How to Get Away with Murder is a 6‑season American legal drama and mystery‑thriller that aired on ABC from 2014 to 2020. The series stars Viola Davis as Professor Annalise Keating and is rated TV‑14. Although many fans search for “how to get away with a murderer,” the correct title of the show is How to Get Away with Murder.
Annalise Keating is a brilliant criminal defense attorney and law professor who selects a group of her brightest students to work at her firm. The story weaves courtroom drama with personal secrets, multiple murders, and the constant question of who can be trusted.
With six seasons, a devoted fan base, and a historic Emmy win for Viola Davis, the series remains a staple of modern television. Below is a complete guide covering where to watch, the full cast, major plot points, and answers to the most common questions.
Where Can You Watch How to Get Away with Murder?
- The series ran for 6 seasons (2014–2020); no Season 7 was produced.
- Viola Davis won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role.
- The show is available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu with a subscription, and can be purchased on Fandango at Home.
- Wes Gibbins, played by Alfred Enoch, is a central character whose death becomes a major plot twist.
- The question “Who killed Lila?” is the driving mystery of the first season.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Created by | Peter Nowalk |
| Starring | Viola Davis, Billy Brown, Alfred Enoch, Jack Falahee, Aja Naomi King, Matt McGorry, Karla Souza, Charlie Weber, Liza Weil, Conrad Ricamora, Rome Flynn, Amirah Vann |
| No. of Seasons | 6 |
| No. of Episodes | 90 |
| Original Release | September 25, 2014 – May 14, 2020 |
| Age Rating | TV‑14 (some episodes TV‑MA) |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | 88% (Tomatometer) |
Is There a Season 7 of How to Get Away with Murder?
The series concluded after six seasons. No Season 7 has been announced or planned. The final episode aired on May 14, 2020, bringing the story of Annalise Keating to a deliberate close.
How Many Seasons Are There?
Exactly six seasons, comprising 90 episodes. The show premiered on September 25, 2014 and ended in 2020. Rotten Tomatoes lists season release years from 2014 through 2019, with a full season score for each.
What About Season 2?
Season 2 aired from 2015 to 2016. It continues the story after the murder of Sam Keating and dives deeper into Wes’s past. Both new cases and personal betrayals keep the tension high.
While Disney+ and Hulu carry the series in many countries, the exact availability differs. Always check your local streaming service before subscribing.
Who Stars in the Cast of How to Get Away with Murder?
Main Cast of Season 1
- Viola Davis as Professor Annalise Keating
- Billy Brown as Detective Nate Lahey
- Alfred Enoch as Wes Gibbins
- Jack Falahee as Connor Walsh
- Aja Naomi King as Michaela Pratt
- Matt McGorry as Asher Millstone
- Karla Souza as Laurel Castillo
- Charlie Weber as Frank Delfino
- Liza Weil as Bonnie Winterbottom
- Conrad Ricamora as Oliver Hampton
Who Is Wes in How to Get Away with Murder?
Wes Gibbins, played by Alfred Enoch, is one of the Keating 5 students. His mysterious background and eventual death (in Season 3) are pivotal to the series. Wes’s relationship with Annalise and his involvement in Lila’s death drive much of the earlier plot.
Who Is the Producer of How to Get Away with Murder?
The series was created and executive produced by Peter Nowalk. It was also produced under Shondaland, the production company of Shonda Rhimes, and ABC Studios.
Later seasons introduce Rome Flynn as Gabriel Maddox and Amirah Vann as Tegan Price, expanding the ensemble and adding new layers to the story.
What Is the Age Rating and IMDB Score for How to Get Away with Murder?
The show is rated TV‑14 by Rotten Tomatoes, with later episodes sometimes receiving a TV‑MA rating for violence and language. The age rating is consistently listed as TV‑14 across official sources.
As for the IMDB rating, the available sources do not provide a verified score from the supplied research. Some references mention a rating of 8.1 out of 10, but that figure cannot be confirmed from the provided documents. Viewers should consult the official IMDB page for the most current rating.
What Is the Overall Plot and Major Deaths in How to Get Away with Murder?
Annalise Keating selects a group of law students to assist her with real cases. The series opens with the murder of a student, Lila Stangard, and the question “Who killed Lila?” drives much of the first season. As the seasons progress, the characters become entangled in a web of lies, betrayals, and additional murders.
Who Killed Lila in How to Get Away with Murder?
Lila’s death is revealed to be connected to Sam Keating, Annalise’s husband, and his affair with Lila. The full truth unfolds gradually, with multiple characters involved in covering it up. (Spoiler‑free summary: the killer is revealed by the end of Season 1.)
Major Deaths Throughout the Series
The show contains numerous character deaths. A full spoiler‑heavy list would run many entries across all six seasons. Among the most impactful are the death of Wes Gibbins in Season 3 and the demise of several key characters in the final season. The supplied research does not provide a complete death list, but major casualties are well documented on episode guides.
If you have not finished the series, be cautious when reading detailed death lists. Major character deaths occur in almost every season and are often central to the plot twists.
What Events Define the Series Timeline?
- – Season 1 premieres: introduction of Annalise and the Keating 5; Lila’s murder case begins.
- – Season 2: Wes’s past is revealed; Sam Keating is murdered.
- – Season 3: Wes’s death; the Hapstall case.
- – Season 4: Annalise faces personal struggles and files a class‑action lawsuit.
- – Season 5: new characters; Annalise battles addiction.
- – Season 6: final season; the governor’s conspiracy and series finale.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About the Series?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The series ended after 6 seasons; no Season 7 exists or is planned. | Streaming platform availability may vary by region. Always check local Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu. |
| The correct title is “How to Get Away with Murder,” not “How to Get Away with a Murderer.” | The exact IMDB rating could not be verified from the supplied sources. |
| The show is rated TV‑14 for most episodes, with some later episodes rated TV‑MA. | A complete, spoiler‑free list of every character death is not available from the provided research. |
Why Does the Search Phrase “How to Get Away with a Murderer” Differ from the Title?
Many users search for “how to get away with a murderer” instead of the correct title. This likely stems from a mishearing or confusion with similar crime phrases. The show’s actual title, “How to Get Away with Murder,” reflects the legal concept Annalise teaches her students: the art of using legal loopholes and defense tactics to win acquittals.
The series subverts this concept by showing that the characters are not just involved in theoretical cases—they become entangled in real murders themselves. The title therefore carries a double meaning: the classroom lesson and the literal act of getting away with homicide.
Viola Davis’s performance as Annalise Keating earned her an Emmy in 2015, making her the first African‑American woman to win the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. The show also belongs to the Shondaland universe, enjoying cross‑promotion with series like Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy.
What Do Official Sources Say About the Series?
“How to Get Away with Murder is an American legal drama thriller television series created by Peter Nowalk for ABC.”
– Wikipedia
“Brilliant criminal defense attorney and law professor Annalise Keating … become involved in a twisted murder case.”
– IMDB (summary)
“Viola Davis’s powerhouse performance elevates How to Get Away with Murder above its thriller trappings.”
– Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus
What Should You Know About How to Get Away with Murder?
How to Get Away with Murder is a gripping six‑season legal thriller anchored by Viola Davis’s award‑winning performance. The series is available on Disney+ and Hulu, rated TV‑14, and features a sprawling cast that grows over time. Its intricate plotlines, sudden character deaths, and courtroom twists have made it a fan favorite. For newcomers, the best place to start is Season 1 on your preferred streaming platform. You can also explore the How to Get Away with Murder – TV series overview for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get Away with a Murderer 2 – What does this refer to?
This likely refers to Season 2 of the series. Season 2 continues the story of Annalise and her students as they deal with the aftermath of Sam’s murder.
How many episodes are in each season?
The series has 15 episodes per season in seasons 1‑3, and 15‑18 in later seasons, totaling 90 episodes.
Is “How to Get Away with Murder” based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional drama, though it draws on real‑world legal concepts and cases.
Why is the show no longer on ABC?
The series concluded its run after six seasons in 2020, as planned by the creator. There was no cancellation; it ended naturally.
What is the correct title: “How to Get Away with Murder” or “How to Get Away with a Murderer”?
The correct title is How to Get Away with Murder. The phrase “how to get away with a murderer” is a common misremembering.
For official streaming options, visit Netflix, Disney+ or Hulu. More cast and episode information can be found on Wikipedia and IMDB. For ratings and scores, check Rotten Tomatoes.
For a deeper look at the series, read our How to Get Away with Murder – TV series overview and How to Get Away with Murder – show details and cast.
Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and newsroom workflow.