Although the series officially ended in May of 2018, few shows on television have remained as beloved as The Americans. Indeed, the Cold-War era spy drama won a Golden Globe in 2019 for Best Dramatic Television Series, and two Primetime Emmy Awards in 2018, one for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series, and another Outstanding Dramatic Lead Actor (Matthew Rhys).
But what about the fans? According to IMDB user ratings, The Americans rarely scored less than 8/10 for any one episode. Care to see which rank highest and lowest?
Worst: "Immersion" Season 5, Episode 8
In the only episode of The Americans to be rated less than 8/10 by IMDB users, "Immersion" is by far the most hated hour of the series. The episode garnered a 7.8 user rating, with users lamenting how slow and boring the show has become by the middle of season 5.
In terms of the storyline, "Immersion" revolves around a top-secret that draws Elizabeth and Paige closer. Meanwhile, Oleg faces intense scrutiny in Moscow when his own sordid secrets come to light. A filler episode if ever there was one!
Best: "Stingers" Season 3, Episode 10
The fifth highest IMDB-rated episode of The Americans is entitled "Stingers," which aired on April Fool's Day of 2015. No joke! Tallying a 9.2/10 rating, the episode centers on Elizabeth and Philip as they concoct a scheme for the C.I.A. to interrogate the Mujahideen, a sect of Islamic guerilla combatants.
As this is happening, Arkady receives a note from FBI traitor, Willow. Meanwhile, Paige finally learns the true identity and occupation of her parents, the potential consequences of which she can't quite deal with.
Worst: "Pests" Season 5, Episode 2
No one likes pests, do they? That must be why the second episode of The Americans season 5, "Pests," is one of the lowest-rated chapters of the entire series. All joking aside, fans of the show weren't too happy with the slow pacing and lack of focus the uneventful episode showcased.
Plot-wise, nothing too big happens. Nobody dies, and no top-secrets are exposed. The title refers to a pestilent scourge of wheat-eating midges, which Elizabeth discovers Morozov plans to use as a biological weapon. Upon this discovery, the Jennings weigh the pros and cons of Morozov's potential death.
Best: "The Great Patriotic War" Season 6, Episode 5
The fourth highest-rated episode of The Americans, according to IMDB, is "The Great Patriotic War." Boasting an impressive 9.3/10 rating, the episode continues to prove that season six is the most beloved of the bunch.
A lot happens in the episode, beginning with Elizabeth's failed attempt to assassinate Gennady. Afterward, she asks Philip to accompany Kimmy to Bulgaria and participate in a kidnap blackmailing scheme that involves Kimmy's father. While Paige physically defends herself against two boys in a bar, the episode concludes with Elizabeth murdering Gennady and Sofia, leaving the seven-year-old Ilya an orphan.
Worst: "What's The Matter With Kansas" Season 5, Episode 4
What the heck is going on with Season 5? Seriously, the three lowest-rated episodes of The Americans all come from the fifth season, with "What's the Matter with Kansas" landing an even 8.0/10 mark from IMDB voters. While that rating ties with that of "Pests," this episode earned more individual votes.
As for the details, Elizabeth and Philip reluctantly accept the task of setting up a honey-trap sting operation in Topeka, Kansas. Meanwhile, Paige finds herself in the fortuitous position of finding Pastor Tim's journal, the contents of which she suggests could be of valuable use in the future. Elizabeth embraces and rebukes Paige for her being so snoopy.
Best: "Harvest" Season 6, Episode 7
As one of the more visceral, action-packed episodes, "Harvest" has drawn a hefty 9.4/10 rating by IMDB users. The title refers to the codename of a Russian spy that Elizabeth and Philip swiftly divert from his FBI surveillance squad. However, the consequences result in the death of Marilyn. If that wasn't disturbing enough, Philip chops off Marilyn's head and hands with an ax!
Once Elizabeth disposes of Marilyn's remains, she encourages Paige to finally take an internship with the State Department. Meanwhile, "Harvest" imbibes his cyanide pill in France.
Worst: "Gregory" Season 1, Episode 3
It's always tough to gauge a new TV series after just three episodes, which is why you might want to take the 8.1/10 rating for "Gregory" with a grain of salt. Still, the fans have spoken!
The title refers to the character of Gregory, played by Derek Luke, who is sent by Philip to attend a meeting in Philadelphia. One problem. The man who scheduled the meeting, Rob, has been found dead. Gregory deduces that Rob's wife, Joyce, arranged the meeting and immediately kidnaps her. In the end, the FBI kills Joy and makes it look like an overdose.
Best: "Jennings, Elizabeth" Season 6, Episode 9
The second highest-rated episode of The Americans happens to be the penultimate chapter of the series. Garnering a 9.5/10 rating, fans have loudly declared that the final two episodes of the series are their favorite. Can't blame them, can you?
While a lot happens in the episode, nothing tops the dramatic impact of Elizabeth murdering Tatiana, a substitute assassin dispatched to kill Nesterenko. Elsewhere, Oleg is apprehended by the FBI for being a spy, while Paige confronts Elizabeth for *ahem* pumping an intern for priceless information. A perfect setup for the finale!
Worst: "COMINT" Season 1, Episode 5
With a respectable 8.1/10 mark, "COMINT" still ranks as the fifth lowest-rated episode of The Americans. It's safe to say that viewers of the show weren't in love with the intense physical abuse Elizabeth suffers in the attempt to obtain sensitive information.
In the episode, Elizabeth seduces a Russian agent to gain intel but is beaten badly with a belt when the man fails to perform sexually. Philip vows to avenge her attacker when he sees the scars on her back. In the end, Elizabeth murders the agent.
Best: "START" Season 6, Episode 10
While it may be no surprise that the series finale of The Americans drew the shows highest IMDB rating ever, the feat is no less impressive. We already know it's nearly impossible to satisfy the majority of fans of any TV show during a series finale—just ask the good folks behind Game of Thrones and The Sopranos.
Yet, with a whopping 9.8/10 rating, "START" brought satisfying closure to viewers in the most emotional way imaginable. It brings the series full circle in the most unexpected ways. Harrowing, human, and hugely heartfelt, "START" ranks as one of the best season finales of all time!