Instinct (2018)
A sharp CBS crime drama pairing a former CIA operative with a tenacious NYPD detective to unravel New York City's most baffling murders.
Instinct - Series Information
- Original Title: Instinct
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Created by: Michael Rauch
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (40 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 18, 2018 (United States - TV-14), March 18, 2018 (Canada - 14+), March 18, 2018 (United Kingdom - 15), March 18, 2018 (Germany - 16), March 18, 2018 (France - 16), March 18, 2018 (Mexico - C), March 18, 2018 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: CBS
- Alternative Titles: Instinct (US), インスティンクト -異常犯罪捜査- (JP)
- Production Companies: Solipsist Film, 34 Films, Secret Hideout, James Patterson Entertainment, Black Lamb, CBS Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America, Hong Kong
Instinct - Plot
Dr. Dylan Reinhart, a gifted author, university professor and former CIA operative is lured back to his old life by tenacious top NYPD Detective Lizzie Needham. Though Dylan and Lizzie initially clash, when it comes to catching killers, they make an ideal team.
Where to Watch Instinct
Looking for where to watch Instinct?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Instinct - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Michael Rauch
Main Cast
- Alan Cumming
- Bojana Novaković
- Daniel Ings
- Naveen Andrews
- Sharon Leal
- Travis Van Winkle
- Michael B. Silver
- Andrew Polk
- Lynn Marocola
- Lauren E. Banks
Writers
- Michael Rauch
- Carol Flint
- Thomas Aguilar
- Jill Abbinanti
- Constance M. Burge
Executive Producers
- James Patterson
- Alan Cumming
- Bill Robinson
- Alex Kurtzman
- Michael Rauch
Instinct - FAQs
Who plays Dr. Dylan Reinhart in Instinct?
Alan Cumming plays Dr. Dylan Reinhart, the witty former CIA operative turned author and university professor at the heart of the series. His portrayal made history as the first leading gay character on a broadcast network procedural drama in the United States.
Is Instinct based on a book?
The series is loosely inspired by James Patterson's novel Murder Games, co-written with Howard Roughan. Patterson also served as an executive producer on the show, lending his crime-fiction expertise to the CBS adaptation, though the TV series develops its own storylines beyond the source material.
Where can you watch Instinct online?
Instinct is available to buy or rent digitally through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. There is currently no subscription streaming option, so purchasing individual episodes or full seasons is the most straightforward way to watch.
Why was Instinct cancelled after two seasons?
CBS cancelled Instinct in 2019 after two seasons. While the show attracted a solid audience in its first season, viewership declined in Season 2, and the network ultimately decided not to renew it. No official single reason was cited, though ratings pressure is the most commonly reported factor.
What is Instinct about?
Instinct centers on Dr. Dylan Reinhart, a charming author, professor, and ex-CIA operative recruited by NYPD Detective Lizzie Needham to help solve complex murder cases. Despite clashing personalities, the two form a sharp investigative partnership navigating New York City's most baffling crimes.
How many episodes does Instinct have in total?
Instinct ran for 24 episodes across two seasons on CBS. Season 1 comprised 13 episodes, while the shorter second season consisted of 11 episodes before the network cancelled the series in 2019.
Was Instinct the first network show with a gay male lead?
Yes — Instinct made television history when it premiered in 2018. Alan Cumming's portrayal of Dr. Dylan Reinhart marked the first time a broadcast network drama in the United States featured an openly gay man as its lead character, a milestone widely noted by critics and LGBTQ+ advocates.
What shows are similar to Instinct?
If you enjoyed Instinct, you might like Castle, The Alienist, The Sinner, or Dexter — all crime dramas blending unconventional investigators with compelling mysteries. Law & Order and DCI Banks are also solid picks for fans of procedural storytelling with strong character dynamics.
More About Instinct
Explore further details about Instinct on these authoritative resources.