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Damages

Damages

2007–2012Ended5 seasons59 episodes~60 min/epTV-MAMidcredits score: 89th percentile of all shows

Damages is an American legal thriller television series created by the writing and production trio of Daniel Zelman and brothers Glenn and Todd A. Kessler. The plot revolves around the brilliant, ruthless lawyer Patty Hewes and her protégée, recent law school graduate Ellen Parsons. Each season features a major case that Hewes and her firm take on, while also examining a chapter of the complicated relationship between Ellen and Patty. The first two seasons center around the law firm Hewes & Associates. Later seasons center more on Patty and Ellen's relationship as Ellen begins to distance herself from Hewes & Associates and begins an independent career.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Damages?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Damages streaming on Hulu and Prime Video and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Damages?

Damages earns 6 badges, led by Award-winning performance and Standout acting.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Cast

Reception

Is Damages worth watching?

Damages' Midcredits score is the 89th percentile of all shows, from 34K ratings across 2 sources. 88% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

89th percentile

Better received than 89% of shows

88th percentile among Crime84th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)84th
Approval (how many liked it)89th

Acclaim

Crowd Pleaser: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

79 /100

84th percentile of all shows

88th percentile among Crime79th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

Approval

How many liked it

88% liked it

89th percentile of all shows

86th percentile among Crime86th percentile among 2000s
88% rated it 7–1012% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

96th percentile

33K ratings across platforms

93rd percentile among Crime93rd percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 13% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the show features morally bankrupt characters and a non-linear narrative structure.

Fans praised

  • Glenn Close's commanding, chilling performance as Patty Hewes
  • Non-linear storytelling keeps viewers guessing
  • Morally complex characters and no clear heroes

Detractors panned

  • Flashbacks are overused and confusing
  • Plot relies on implausible coincidences and contrivances
  • Characters are uniformly unlikable and unredeemable

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Glenn Close and Rose Byrne praised; detractor complaints about accent work and some wooden performances

TensionDivisive82

Relentless suspense vs. manipulative cliffhangers

AtmosphereDivisive82

Cold, sleek, tense NYC noir aesthetic

OriginalityDivisive80

Fresh take on legal drama; non-linear structure praised vs. derivative 'Devil Wears Prada' formula

CharactersDivisive70

Deeply developed and morally gray vs. despicable and shallow

Plot and storyDivisive68

Intricate and clever to fans; convoluted, predictable, and logic-free to detractors

EndingDivisive58

Satisfying for some seasons; overall final season and series finale widely criticized

PacingDivisive55

Suspenseful binge-worthy pace vs. repetitive and drawn out

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 11 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Episodes

5 seasons

Season 5 · 2012 · 10 episodes

  • S5E1

    You Want to End This Once and for All?

    Jul 11, 201250 min
  • S5E2

    Have You Met the Eel Yet?

    Jul 18, 201250 min
  • S5E3

    Failure Is Failure

    Jul 25, 201250 min
  • S5E4

    I Love You, Mommy

    Aug 1, 201250 min
  • S5E5

    There's Something Wrong with Me

    Aug 8, 201250 min
  • S5E6

    I Need to Win

    Aug 15, 201250 min

Watch experience

What is Damages like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, dark and intense — a relentless watch that leaves you thinking.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
TenseColdDread
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Cold and cerebral · 6% of shows: Detached and precise; keeps the viewer at arm's length.
Told as
Nonlinear · 5% of shows: Events shown out of chronological order.In medias res · under 1% of shows: Opens mid-action, then fills in how we got there.Case of the week plus an arcNew arc each season
TonePlayed with deadly seriousness, never undercutting its moral darkness or tension.
The rideThe series sustains high tension and a cold, dread-filled atmosphere, with the emotional weight peaking in later seasons as consequences mount.
StructureThe series employs a fragmented timeline, often opening with a shocking future event before jumping back to show how it unfolds, demanding close viewer attention.
Episode formatEach season revolves around a single high-stakes legal case (the arc), but episodes progress the case step by step with procedural elements.
Season formatEach season follows a new legal case with the same core cast, forming a self-contained arc that advances the overall character dynamics.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Thought-provokingUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe show's ruthless moral landscape lingers, provoking reflection on the cost of justice and ambition.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18% (this title): Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% (this title) · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Corporate villainy: A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).

18% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe series centers on high-stakes litigation where uncovering and exposing corruption drives the plot, while the protagonist navigates a web of manipulation.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfPower
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% (this title) · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 5% (this title) · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% (this title) · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Power

Power · 5% of showsBetrayal · 3% of showsAmbition · 14% of shows
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe series explores who controls whom in the legal arena, the corrosive effect of that control, and the personal betrayals it spawns.
StanceThe show interrogates the nature of power and ambition in the legal system, without celebrating or fully condemning it.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernAmbientSupportive music · original score · James S. Levine
SettingNew York City's high-stakes litigation world
MusicThe score uses tense, minimalist strings to amplify the psychological pressure.

Content guide

Is Damages okay for kids?

TV-MA

Damages is rated TV-MA. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (82/100), sexual content at moderate (58/100), language at severe (81/100), drug and alcohol content at severe (88/100) and frightening material at intense (71/100). Its language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 15 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14+
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • France10
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil16
  • Austria12
  • Hungary16
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands16
  • PortugalNR
  • Spain12
  • Switzerland16
  • Türkiye18+
Overall
Intense · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Severe
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 72%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 60%
Profanity
Severe
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Severe
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (8 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (74 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Damages have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Damages?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; Glenn Close won the Emmy for this show.

Glenn Close
as Patty Hewes
Emmy win: Primetime Emmy — Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama SeriesTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Rose Byrne
as Ellen Parsons
Emmy nominee: Primetime Emmy nomination — Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama SeriesTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tate Donovan
as Tom Shayes
Zachary Booth
as Michael Hewes
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Ted Danson
as Arthur Frobisher
Emmy nominee: Primetime Emmy nomination — Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama SeriesTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Anastasia Griffith
as Katie Connor
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Michael Nouri
as Phil Grey
Noah Bean
as David Connor
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tom Noonan
as Detective Victor Huntley
Zeljko Ivanek
as Ray Fiske

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