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Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow

Carry on.

2013–2017Ended4 seasons62 episodes~45 min/epTV-14Midcredits score: 68th percentile of all shows

Ichabod Crane is resurrected and pulled two and a half centuries through time to unravel a mystery that dates all the way back to the founding fathers.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Sleepy Hollow?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Sleepy Hollow streaming on Hulu and Prime Video (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

Free

Rent / Buy

BuyBuy

Highlights

What stands out about Sleepy Hollow?

Sleepy Hollow earns 4 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Fell off.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Sleepy Hollow worth watching?

Sleepy Hollow's Midcredits score is the 68th percentile of all shows, from 69K ratings across 2 sources. 79% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

68th percentile

Better received than 68% of shows

60th percentile among Action66th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)63rd
Approval (how many liked it)70th

Acclaim

Crowd Pleaser: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

73 /100

63rd percentile of all shows

59th percentile among Action61st 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

79% liked it

70th percentile of all shows

59th percentile among Action68th percentile among 2010s
79% rated it 7–1021% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

98th percentile

67K ratings across platforms

91st percentile among Action98th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 16% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both fans and detractors agree the show started strong with an inventive premise but lost direction after the first two seasons, becoming convoluted and uneven.

Fans praised

  • Tom Mison's charming and witty Ichabod Crane
  • Strong chemistry between the two leads (Crane and Mills)
  • Creative blend of history, mythology, and modern-day fantasy

Detractors panned

  • Plot holes and illogical police procedures
  • Rapid decline in quality after the first season
  • Inconsistent character motivations and forced drama

What stands out

ActingDivisive70

Tom Mison praised as charismatic lead; Nicole Beharie's performance divisive, some call wooden

OriginalityDivisive65

Inventive modern reimagining of classic tale; becomes derivative of other supernatural shows

AtmosphereDivisive65

Eerie, dark Gothic tone in first season; later loses distinctive feel

CharactersDivisive60

Lead duo chemistry praised; later seasons introduce poorly developed replacements

DialogueDivisive60

Ichabod's fish-out-of-water lines praised; later seasons called dry

Effects and spectacleDivisive60

Impressive CGI for TV in early seasons; later VFX called poor

PacingDivisive55

Fast-paced pilot; later episodes feel rushed or meandering

Plot and storyDivisive50

Strong first season mythology, then becomes disjointed and full of holes

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 12 points higher than non-US viewers.

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

  • Women vs men even
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart

Episodes

4 seasons

Season 4 · 2017 · 13 episodes · 5.5 average across 3 rated episodes

  • S4E1

    Columbia

    Jan 6, 201743 minTMDB rating 5.8
  • S4E2

    In Plain Sight

    Jan 13, 201743 min
  • S4E3

    Heads of State

    Jan 20, 201743 min
  • S4E4

    The People vs. Ichabod Crane

    Jan 27, 201743 min
  • S4E5

    Blood from a Stone

    Feb 3, 201743 min
  • S4E6

    Homecoming

    Feb 10, 201743 min

Watch experience

What is Sleepy Hollow like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, serious and intense — an even-paced watch that leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
TenseThrillingHopeful
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Adventurous · 15% of showsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Case of the week plus an arcNew arc each season
ToneThe series presents its supernatural premise with earnest energy, balancing dark apocalyptic stakes with the playful chemistry of its leads.
The rideThe series maintains a tense, thrilling atmosphere throughout, with action and supernatural mystery dominating, but the heaviest emotional weight tends to land in the later seasons as the apocalypse draws near.
StructureThe series follows a standard chronological storytelling format with episodes in sequential order, no flashbacks or nonlinear devices are central.
Episode formatTypical episodes feature a self-contained supernatural mystery (a case-of-the-week) that also advances the overarching season-long arc about the apocalypse and the Horsemen.
Season formatEach season presents a new major threat (the Four Horsemen, Pandora's box, etc.) centered on the same core cast, moving the overarching story forward with a self-contained arc per season.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
FunHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe series leaves viewers with a sense of enjoyment and optimism, as the heroes consistently overcome supernatural threats.
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).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18% (this title): Predator 7% (this title) · 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%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

18% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe series follows a typical episode structure where Ichabod Crane and Abbie Mills confront a new supernatural threat each week, usually a monster or demon, while advancing an overarching battle against the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

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 showsSelfLoyaltyBonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7% (this title)
  • 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%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% (this title) · Betrayal 3% · 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% (this title) · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Loyalty · 7% of showsFate · 1% of showsSacrifice · 2% of shows
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Cosmic stakes: Consequences reach beyond the world.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe series centers on Ichabod and Abbie's unwavering loyalty to each other and their shared destiny to combat the apocalypse, often requiring personal sacrifice.
StanceThe series celebrates the power of loyalty and partnership in the face of destiny and cosmic evil, treating the bond between Ichabod and Abbie as the ultimate force for good.

The world

ContemporaryRuralDomesticInstitutionalFantasy
Orchestral modernAmbientSupportive music · original score
SettingSleepy Hollow, New York — a small town with hidden supernatural history

Content guide

Is Sleepy Hollow okay for kids?

TV-14

Sleepy Hollow is rated TV-14. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (47/100), sexual content at minimal (10/100), language at mild (23/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (20/100) and frightening material at moderate (52/100). Overall it is heavier than 24% of TV-14 shows.

Ratings in 25 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14+
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • France16
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Austria16
  • Belgium14
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK16
  • IndiaU
  • LU16
  • MYP13
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • PhilippinesPG
  • Poland16
  • PortugalNR
  • RO15
  • Russia12+
  • Spain13
  • SwedenFrån 15 år
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 22% of all showsHeavier than 24% of TV-14 shows
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 41%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a TV-14 show
heavier than 4%
Profanity
Mild
light for a TV-14 show
heavier than 11%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for a TV-14 show
heavier than 16%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 53%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 53% of TV-14 shows.

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 Sleepy Hollow have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Sleepy Hollow?

Cast

Tom Mison
as Ichabod Crane
Lyndie Greenwood
as Jenny Mills
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Nicole Beharie
as Abbie Mills
Orlando Jones
as Frank Irving
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Katia Winter
as Katrina Crane
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
John Noble
as Henry Parrish
Nikki Reed
as Betsy Ross
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Zach Appelman
as Joe Corbin
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Shannyn Sossamon
as Pandora
Lance Gross
as Daniel Reynolds

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What other shows share a tag with Sleepy Hollow?

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