Skip to content
MovieCove
Divorce

Divorce

2016–2019Ended3 seasons24 episodes~30 min/epTV-MAMidcredits score: 40th percentile of all shows

A middle-aged couple experience the pain, the relief and the trials and tribulations of a divorce in this dry, witty comedy.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Divorce?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Divorce streaming on HBO Max and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

Rent / Buy

BuyBuy

Reception

Is Divorce worth watching?

Divorce's Midcredits score is the 40th percentile of all shows, from 9.4K ratings across 2 sources. 69% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

40th percentile

Better received than 40% of shows

38th percentile among Comedy38th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)34th
Approval (how many liked it)48th

Acclaim

Mixed: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

67 /100

34th percentile of all shows

33rd percentile among Comedy33rd percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.0 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

69% liked it

48th percentile of all shows

41st percentile among Comedy46th percentile among 2010s
69% rated it 7–1031% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

88th percentile

9.3K ratings across platforms

81st percentile among Comedy88th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 27% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A dramedy centered on a divorcing couple with SJP and Thomas Haden Church, mixing humor and serious themes, though opinions diverge on its execution.

Fans praised

  • relatable, authentic look at divorce and life after
  • strong cast led by SJP and Thomas Haden Church
  • mix of humor and drama without being overly depressing

Detractors panned

  • unlikable, superficial characters
  • not funny enough, misses the comedic mark
  • weak writing and dialogue

What stands out

ActingDivisive75

praised SJP and Thomas Haden Church's performances; some find SJP type-cast

Plot and storyDivisive60

believable everyday drama for fans; slow and meandering for detractors

Emotional impactDivisive60

resonates with those who relate to divorce; too dark for some

DialogueDivisive55

some find witty dialogue, others find clichéd and weak

CharactersDivisive45

divisive: relatable and well-developed to some, unlikable and superficial to others

PacingDivisive45

mixed; some appreciate the slow burn, others find it slow

HumorDivisive40

light humor for some; detractors find it unfunny, 'cringe-fest'

OriginalityDivisive40

called derivative, echoes SJP's previous roles and common divorce tropes

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 9 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Episodes

3 seasons

Season 3 · 2019 · 6 episodes

  • S3E1

    Charred

    Jul 1, 201930 min
  • S3E2

    Miami

    Jul 8, 201930 min
  • S3E3

    Gaps & Bunches

    Jul 15, 201930 min
  • S3E4

    Bad Manners

    Jul 22, 201930 min
  • S3E5

    Away Games

    Jul 29, 201930 min
  • S3E6

    Knock Knock

    Aug 5, 201930 minFinale

Watch experience

What is Divorce like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, light and charged — a slow-burn watch that leaves you bittersweet.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
BittersweetMelancholicWarm
Heaviest: middle
Register
Wry · 7% of shows: Amused and slightly dry about it.Warm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.SerializedOne continuous story
ToneThe series holds its characters with a mix of wry humour and genuine pathos, treating their struggles with honesty.
The rideThe series holds a contemplative, wryly sad register, with its emotional weight concentrated in the middle stretch as the divorce proceedings become messiest.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically across three seasons, following the divorce as it progresses, with no unusual narrative devices.
Episode formatEach season continues the ongoing story of Frances and Robert's divorce, with episodes acting as chapters in a continuous narrative.
Season formatEach season picks up where the last left off, following the same characters through the lengthy divorce process.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
BittersweetWistful · 6% of shows
Why it leaves you this wayThe series leaves viewers with a bittersweet feeling about the end of a marriage, paired with a wistful longing for what was lost.
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).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · 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% (this title): Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% (this title) · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Liberation: Breaking free of a confining life (Room).

7% of shows fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeThe series follows the drawn-out process of a couple ending their marriage, which can be seen as a liberation from a stifling relationship, fitting rebirth with loose fit.

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 showsSelfMarriageBonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% (this title) · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% (this title) · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · 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% · 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%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Marriage · 2% of showsIdentitySelf-worth · 7% of shows
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe series examines the dissolution of a long-term marriage, exploring how both partners confront who they are without the other and struggle to rebuild a sense of worth.
StanceThe series observes the divorce from both sides without moralizing, presenting a compassionate but unsentimental view of two people who bring out the worst in each other.

The world

ContemporarySuburbanDomesticUrbanRealistic
JazzSupportive music · original score
SettingAffluent suburbs outside New York City, with occasional city scenes
MusicThe score uses mellow jazz cues that underline the wry, contemporary tone.

Content guide

Is Divorce okay for kids?

TV-MA

Divorce is rated TV-MA. As of August 29, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (17/100), sexual content at moderate (42/100), language at intense (60/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at mild (17/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 23 other countries
  • CanadaG
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany12
  • France18
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • Austria16
  • Czechia15+
  • FinlandK16
  • Hungary16
  • IndiaU
  • MexicoD
  • MY18
  • Norway18
  • Poland16
  • Portugal12AP
  • RO15
  • SingaporeM18
  • Spain18
  • SwedenFrån 15 år
  • Switzerland16
  • Türkiye18+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 32%
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)

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

Too few votes to rank this title overall (21 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

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 Divorce have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Divorce?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Sarah Jessica Parker
as Frances
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or ComedyTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Thomas Haden Church
as Robert
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.
Molly Shannon
as Diane
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Talia Balsam
as Dallas
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Sterling Jerins
as Lila
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Charlie Kilgore
as Tom
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tracy Letts
as Nick
Becki Newton
as Jackie
Dean Winters
as Tony Silvercreek
Yul Vazquez
as Craig Anders

More like this

What are shows like Divorce?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like Divorce include Living with Yourself (2019), Claws (2017) and Based on a True Story (2023).

Like this, but

Explore by

What other shows share a tag with Divorce?

366 other shows share the rarest tag below, relationship: marriage in crisis. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.