Counterpart (2017)
A cerebral spy thriller in which a forgotten UN bureaucrat uncovers a hidden crossing to a parallel world — and meets the man he might have been.
Counterpart - Series Information
- Original Title: Counterpart
- First Air Year: 2017
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Created by: Justin Marks
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 56 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 20
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, German, Italian
- First Air Date: December 10, 2017 (United States - TV-MA), December 10, 2017 (United Kingdom - 15), December 10, 2017 (Australia - M), December 10, 2017 (Brazil - 14), December 10, 2017 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: STARZ
- Production Companies: Gilbert Films, Anonymous Content, MRC, Gate 34
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Обратная сторона (RU), Dva světy (CZ), 카운터파트 (KR), Двојник (RS)
Counterpart - Plot
Howard Silk is a lowly cog in a bureaucratic UN agency who is turning the last corner of a life filled with regret when he discovers the agency he works for is guarding a secret: a crossing to a parallel dimension.
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Counterpart - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Justin Marks
Main Cast
- J.K. Simmons
- Nazanin Boniadi
- Harry Lloyd
- Olivia Williams
- Sara Serraiocco
- Nicholas Pinnock
- Betty Gabriel
- Ulrich Thomsen
- James Cromwell
- Christiane Paul
Writers
- Justin Marks
- Maria Melnik
- Maegan Houang
- Amy Berg
- Erin Levy
Executive Producers
- Justin Marks
- Jordan Horowitz
- Amy Berg
- Gary Gilbert
Counterpart - FAQs
Why was Counterpart cancelled after two seasons?
STARZ cancelled Counterpart in 2019 after two seasons, citing low viewership and the network's strategic shift toward broader, more commercially accessible programming. Despite critical praise and a devoted fan base, the show's complex narrative and niche sci-fi appeal made it difficult to justify renewal under the network's evolving content strategy.
Did Counterpart get a proper series finale or ending?
Counterpart's second season finale served as the series conclusion, though it was not originally written as such. The ending resolves several key character arcs but leaves broader storylines open. Creator Justin Marks had planned additional seasons, so the finale feels somewhat incomplete to viewers expecting full narrative closure.
Where can you stream Counterpart online?
Counterpart is available to purchase or rent digitally through Amazon Video and Google Play Movies. It is no longer available on a subscription streaming service. Viewers can compare current viewing options and regional availability by checking JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming and purchase information.
Is Counterpart based on a true story or source material?
Counterpart is an original creation by writer Justin Marks and is not based on a true story, novel, or pre-existing source material. Marks drew inspiration from Cold War espionage fiction and philosophical concepts around identity and alternate realities to craft the series' unique parallel-world premise.
Who are the main actors in Counterpart?
Counterpart stars J.K. Simmons in a dual role as Howard Silk and his alternate-dimension counterpart. The ensemble cast includes Olivia Williams, Nazanin Boniadi, Harry Lloyd, Sara Serraiocco, Nicholas Pinnock, Betty Gabriel, Ulrich Thomsen, James Cromwell, and Christiane Paul.
How many seasons and episodes does Counterpart have?
Counterpart ran for two seasons and a total of 20 episodes on STARZ. Season 1 consisted of 10 episodes, as did Season 2. The series aired from December 2017 until its cancellation in 2019, with each episode running approximately 56 minutes.
Did Counterpart win any awards or critical recognition?
Counterpart earned strong critical acclaim, particularly for J.K. Simmons' dual performance. The show received Saturn Award nominations and was widely praised by critics for its intelligent writing and atmospheric tension. Simmons was frequently highlighted as delivering one of television's most technically demanding performances of the era.
What is the content rating for Counterpart?
Counterpart is rated TV-MA, meaning it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains strong language, violence, and adult themes, including espionage, psychological tension, and morally complex situations. Viewer discretion is advised for those under 17.
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