The Blacklist (2013)

Kernel Score: 85% · 3,499 ratings

Genres: Drama, Crime, Mystery

First aired: 2013-09-23

Seasons: 10 · 218 episodes

Is The Blacklist worth watching?

Worth watching. James Spader's fugitive criminal helps the FBI hunt dangerous people, and he's the reason to watch. The weekly cases are entertaining and the long mystery keeps pulling you along, but it's a long show.

Watch it if you

  • like procedural crime shows with a mystery thread
  • enjoy a charismatic, scene-stealing lead
  • want a long binge

Skip it if you

  • dislike formulaic episodes
  • want something finished quickly

Best for: Binge weekend

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Blacklist

  • Stream: Netflix
  • Buy: Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Raymond "Red" Reddington, one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives, surrenders in person at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He claims that he and the FBI have the same interests: bringing down dangerous criminals and terrorists. In the last two decades, he's made a list of criminals and terrorists that matter the most but the FBI cannot find because it does not know they exist. Reddington calls this "The Blacklist". Reddington will co-operate, but insists that he will speak only to Elizabeth Keen, a rookie FBI profiler.

The Blacklist parents' guide: ages 12+

Parents need to know that this TV-14 crime thriller follows an FBI task force chasing terrorists and criminal masterminds with a manipulative fugitive informant.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — An FBI procedural centered on terrorism, crime lords, and dangerous fugitives; action and peril drive the series.
  • Language: Some — Moderate profanity consistent with a TV-14 crime drama.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-14 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Shows like The Blacklist

If you liked The Blacklist, these are the shows we'd watch next.

  • Hannibal (2013) — 91%: Dark, stylish cat-and-mouse crime drama with a magnetic villain.
  • White Collar (2009) — 90%: Light, clever crime show built on a charming criminal.
  • Criminal Minds (2005) — 90%: Case-of-the-week FBI procedural.
  • Dexter (2006) — 89%: Crime drama anchored by a killer who works with the law.
  • The Mentalist (2008) — 92%: Clever crime procedural led by a charismatic consultant.
  • The X-Files (1993) — 91%: Classic FBI mystery show with a long running story.

Cast

  • James Spader as Raymond 'Red' Reddington
  • Diego Klattenhoff as Donald Ressler
  • Hisham Tawfiq as Dembe Zuma
  • Anya Banerjee as Siya Malik
  • Harry Lennix as Harold Cooper

The Blacklist FAQ

Is The Blacklist worth watching?

Worth watching. James Spader's fugitive criminal helps the FBI hunt dangerous people, and he's the reason to watch. The weekly cases are entertaining and the long mystery keeps pulling you along, but it's a long show.

Where can I watch The Blacklist?

In the US you can stream The Blacklist on Netflix and buy it from Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.

Is The Blacklist OK for kids?

The Blacklist is rated TV-14. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 12+. Parents need to know that this TV-14 crime thriller follows an FBI task force chasing terrorists and criminal masterminds with a manipulative fugitive informant.

What shows are like The Blacklist?

If you liked The Blacklist, try Hannibal, White Collar, Criminal Minds and Dexter.