The Patient (2022)
A tense, claustrophobic psychological thriller that traps a therapist — and the audience — in one of television's most unsettling limited series.
The Patient - Series Information
- Original Title: The Patient
- First Air Year: 2022
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Created by: Joe Weisberg, Joel Fields
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (22 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: August 30, 2022 (United States - TV-MA), August 30, 2022 (Brazil - 16), August 30, 2022 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Hulu
- Alternative Titles: El paciente (ES), Der Patient (DE), 理智与杀欲之间 (CN), FX's The Patient (US)
- Production Companies: FX Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Patient - Plot
A psychotherapist finds himself held prisoner by a serial killer with an unusual request: curb his homicidal urges.
The Patient - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits in this chilling limited series:
No one said therapy was easy.
Where to Watch The Patient
Looking for where to watch The Patient?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Patient - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Joe Weisberg
- Joel Fields
Main Cast
- Steve Carell
- Domhnall Gleeson
- Linda Emond
- Laura Niemi
- Andrew Leeds
- David Alan Grier
- Lucas Grant
Writers
- Joe Weisberg
- Joel Fields
Executive Producers
- Victor Hsu
- Joel Fields
- Joe Weisberg
- Caroline Moore
- Steve Carell
The Patient - FAQs
What makes The Patient so unsettling to watch?
The Patient derives its dread not from graphic violence but from psychological confinement. Steve Carell's therapist is physically chained yet emotionally compelled to do his job — treat a killer. That impossible tension, played out in claustrophobic close quarters, creates a slow-burn unease that lingers long after each episode ends.
Is The Patient based on a true story?
The Patient is an original fictional story, not based on any specific real-world case. Creators Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields drew on psychological and therapeutic concepts to craft the premise, but the characters and events are entirely invented. The show's emotional realism comes from its careful character writing, not from true crime source material.
Where can you stream The Patient?
The Patient is available to stream on Hulu as part of a standard subscription. The series originally aired on Hulu as an FX on Hulu production, releasing episodes weekly. If you're not a Hulu subscriber, availability may vary by region, so check your local streaming services for the latest options.
How does Steve Carell perform in The Patient?
Carell delivers one of the most restrained and emotionally devastating performances of his career. Playing therapist Alan Strauss with quiet dignity and mounting terror, he strips away all comedic familiarity. Critics widely praised his work as a dramatic revelation, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Limited Series.
How was The Patient received by critics?
The Patient earned strong critical acclaim, holding a score in the low-to-mid 80s on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers praised its taut writing, claustrophobic atmosphere, and the lead performances from Steve Carell and Domhnall Gleeson. Many highlighted it as one of the most inventive limited series of 2022, blending psychological drama with quiet horror.
What role does Domhnall Gleeson play in The Patient?
Domhnall Gleeson plays Sam Fortner, a serial killer who kidnaps his own therapist and chains him in a basement, demanding help controlling his murderous impulses. Gleeson portrays Sam as disturbingly ordinary — polite, even needy — which makes the character far more chilling than a conventional villain. His performance earned widespread critical admiration.
Did The Patient win any awards?
The Patient received several award nominations, including Golden Globe nods for Steve Carell and the series itself. It was recognized at the Critics Choice Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards, where it competed in limited series categories. While it did not sweep major ceremonies, the nominations confirmed its status as one of 2022's most acclaimed limited series.
What are some shows similar to The Patient?
If The Patient hooked you, try Mr. Mercedes for another psychological cat-and-mouse thriller, or Mr Inbetween for a darkly compelling portrait of a violent man. Burning Body and Painkiller offer similarly intense, character-driven limited series experiences. Each shares The Patient's taste for moral complexity and slow-building psychological tension.
More About The Patient
Explore further details about The Patient on these authoritative resources: