Class of '09

Class of '09

Company type	Miniseries
Industry	Television
Founded	May 10, 2023 (2023-05-10)
Founder	Tom Rob Smith
Headquarters	United States
Products	Drama thriller television series
Website	www.fxnetworks.com/shows/class-of-09

Class of '09 is a U.S. drama thriller miniseries developed by Tom Rob Smith. It debuted on FX on Hulu on May 10, 2023.

Synopsis

The narrative unfolds across three distinct eras: 2009 (The Past), 2023 and 2025 (The Present), and 2034 (The Future). It centers on a group of FBI trainees while examining how the American criminal justice system evolves through the growing implementation of artificial intelligence to anticipate and prevent crimes before they occur.

Main

• Brian Tyree Henry portrays Tayo Michaels, who begins as an insurance adjuster turned FBI recruit in 2009, progressing to Special Agent-in-Charge by 2023, then Executive Assistant Director in 2025, and ultimately FBI Director by 2034
• Kate Mara plays Ashley Poet, a former nurse who becomes an FBI recruit in 2009; she specializes in undercover operations and serial murder cases between 2023 and 2025 and advances to Special Agent-in-Charge and Quantico instructor by the series conclusion
• Sepideh Moafi appears as Hour Nazari, an Iranian American MIT alumna and FBI recruit from 2009; she rises to senior Cybersecurity Special Agent during 2023–2025 before leaving the Bureau to live off-grid as a survivalist by 2034
• Brian J. Smith takes on Daniel Lennix, a former attorney who joins the FBI in 2009, later becoming Associate Deputy Director in 2023 and eventually retiring to oversee his family enterprise by 2034
• Jon Jon Briones acts as Gabriel, an FBI Special Agent responsible for training at Quantico in 2009
• Brooke Smith features as Drew, serving as an FBI Special Agent and Quantico trainer during both 2009 and 2023
• Jake McDorman is Murphy, initially a Salt Lake City Police officer before enlisting as an FBI recruit in 2009, advancing to Special Agent roles in 2023 and 2025
• Rosalind Eleazar portrays Dr. Vivienne McMahon, a civil rights lawyer in 2009 who becomes Tayo's spouse from 2023 to 2025 and ultimately serves as a federal judge by 2034

Recurring

• Raúl Castillo plays Amos Garcia, the AI technology entrepreneur responsible for creating the FBI’s original AI system in 2023; he passes away by 2034
• Rasool Jahan appears as Spenser, a U.S. Senator who expresses doubts regarding the FBI’s AI system in the year 2034
• Lindsay Ayliffe portrays Shannon Fitzgerald, the FBI Director in 2025 who resigns following a terrorist incident; she is Tayo’s predecessor
• Dan Tracy acts as Warren, a senior Bureau figure who succeeds Tayo as FBI Director in 2034

Guest

• Mark Pellegrino guest stars as Mark Tupirik, a domestic terrorist accountable for a significant attack on FBI headquarters during both 2009 and 2023

Production

On June 22, 2021, FX on Hulu commissioned an eight-episode limited series created by Tom Rob Smith, who also served as executive producer alongside Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, with Nellie Reed producing. Production was handled by FX Productions and Color Force. The lead roles were assigned to Brian Tyree Henry and Kate Mara at the time of the series announcement.

Sunu Gonera was named director of the pilot episode on August 13, 2021. The main cast was expanded on November 10, 2021, with Raúl Castillo, Jake McDorman, Sepideh Moafi, Brian J. Smith, Jon Jon Briones, Brooke Smith, and Rosalind Eleazar joining the lineup. On March 1, 2022, Steven Canals confirmed his role directing two episodes of the series.

Release

Class of '09 debuted on FX on Hulu in the United States on May 10, 2023, with the initial two episodes released simultaneously, followed by weekly availability of subsequent installments. The series was subsequently introduced on Star+ throughout Latin America and on Disney+ in various other regions.

Critical response

According to the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the show holds a 58% approval rating, averaging 6.3/10 based on evaluations from 33 critics. The summarized consensus notes that while Class of '09 is supported by a compelling cast and a captivating narrative structure, its overall effectiveness is hindered by subpar execution. On Metacritic, the series earned a score of 63 out of 100 from 20 critiques, reflecting "generally favorable reviews."

Sage Ashford and Alexander Vance of Comic Book Resources recognized the series as a thoughtful examination of artificial intelligence within the criminal justice system, applauding its thematic depth and strong acting. Erick Massoto from Collider praised the show's utilization of three separate timeframes and commended the ensemble cast, highlighting its detailed storytelling and high-quality production.

Accolades

Brian Tyree Henry garnered nominations for Outstanding Lead Performance in a TV Movie/Limited Series at the 2024 Black Reel Awards for Television as well as for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards.

External links

• Class of '09 at FX