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Surface

Surface

2005–2006Ended1 season15 episodes~60 min/epTV-14Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all shows

A marine biologist, an insurance salesman and a teenage boy find their lives changed when a new and often dangerous sea life species emerges, while the government tries to keep the affair under wraps.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Surface?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Surface to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Rent / Buy

BuyBuy

Highlights

What stands out about Surface?

Surface earns 2 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Before they were famous.

  • Reception
  • Cast

Reception

Is Surface worth watching?

Surface's Midcredits score is the 58th percentile of all shows, from 11K ratings across 2 sources. 75% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

58th percentile

Better received than 58% of shows

57th percentile among Adventure51st percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)55th
Approval (how many liked it)60th

Acclaim

Crowd Pleaser: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

72 /100

55th percentile of all shows

54th percentile among Adventure48th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.4 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

75% liked it

60th percentile of all shows

58th percentile among Adventure54th percentile among 2000s
75% rated it 7–1025% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

86th percentile

11K ratings across platforms

80th percentile among Adventure80th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26

What reviewers say

Common ground

A serialized mystery about giant sea creatures, with a mix of government conspiracy, family drama, and teen pet subplot, but it was canceled after one season leaving many questions unanswered.

Fans praised

  • ambitious, fast-paced serialized mystery
  • strong creature design and gradual reveal
  • appealing family-friendly sci-fi adventure

Detractors panned

  • derivative plot lifted from earlier films
  • weak CGI and low production values
  • wooden acting and illogical character behavior

What stands out

TensionDivisive52

some effective suspense, but undercut by weak logic

Plot and storyDivisive48

intriguing mystery but riddled with plot holes and derivative

CharactersDivisive45

stereotypical but relatable leads; annoying teen side plots

PacingDivisive45

slow in middle episodes, but cliffhanger-driven

ActingDivisive42

mixed; some praise Lake Bell and Carter Jenkins, many criticize wooden performances

Effects and spectacleDivisive38

CGI ranges from decent to embarrassingly bad

OriginalityDivisive30

heavily derivative of Close Encounters, Jaws, ET, and The Kraken Wakes

Ending15

abrupt cliffhanger with no resolution; deeply unsatisfying

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 7 points apart
  • Critics vs users 8 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Episodes

1 season

Season 1 · 2005 · 15 episodes

  • S1E1

    Episode 1

    Sep 19, 200543 min
  • S1E2

    Episode 2

    Sep 26, 200543 min
  • S1E3

    Episode 3

    Oct 3, 200543 min
  • S1E4

    Episode 4

    Oct 10, 200543 min
  • S1E5

    Episode 5

    Oct 17, 200543 min
  • S1E6

    Episode 6

    Oct 24, 200543 min

Watch experience

What is Surface like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, dark and charged — an even-paced watch that leaves you angry.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
DreadTense
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Adventurous · 15% of shows
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.SerializedSingle-season story
ToneThe show takes its sci-fi thriller premise seriously, blending suspense, family drama and conspiracy with a straight-faced execution.
The rideThe series likely builds a sustained sense of dread and tension, with the heaviest emotional weight in later episodes as the creature threat escalates.
StructureThe story is told in linear chronological order across the single season, building toward an unresolved climax.
Episode formatThe series tells a continuous story about the sea creature mystery, with episodes building on each other.
Season formatThe series concluded after one season, telling a complete story arc.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Infuriating · 4% of shows: Leaves you angry at an injustice the film shows, never at the film.Haunting · 9% of shows
Why it leaves you this wayThe abrupt cancellation leaves the story unfinished, generating frustration and a lingering sense of unresolved mystery.
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 three protagonists as they encounter a dangerous new sea species, with government and corporate forces trying to conceal the threat. The central conflict is survival against the creatures and uncovering the conspiracy.

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 showsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% (this title) · 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%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6% (this title)
  • Survival 9% (this title): Survival 12% (this title) · 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%

Survival

Survival · 12% of showsDeception · 6% of showsFamily bonds
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe core of the series is characters struggling to survive against a dangerous new sea creature, while government secrecy and family relationships complicate their efforts.
StanceThe story follows multiple characters whose lives are changed by the creature, presenting their survival struggle and the government cover-up without a strong satirical or celebratory posture.

The world

ContemporaryRuralWildernessInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernAmbientSupportive music · original score
Settingcoastal towns and government facilities

Content guide

Is Surface okay for kids?

TV-14

Surface is rated TV-14. As of August 29, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (67/100), sexual content at minimal (11/100), language at minimal (0/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at intense (67/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 4 other countries
  • France10
  • Brazil16
  • Netherlands12
  • Portugal12AP
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Profanity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Frightening / Intense
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (7 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 Surface have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Surface?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Lake Bell
as Laura Daughtery
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jay R. Ferguson
as Rich Connelly
Carter Jenkins
as Miles Barnett
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Leighton Meester
as Savannah Barnett
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Ian Anthony Dale
as Davis Lee
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
LouAnne Lafortune
as Sylvia Barnett
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Ric Reitz
as Ron Barnett
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Eddie Hassell
as Phil Nance
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Kelly Collins Lintz
as Tracy Connelly
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Bobby Coleman
as Jesse Daughtery
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

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What other shows share a tag with Surface?

51 other shows share the rarest tag below, kind of show: creature feature. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.