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Entertainment • TV Series

The Strain

The Strain is an American horror drama television series that aired on FX from 2014 to 2017.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Strain is an American horror drama television series that aired on FX from 2014 to 2017. Created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, it follows a CDC team in New York City as they investigate a viral outbreak with vampiric characteristics. The series ran for four seasons and 46 episodes.

Premise

The series follows a CDC rapid-response team investigating a plane landing in New York where nearly everyone aboard is dead. The outbreak is revealed to involve a vampiric virus spreading through the city.

Production

The Strain was developed by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan from their novel trilogy. Carlton Cuse served as executive producer and showrunner.

Broadcast history

FX aired the series across four seasons from 2014 to 2017. The final season premiered in July 2017 and the show concluded later that year.

Cast and characters

The main cast included Corey Stoll, David Bradley, Kevin Durand, Richard Sammel, Miguel Gomez, Jack Kesy, Ruta Gedmintas, Jonathan Hyde, Natalie Brown, and Mía Maestro.

Key facts

  • The series premiered on FX in July 2014 and ended in September 2017.
  • It was created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.
  • The story centers on Dr. Ephraim Goodweather and the CDC's Canary Project in New York City.
  • The central threat is a viral outbreak with traits of ancient vampirism.
  • The show completed four seasons and 46 episodes.
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Canadian context

The series aired in Canada through television distribution and is available to Canadian viewers via some streaming and digital platforms, making it relevant to Canadian audiences interested in horror television.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Strain about?
It follows a CDC team in New York City as they investigate a mysterious outbreak that turns out to be a vampiric virus.
Who created The Strain?
It was created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.
How many seasons did The Strain have?
The series ran for four seasons.
How many episodes are there?
There are 46 episodes in total.
What network aired The Strain?
FX aired the series in the United States.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Strain_(TV_series)
    Supports: Series premise, creators, network, original run, seasons, and episode count
  2. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-strain/1030480459/
    Supports: Genre, run dates, and premise
  3. TVmaze — https://www.tvmaze.com/shows/20/the-strain
    Supports: Network, genres, show status, and premise
  4. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/80022448
    Supports: Creators, cast, and general premise