Ratched (2020)
The chilling origin story of Nurse Mildred Ratched, tracing her dark path through a 1940s psychiatric institution.
Ratched - Series Information
- Original Title: Ratched
- First Air Year: 2020
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Created by: Evan Romansky
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Mystery, Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 18, 2020 (United States - TV-MA), September 18, 2020 (United Kingdom - 18), September 18, 2020 (Germany - 16), September 18, 2020 (Australia - MA15+), September 18, 2020 (Brazil - 16), September 18, 2020 (Spain - 16), September 18, 2020 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Netflix
- Production Companies: Fox 21 Television Studios, Ryan Murphy Television, Furthur Films, Lighthouse Management + Media
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: แรทเช็ด: จิตอำมหิต (TH)
Ratched - Plot
An origins story, beginning in 1947, which follows Ratched's journey and evolution from nurse to full-fledged monster tracking her murderous progression through the mental health care system.
Ratched - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the darkness that shaped Mildred Ratched:
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Ratched - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Evan Romansky
Main Cast
- Sarah Paulson
- Finn Wittrock
- Jon Jon Briones
- Judy Davis
- Cynthia Nixon
- Vincent D'Onofrio
- Amanda Plummer
- Alice Englert
- Charlie Carver
- Sharon Stone
Writers
- Ian Brennan
- Evan Romansky
- Jennifer Salt
Executive Producers
- Eric Kovtun
- Ryan Murphy
- Michael Douglas
- Margaret Riley
- Aleen Keshishian
Ratched - FAQs
Is Ratched based on a true story?
Ratched is not based on a true story. The series is a fictional prequel inspired by the iconic character Nurse Ratched from Ken Kesey's 1962 novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and the celebrated 1975 film adaptation starring Louise Fletcher. Creator Evan Romansky invented an original backstory for the character.
Is Ratched connected to American Horror Story?
Ratched shares no official narrative connection to American Horror Story, but the creative DNA is unmistakable. Both series come from Ryan Murphy and feature overlapping cast members like Sarah Paulson and Finn Wittrock. Murphy's signature visual style, dark camp, and gothic atmosphere run through both shows, making Ratched feel like a spiritual sibling.
Why was Ratched cancelled after one season?
Netflix originally ordered two seasons of Ratched before it even premiered. However, the second season was quietly shelved and the show was eventually cancelled. No official explanation was given, though shifting priorities at Netflix and the challenges of assembling the ensemble cast again are widely cited as contributing factors.
Where can you stream Ratched?
Ratched is available to stream on Netflix, both with a standard subscription and through Netflix Standard with Ads. Since it's a Netflix original production, it remains exclusive to the platform and is not available for purchase or rental on other services.
Who plays Nurse Ratched in the series?
Sarah Paulson takes on the role of Mildred Ratched, delivering a mesmerizing performance that earned widespread praise. The supporting cast is equally formidable, featuring Sharon Stone, Cynthia Nixon, Judy Davis, Vincent D'Onofrio, Finn Wittrock, Jon Jon Briones, Amanda Plummer, Alice Englert, and Charlie Carver.
What is Ratched about?
Set in 1947 California, Ratched charts the origins of Mildred Ratched, the infamous nurse from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The series follows her calculated infiltration of a psychiatric hospital, unraveling the trauma, ambition, and moral corruption that gradually transform her into one of literature's most chilling villains.
How was Ratched received by critics?
Critical reception was mixed. Reviewers praised Sarah Paulson's commanding performance and the show's lush, stylized visuals, but many felt the writing leaned too heavily on shock value and camp excess. Audiences responded more warmly, drawn in by the gothic atmosphere and the sheer magnetism of the ensemble cast.
What is the content rating for Ratched?
Ratched is rated TV-MA, meaning it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains graphic violence, disturbing depictions of psychiatric procedures including lobotomies, sexual content, and dark psychological themes. Viewer discretion is strongly advised, particularly for those sensitive to medical horror or depictions of institutional abuse.
More About Ratched
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