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How to Get Away with Murder

How to Get Away with Murder

2014–2020Ended6 seasons90 episodes~45 min/epTV-14Midcredits score: 90th percentile of all shows

A sexy, suspense-driven legal thriller about a group of ambitious law students and their brilliant, mysterious criminal defense professor. They become entangled in a murder plot and will shake the entire university and change the course of their lives.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch How to Get Away with Murder?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists How to Get Away with Murder streaming on Hulu, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Rent / Buy

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Highlights

What stands out about How to Get Away with Murder?

How to Get Away with Murder earns 11 badges, led by Universally Loved and Cultural touchstone.

Show 3 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is How to Get Away with Murder worth watching?

How to Get Away with Murder's Midcredits score is the 90th percentile of all shows, from 183K ratings across 2 sources. 88% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

90th percentile

Better received than 90% of shows

90th percentile among Crime90th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)87th
Approval (how many liked it)89th

Acclaim

Universally Loved: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

80 /100

87th percentile of all shows

91st percentile among Crime87th percentile among 2010s

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 Crime88th percentile among 2010s
88% rated it 7–1012% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

99th percentile

181K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Crime99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 12% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Everyone agrees the show is an intentionally outrageous, melodramatic thriller that sacrifices realism for shock value and entertainment.

Fans praised

  • Viola Davis' commanding, Emmy-worthy lead performance
  • Addictive, twist-filled plotting with constant cliffhangers
  • Unapologetically over-the-top, soapy, and wildly entertaining

Detractors panned

  • Ludicrously unrealistic legal and law school portrayals
  • Gratuitous, excessive, and often unnecessary sex scenes
  • Unlikable, morally bankrupt, and one-dimensional characters

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Viola Davis praised as phenomenal, transcendent; supporting cast divisive, some deemed weak

TensionDivisive75

Cliffhanger-driven, edge-of-seat suspense that keeps viewers binge-watching

Plot and storyDivisive65

Addictive, twist-heavy, but increasingly convoluted and repetitive across seasons

Emotional impactDivisive65

Fans report strong emotional investment; detractors find it manipulative

OriginalityDivisive60

Flash-forward structure praised as unique; detractors call it derivative soap opera

AtmosphereDivisive60

Dark, glossy, melodramatic tone; engaging for fans, off-putting for detractors

PacingDivisive55

Fast and addictive initially, but later seasons dragged by repetitive plotting

CharactersDivisive45

Complex but mostly unlikable, selfish, and morally corrupt; some fans enjoy the moral ambiguity

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 13 points higher than over-30s.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 25 points higher than critics.

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

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 9 points apart

Episodes

6 seasons

Season 6 · 2019 · 15 episodes · 7.4 average across 10 rated episodes

  • S6E1

    Say Goodbye

    Sep 26, 201944 minTMDB rating 7.0
  • S6E2

    Vivian's Here

    Oct 3, 201944 minTMDB rating 6.3
  • S6E3

    Do You Think I'm a Bad Man?

    Oct 10, 201943 min
  • S6E4

    I Hate the World

    Oct 17, 201944 min
  • S6E5

    We're All Gonna Die

    Oct 24, 201944 min
  • S6E6

    Family Sucks

    Oct 31, 201944 minTMDB rating 6.7

Watch experience

What is How to Get Away with Murder like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, serious and intense — a relentless watch that leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
TenseMelancholicThrilling
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Melodramatic · 9% of shows: Heightened emotion, played large.Campy · 2% of shows
Told as
Nonlinear · 5% of shows: Events shown out of chronological order.Multiple perspectives · 2% of shows: The same events retold from different characters' points of view.Case of the week plus an arcNew arc each season
TonePlayed with a knowing wink; embraces its own melodramatic excess without undercutting the emotional stakes, treating the over-the-top plot with sincere intensity.
The rideSustained high tension with frequent twists and emotional upheavals, building toward increasingly dark and personal consequences in later seasons.
StructureEach season opens with a flash-forward to a shocking event, then jumps back and forth in time, shifting perspective among the law students and Annalise.
Episode formatEach season weaves a central murder or legal case (the arc) with ongoing character mysteries and legal case-of-the-week elements, especially in early seasons.
Season formatWhile the core cast and overarching character relationships continue, each season introduces a new central crime, trial, or conspiracy that is largely resolved within that season.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
FunInfuriating · 4% of shows: Leaves you angry at an injustice the film shows, never at the film.
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves you thoroughly entertained and breathless from the twists, though occasionally frustrated by the lack of realism.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

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).Mystery
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · 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% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% (this title) · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Investigation: A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).

8% of shows fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe typical episode centers on solving a murder or uncovering a client's truth, with the season arc built on who killed whom. The show's defining structure is a mystery, driven by clues and reveals.

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 showsSelfDeception
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% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11% (this title): Justice 14% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% (this title) · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6% (this title)
  • 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%

Morality

Deception · 6% of showsJustice · 14% of showsGuilt · 1% of shows
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe series explores how lies, cover-ups, and legal maneuvering become a way of life, while constantly questioning what justice means when everyone has something to hide.
StanceThe show treats its central theme of deception not as something to celebrate or simply warn against, but as a corrosive force it dissects without easy judgment.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingA prestigious Philadelphia law school and the cutthroat world of high-stakes criminal defense.

Content guide

Is How to Get Away with Murder okay for kids?

TV-14

How to Get Away with Murder is rated TV-14. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (70/100), sexual content at intense (75/100), language at moderate (40/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (62/100) and frightening material at intense (63/100). Overall it is heavier than 90% of TV-14 shows.

Ratings in 26 other countries
  • UK18
  • Canada14+
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • France18
  • Ireland18
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil16
  • Austria16
  • Czechia15+
  • Greece12
  • Hungary16
  • IndiaU/A 16+
  • LTN-14
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands16
  • PhilippinesPG
  • Poland16
  • PortugalNR
  • RO12
  • SingaporeR21
  • Spain16
  • SwedenFrån 11 år
  • Switzerland16
  • THน 13+
  • Türkiye18+
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 75% of all showsHeavier than 90% of TV-14 shows
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a TV-14 show
heavier than 80%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a TV-14 show
heavier than 98%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 52%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for a TV-14 show
heavier than 89%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a TV-14 show
heavier than 77%

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

Heavy almost across the board: sexual content, violence, frightening material, and drug and alcohol content. Everything else sits at or below what TV-14 shows usually carry.

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 How to Get Away with Murder have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in How to Get Away with Murder?

Cast

Viola Davis won the Emmy for this show.

Viola Davis
as Annalise Keating
Emmy win: Primetime Emmy — Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Billy Brown
as Nate Lahey
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Jack Falahee
as Connor Walsh
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Aja Naomi King
as Michaela Pratt
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Matt McGorry
as Asher Millstone
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Charlie Weber
as Frank Delfino
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Liza Weil
as Bonnie Winterbottom
Conrad Ricamora
as Oliver Hampton
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Karla Souza
as Laurel Castillo
Alfred Enoch
as Wes Gibbins
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

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TMDB's suggestions for shows like How to Get Away with Murder include Damages (2007), Gone (2026) and Law & Order (1990).

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