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The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Honor the shield.

2021Miniseries1 season6 episodes~50 min/epTV-14Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all shows

Following the events of “Avengers: Endgame”, the Falcon, Sam Wilson and the Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes team up in a global adventure that tests their abilities, and their patience.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Falcon and the Winter Soldier?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Falcon and the Winter Soldier streaming on Disney+.

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Highlights

What stands out about The Falcon and the Winter Soldier?

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier earns 2 badges, led by Preferred by Critics and Broadly Agreed.

Reception

Is The Falcon and the Winter Soldier worth watching?

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier's Midcredits score is the 56th percentile of all shows, from 298K ratings across 2 sources. 70% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

56th percentile

Better received than 56% of shows

47th percentile among Action61st percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)62nd
Approval (how many liked it)50th

Acclaim

Broadly Agreed: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

73 /100

62nd percentile of all shows

58th percentile among Action67th percentile among 2020s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.1 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

70% liked it

50th percentile of all shows

38th percentile among Action55th percentile among 2020s
70% rated it 7–1030% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

98th percentile

289K ratings across platforms

93rd percentile among Action99th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 6% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps acknowledge the show attempts to tackle serious real-world issues like race and post-Blip politics, but disagree on whether it's well-executed or preachy.

Fans praised

  • Sam and Bucky's chemistry and banter
  • Emotional depth in Bucky's trauma and Sam's journey to Captain America
  • Action sequences and set pieces

Detractors panned

  • Weak, underdeveloped villains (Flag Smashers/Karli)
  • Heavy-handed political and racial messaging
  • Rushed plot and pacing issues

What stands out

ActingDivisive75

Strong lead chemistry, but supporting cast (especially Erin Kellyman) criticized as weak

Effects and spectacle75

Flight sequences and shield combat visually impressive; some CGI criticism

Emotional impactDivisive65

Bucky's trauma and Isaiah Bradley's story resonate; Sam's arc moving for fans

CharactersDivisive60

Sam and Bucky arcs praised, but Flag Smashers and Karli widely panned as forgettable

DialogueDivisive50

Banter between leads works, but political speeches feel forced and preachy

TensionDivisive50

Some thrilling action set pieces, but stakes undermined by weak villains

Plot and storyDivisive45

Rushed, convoluted, with plot holes; some found it compelling despite flaws

PacingDivisive45

First episode strong, then drags in middle episodes with filler (e.g., boat repair)

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 51 points higher than users.

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

  • Women vs men 5 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Episodes

1 season

Miniseries · 2021 · 6 episodes · 7.3 average across 6 rated episodes

  • S1E1

    New World Order

    Mar 19, 202151 minTMDB rating 7.1
  • S1E2

    The Star-Spangled Man

    Mar 26, 202152 minTMDB rating 7.1
  • S1E3

    Power Broker

    Apr 2, 202155 minTMDB rating 7.1
  • S1E4

    The Whole World Is Watching

    Apr 9, 202156 minTMDB rating 7.8Season best
  • S1E5

    Truth

    Apr 16, 202162 minTMDB rating 7.3
  • S1E6

    One World, One People

    Apr 23, 202154 minTMDB rating 7.1Finale

Watch experience

What is The Falcon and the Winter Soldier like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, serious and intense — a relentless watch that leaves you hopeful.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
TenseThrillingContemplative
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Adventurous · 15% of showsWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Case of the week plus an arcNew arc each season
ToneThe series plays its material straight as a dramatic superhero adventure, with earnest exploration of real-world issues like systemic injustice and trauma, but includes moments of humour and banter between the leads.
The rideThe series builds from action-thriller to emotional confrontation about identity and legacy.
StructureThe series unfolds in a linear timeline with a conventional act structure, occasionally using flashbacks to Bucky's past.
Episode formatEach episode has a mission objective (get the serum, stop a heist, infiltrate a compound) while the season-long arc of the Shield and Flag-Smashers unfolds.
Season formatThough only one season exists, the show is designed as a single self-contained story arc for its core characters within the MCU timeline.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
HopefulThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe series leaves the viewer with a sense of hope as Sam embraces his new role, while lingering questions about systemic injustice and personal redemption invite further thought.
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).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18% (this title): Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% (this title) · 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. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

18% of shows fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeEach episode typically involves Sam and Bucky tracking and confronting a threat, whether the Flag Smashers or a rogue agent, in a global manhunt.

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 showsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27% (this title): Identity 20% (this title) · 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%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% (this title) · 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% (this title)
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Self

IdentityLegacy · 3% of showsTrauma · 5% of shows
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe series explores what it means to carry a shield, a past, and a nation's expectations on your shoulders.
StanceThe series questions what makes a hero and who deserves the shield, while also critiquing nationalism and power.

The world

Near futureUrbanWildernessInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral modernElectronicForeground music · original score · Henry Jackman
SettingA post-Blip world where super-soldier serum and geopolitical tensions collide.
MusicThe score blends Captain America's heroic themes with a modern, percussive edge to reflect the leads' struggle.

Content guide

Is The Falcon and the Winter Soldier okay for kids?

TV-14

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is rated TV-14. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (61/100), sexual content at minimal (9/100), language at moderate (44/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (32/100) and frightening material at moderate (57/100). Overall it is heavier than 52% of TV-14 shows.

Ratings in 21 other countries
  • UK12
  • Canada14+
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12
  • New ZealandM
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Austria12
  • IDR
  • Israel12+
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland12
  • RO12
  • Russia16+
  • SingaporePG13
  • Spain12
  • Switzerland12
  • Türkiye13+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 41% of all showsHeavier than 52% of TV-14 shows
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 65%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a TV-14 show
heavier than 3%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 63%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 34%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 65%

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

The reason to think twice is violence. Everything else sits at or below what TV-14 shows usually carry.

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 The Falcon and the Winter Soldier have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Anthony Mackie
as Falcon
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sebastian Stan
as Bucky Barnes
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Wyatt Russell
as John Walker
Erin Kellyman
as Karli Morgenthau
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Desmond Chiam
as Dovich
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Dani Deetté
as Gigi
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Indya Bussey
as DeeDee
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Daniel Brühl
as Baron Zemo
Established: A standing when this show came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Danny Ramirez
as Joaquin Torres
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Adepero Oduye
as Sarah Wilson
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.

Crew

Directed by

Kari Skogland

Written by

Ed Brubaker

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