Tyrant (2014)
An American-raised son of a Middle Eastern dictator returns home after 20 years, only to be consumed by the violence and politics he once fled.
Tyrant - Series Information
- Original Title: Tyrant
- First Air Year: 2014
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Created by: Gideon Raff
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, War, Politics
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 32
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 24, 2014 (United States - TV-MA), June 24, 2014 (Australia - MA 15+), June 24, 2014 (Brazil - 14)
- Networks: FX
- Alternative Titles: Tirano (ES), TYRANT/タイラント -独裁国家 - (JP)
- Production Countries: Turkey, United States of America, Israel
Tyrant - Plot
The story of an unassuming American family drawn into the workings of a turbulent Middle Eastern nation. Bassam "Barry" Al Fayeed, the younger son of the dictator of a war-torn nation, ends a self-imposed 20-year exile to return to his homeland, accompanied by his American wife and children, for his nephew's wedding. Barry's reluctant homecoming leads to a dramatic clash of cultures as he is thrown back into the familial and national politics of his youth.
Tyrant - Trailer
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Tyrant - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Gideon Raff
Main Cast
- Adam Rayner
- Jennifer Finnigan
- Moran Atias
- Ashraf Barhom
- Noah Silver
- Anne Winters
- Sibylla Deen
- Waleed Elgadi
- Alice Krige
- Caroline Boulton
Tyrant - FAQs
Where can you stream Tyrant online?
Tyrant is available to stream on Hulu. If you prefer to own it, the series can be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Hulu remains the most convenient option for subscribers looking to binge all three seasons.
Is Tyrant based on a true story?
Tyrant is not based on a single true story, but it draws heavily from real-world Middle Eastern political dynamics, including Arab Spring uprisings and dynastic authoritarian regimes. Creator Gideon Raff, who also created the Israeli series Prisoners of War, crafted a fictional nation that mirrors recognizable regional tensions and power struggles.
Why was Tyrant cancelled after three seasons?
FX cancelled Tyrant in 2016 after its third season, citing declining viewership. Ratings had dropped significantly from the show's debut, and the network chose not to renew it. The cancellation left some storylines unresolved, frustrating fans who had followed the Al Fayeed family's turbulent journey across all three seasons.
Who plays Barry Al Fayeed in Tyrant?
British actor Adam Rayner plays Bassam "Barry" Al Fayeed, the central character of the series. Rayner portrays a pediatrician living quietly in California who is pulled back into the dangerous world of his homeland's dictatorship. His performance anchors the show's exploration of identity, morality, and political violence.
How many seasons and episodes does Tyrant have?
Tyrant ran for three seasons on FX, totalling 32 episodes. Season 1 contained 10 episodes, Season 2 expanded to 12, and Season 3 returned to 10. The series aired from June 2014 until its cancellation in 2016, spanning roughly two years of storytelling.
What is Tyrant the TV series about?
Tyrant follows Barry Al Fayeed, the American-raised younger son of a Middle Eastern dictator, who reluctantly returns to his homeland for a family wedding after 20 years away. Once there, he becomes entangled in palace intrigue, political violence, and a nation on the brink of revolution, forcing him to confront who he truly is.
What is the content rating for Tyrant?
Tyrant is rated TV-MA, meaning it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains strong depictions of political violence, torture, sexual content, and morally complex situations. Viewer discretion is strongly advised, particularly for younger audiences or those sensitive to themes of authoritarianism and war.
What shows are similar to Tyrant?
Fans of Tyrant often enjoy Bodyguard, Suburra: Blood on Rome, and No Man's Land for their blend of political tension and high-stakes drama. The Comey Rule and Iron Reign also explore power and corruption in compelling ways. For something with a similar Middle Eastern backdrop, No Man's Land is a particularly strong pick.
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