review Kathryn Reklis The Christian Century 08/21/2018
The show is suspenseful and addictive. By the time you finish watching the first season, you may not even realize that it's examining deep questions about the meaning of selfhood. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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pf c @Pcowle Oct 7 Enjoyed the entire series. Several unfamiliar actors who did an outstanding job. Tatiana was especially busy and loved her playing Helena. -great character- Had to pay pretty close attention to the plot and it took some leaps forward at the end to close some open ends. A bit too much time developing a couple of LBGT story-lines that were not necessary for the plot but this was Netflix and that seems to be mandatory to keep the series going. Overall a really nice series. See more Francesca W. @FranescaSWillis Sep 17 Genuinely can’t believe everybody hasn’t seen this show and most have never heard of it. Seriously brilliant and underrated. See more Faiz D @RT95588871 May 14 Loved Sarah but hated absolutely every other clone. See more Nadia S @RT35999065 02/25/2025 This programme is so good I rewatch it every couple of years or so. Incredible acting and fast-paced with plenty of intrigue and lovable, detestable and flawed characters in equal measure. Tatiana Maslany alone should have won every award going just for this show. The nature v nurture and science v theology debate are explored throughout in a way that has you changing your mind if not your allegiance at different points, too. See more Vanessa S @VanessaSimon 05/07/2024 One of my favorite Sci fi shows. This is a show where you love the characters, they feel like family. See more Peter H @RT40682783 03/14/2024 An overrated, repetitive and unimaginative show that relies on the gimmick of one actress playing many parts - mostly in a jarringly stereotypical, overacted way and the caricaturistic acting isn't in any way restricted to the lead, it's most characters. Predictable and annoying writing and characters coupled with poor acting just makes me puzzled as to how the hell does this show get praised as much as it does. This show could've been an enjoyable mindless thriller if it was boiled down to two seasons, but the plot drones on and on without really going anywhere. If you're looking for a good scifi or thriller show skip this one, it's mostly poorly written drama. See more Read all reviews
Orphan Black — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Tatiana Maslany

Sarah

Dylan Bruce

Paul

Jordan Gavaris

Felix

Kevin Hanchard

Art

Michael Mando

Vic

Maria Doyle Kennedy

Mrs. S

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Mar 30, 2013 Natural Selection After witnessing the suicide of her doppelganger, Sarah assumes her identity in hopes of escaping past troubles. Details Episode 2 Aired Apr 6, 2013 Instinct Sarah continues her con, earning "Beth" a second chance on the force; Alison may have answers. Details Episode 3 Aired Apr 13, 2013 Variation Under Nature Sarah wants to leave town after learning she is a clone; the police locate the buried body; Beth closes in on the killer. Details Episode 4 Aired Apr 20, 2013 Effects of External Conditions Sarah's reunion with her daughter is hindered by her tracking; the killer gets closer to the truth. Details Episode 5 Aired Apr 27, 2013 Conditions of Existence Evidence suggests that the Orphans are part of an ongoing experiment; Sarah suspects Paul, but Paul begins to investigate as well. Details Episode 6 Aired May 4, 2013 Variations Under Domestication Alison's paranoia puts the Orphans at risk; Sarah, Alison and Beth's worlds collide; Sarah must trust someone with her secret. Details Episode 7 Aired May 11, 2013 Parts Developed in an Unusual Manner Sarah must confront the conspiracy head-on; Paul learns the truth; Cosima, Delphine and Dr. Leekie grow closer. Details Episode 8 Aired May 18, 2013 Entangled Bank Sarah's actions set the Orphans against each other as she plans her next move; Paul tries desperately to hide Sarah's existence; Alison takes vengeance on her suspected monitor. Details Episode 9 Aired May 25, 2013 Unconscious Selection Sarah reconsiders revenge when Kira is threatened; Cosima faces the truth about Delphine; Sarah must decide the killer's fate. Details Episode 10 Aired Jun 1, 2013 Endless Forms Most Beautiful Sarah's attempt at convincing the enemy is obstructed by Art's intervention; the Orphans must decide whether or not to make peace with their creators; Sarah confronts the enemy. Details

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Orphan Black — Season 1

Orphan Black Orphan Black Orphan Black Orphan Black View more photos

Season Info

Director
John Fawcett, David Frazee
Executive Producer
Ivan Schneeberg, David Fortier
Screenwriter
Graeme Manson
Network
BBC America
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Sci-Fi, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Mar 30, 2013
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