---
title: "Orphan Black"
year: 2013
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/orphan-black-2013"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 56296
imdb_id: "tt2234222"
status: "Ended"
seasons_count: 5
episodes_count: 50
community_rating: 7.8
vote_count: 1447
content_rating: "TV-MA"
---

# Orphan Black (2013) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/orphan-black-2013

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Orphan Black is a television series that aired from 2013 to 2017. The program was created by a team including Kim Coghill, Andrew De Angelis, Jeff Detsky, John Fawcett, Adam Higgs, Bob Mackowycz Jr., Graeme Manson, Elize Morgan, Peter Rowley, and Rebecca Sernasie. The cast features Tatiana Maslany, Dylan Bruce, Jordan Gavaris, and Maria Doyle Kennedy. The plot follows a streetwise hustler who is pulled into a compelling conspiracy after witnessing the suicide of a girl who looks just like her. Upon witnessing this event, the protagonist assumes the identity of the deceased woman. This decision leads her to unlock a world of secrets. The series is distinct from the 2009 psychological horror film titled Orphan, which was directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. While the term orphan refers to a child deprived by death of one or usually both parents, the series focuses on the experiences of the protagonist as she navigates the implications of her discovery and the surrounding conspiracy.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A streetwise hustler uncovers a vast conspiracy after witnessing the suicide of her exact lookalike."

### Why Watch
- compelling central mystery
- strong character focus

### Caveats & Content Note
- complex plot
- intense subject matter
- Tone & Suitability: The series contains intense themes and dramatic sequences suitable for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: suspenseful, mysterious, intense, dramatic

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Netflix, Philo, AMC Plus Apple TV Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Roku Premium Channel, AMC+, YouTube TV, Spectrum On Demand, Netflix Standard with Ads | Hoopla | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | ITVX Premium | ITVX | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Sky Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | Crave, Crave Amazon Channel | CBC Gem, CTV, Noovo | Apple TV Store |
| **Australia (AU)** | Stan | None | Apple TV Store |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Season 1 (10 Episodes)
Orphan Black is a Canadian science fiction television series that premiered on March 30, 2013, in Canada on Space. The series was created by Graeme Manson. The show revolves around a streetwise individual who assumes the identity of a dead woman and uncovers a secret: she is a clone. As she searches for answers, she discovers more genetically identical individuals, who are being targeted and killed off one by one. The series is a thriller mystery that explores the consequences of this earth-shattering secret.

## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 50
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 15 (30%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 35 (70%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: Graeme Manson, John Fawcett
- **Networks / Studios**: Space, BBC America

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Tatiana Maslany** as *Sarah / Cosima / Alison / Helena / Rachel*
- **Jordan Gavaris** as *Felix 'Fee' Dawkins*
- **Maria Doyle Kennedy** as *Siobhan 'Mrs. S' Sadler*
- **Kevin Hanchard** as *Detective Arthur 'Art' Bell*
- **Kristian Bruun** as *Donald 'Donnie' Hendrix*
- **Josh Vokey** as *Scott Smith*
- **Skyler Wexler** as *Kira Manning*
- **Ari Millen** as *Mark / Rudy / Miller / Ira*
- **Evelyne Brochu** as *Delphine Cormier*
- **Dylan Bruce** as *Paul Dierden*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the premise?
A woman discovers she has a lookalike who dies by suicide, leading her into a deep conspiracy.

### Q: What genre is the show?
It is a dramatic thriller series centered on a mystery.

### Q: Is it a conspiracy series?
Yes, the plot revolves around a compelling conspiracy.

### Q: Who is the protagonist?
The main character is a streetwise hustler.

### Q: What triggers the story?
The story begins when the protagonist witnesses the suicide of a girl who looks exactly like her.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Orphan (2009 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orphan_(2009_film))
- [ORPHAN Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orphan)
- [Orphan Black (TV Series 2013-2017) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2234222/)
- [Watch Orphan Black | Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/70276033)
- [Orphan streaming: where to watch movie online? - JustWatch](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/orphan)
- [Orphan Black (TV Series 2013-2017) — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/56296-orphan-black)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*