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Maid

Maid

Hard work, low pay and a mother's will to survive.

2021Miniseries1 season10 episodes~60 min/epTV-MAMidcredits score: 96th percentile of all shows

After fleeing an abusive relationship, a young mother finds a job cleaning houses as she fights to provide for her child and build them a better future.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Maid?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Maid streaming on Netflix and to rent or buy on Apple TV.

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Rent / Buy

Buy

Highlights

What stands out about Maid?

Maid earns 6 badges, led by Top 5% of shows and Universally Loved.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Maid worth watching?

Maid's Midcredits score is the 96th percentile of all shows, from 125K ratings across 2 sources. 93% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

96th percentile

Better received than 96% of shows

97th percentile among Drama97th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)92nd
Approval (how many liked it)97th

Acclaim

Universally Loved: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

82 /100

92nd percentile of all shows

93rd percentile among Drama93rd percentile among 2020s

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

Approval

How many liked it

93% liked it

97th percentile of all shows

97th percentile among Drama97th percentile among 2020s
93% rated it 7–107% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

96th percentile

124K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Drama97th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 7% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A realistic but frustrating portrayal of a struggling single mother making poor decisions.

Fans praised

  • Authentic, raw portrayal of poverty and domestic abuse
  • Brilliant, believable performances from Margaret Qualley and Andie MacDowell
  • Emotionally powerful, evocative storytelling that resonates deeply

Detractors panned

  • Frustrating, unrealistic main character who makes dumb decisions
  • Unlikable, selfish protagonist who refuses help and blames others
  • Drags with repetitive plot and lacks logical coherence

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Praised as outstanding, especially Qualley and MacDowell

Emotional impactDivisive85

Heartbreaking, powerful, tear-jerking

AtmosphereDivisive80

Immersive, gritty, realistic tone

Originality70

Fresh take on domestic abuse story

Tension65

Emotional tension and anxiety

Plot and storyDivisive60

Realistic journey but criticized for predictability

CharactersDivisive55

Flawed but realistic protagonist vs. unlikable and frustrating

PacingDivisive45

Slow, repetitive, needs tighter editing

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Episodes

1 season

Limited Series · 2021 · 10 episodes · 7.7 average across 10 rated episodes

  • S1E1

    Dollar Store

    Sep 30, 202150 minTMDB rating 8.0
  • S1E2

    Ponies

    Sep 30, 202153 minTMDB rating 7.7
  • S1E3

    Sea Glass

    Sep 30, 202148 minTMDB rating 7.6
  • S1E4

    Cashmere

    Sep 30, 202148 minTMDB rating 7.5
  • S1E5

    Thief

    Sep 30, 202160 minTMDB rating 7.7
  • S1E6

    M

    Sep 30, 202158 minTMDB rating 7.6

Watch experience

What is Maid like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, dark and intense — an even-paced watch that leaves you thinking.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
TenseMelancholicHopeful
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Tender · 10% of shows
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Nonlinear · 5% of shows: Events shown out of chronological order.SerializedSingle-season story
ToneThe series presents its unflinching portrait of poverty and abuse with raw sincerity, never mocking or sentimentalizing its characters' struggles.
The rideA sustained balance of dread and hope, with the emotional pressure shifting but never fully lifting across the run.
StructureThe series follows a chronological main narrative with regular flashbacks to the abusive relationship, revealing the past trauma that shapes Alex's present.
Episode formatOne continuous story across ten episodes; each chapter advances the overarching narrative.
Season formatA limited series telling one complete story across a single season.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Thought-provokingHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe series stays with you, raising awareness about poverty and systemic barriers while leaving a sense of hope for Alex's future.
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).RebirthHealing
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% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

7% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeAlex's journey from escaping an abusive relationship to building a stable life for herself and her daughter is a classic healing arc, centering on recovery from trauma and personal growth.

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

Survival

Trauma · 5% of showsSelf-worth · 7% of showsClass · 4% of shows
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe series centers on surviving the aftermath of domestic abuse while struggling against poverty and re-establishing a sense of dignity.
StanceThe series closely examines the toll of trauma and poverty without offering easy answers, staying focused on Alex's personal struggle.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanSuburbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalFolkSupportive music · original score
SettingCoastal Washington state, from low-income housing to wealthy homes Alex cleans
MusicA tender, guitar-driven score that underscores the emotional weight without overwhelming scenes.

Content guide

Is Maid okay for kids?

TV-MA

Maid is rated TV-MA. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (45/100), sexual content at moderate (42/100), language at intense (75/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (66/100) and frightening material at moderate (48/100). Overall it is heavier than 38% of TV-MA shows.

Ratings in 33 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada18+
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • France16
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • ArgentinaSAM 16
  • Austria16
  • Belgium12
  • BG16
  • Czechia18+
  • FinlandK16
  • Greece16
  • Hungary16
  • IDD
  • IndiaU/A 16+
  • LU12
  • MexicoC
  • MY18
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland16
  • Portugal16
  • PRTV-MA
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeM18
  • South Africa16
  • Spain16
  • Switzerland16
  • Türkiye18+
  • UA16+
  • VITV-MA
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 64% of all showsHeavier than 38% of TV-MA shows
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 26%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 31%
Profanity
Intense
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 65%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 73%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 36%

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

The reason to think twice is language and drug and alcohol content. Everything else sits at or below what TV-MA 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 Maid have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Maid?

Cast

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

Margaret Qualley
as Alex Russell
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.
Nick Robinson
as Sean Boyd
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.
Rylea Nevaeh Whittet
as Maddy Boyd
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Andie MacDowell
as Paula Langley
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.
Anika Noni Rose
as Regina
Tracy Vilar
as Yolanda
Billy Burke
as Hank
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
BJ Harrison
as Denise
Raymond Ablack
as Nate
Xavi de Guzman
as Ethan
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

More like this

What are shows like Maid?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like Maid include Good Girls (2018), Little Fires Everywhere (2020) and Ambitions (2019).

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