The Alienist (2018)
A dark, atmospheric period crime drama set in 1890s New York, where a pioneering psychologist and his unlikely allies hunt a ruthless serial killer.
The Alienist - Series Information
- Original Title: The Alienist
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Created by: Cary Joji Fukunaga
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode 48 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 18
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 22, 2018 (United States - TV-MA), January 22, 2018 (Canada - 18+), January 22, 2018 (United Kingdom - 15), January 22, 2018 (Germany - 16), January 22, 2018 (France - 16), January 22, 2018 (India - A), January 22, 2018 (New Zealand - 16), January 22, 2018 (Australia - MA15+), January 22, 2018 (Brazil - 16), January 22, 2018 (Italy - VM18), January 22, 2018 (Spain - 16), January 22, 2018 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: TNT
- Alternative Titles: 精神医生 (CN), The Alienist: Angel of Darkness (US), The Alienist : The Angel of Darkness (FR)
- Production Companies: Anonymous Content, Paramount Television Studios, Vanessa Productions, Studio T, Stuma Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Alienist - Plot
New York, 1896. Police commissioner Theodore Roosevelt brings together criminal psychologist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, newspaper illustrator John Moore and secretary Sara Howard to investigate several murders of male prostitutes.
The Alienist - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the shadowy world of 1890s New York come to life:
Madness lies within.
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The Alienist - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Cary Joji Fukunaga
Main Cast
- Daniel Brühl
- Luke Evans
- Dakota Fanning
- Matthew Shear
- Douglas Smith
- Robert Wisdom
- Ted Levine
- Martin McCreadie
- Brian Geraghty
- David Wilmot
Executive Producers
- Ben Rosenblatt
- Rosalie Swedlin
- Eric Roth
- E. Max Frye
- Cary Joji Fukunaga
The Alienist - FAQs
Is The Alienist based on a true story?
The Alienist is based on Caleb Carr's 1994 historical novel of the same name. While the story is fictional, it is set against a richly researched backdrop of 1890s New York and features real historical figures such as Theodore Roosevelt and newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer.
Where can you stream The Alienist?
The Alienist is available to stream on YouTube TV and TNT with a subscription. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Spectrum On Demand offers the series for free to eligible subscribers.
Who are the main actors in The Alienist?
The Alienist stars Daniel Brühl as criminal psychologist Laszlo Kreizler, Luke Evans as newspaper illustrator John Moore, and Dakota Fanning as pioneering secretary Sara Howard. The supporting cast includes Matthew Shear, Douglas Smith, Robert Wisdom, Ted Levine, and Brian Geraghty as Theodore Roosevelt.
How many seasons does The Alienist have?
The Alienist ran for two seasons totalling 18 episodes. Season 1 comprised 10 episodes set in 1896, while Season 2, subtitled Angel of Darkness, contained 8 episodes and shifted the story forward to 1897, centering on a new case involving missing infants.
What is The Alienist about?
Set in 1896 New York, The Alienist follows criminal psychologist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, journalist John Moore, and secretary Sara Howard as they investigate the murders of young male prostitutes. The series blends psychological profiling, period atmosphere, and social commentary on class, gender, and institutional corruption.
Did The Alienist win any awards?
The Alienist earned multiple award nominations, including Emmy nominations for Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Supporting Actress for Dakota Fanning. The series was also recognized for its production design, costume design, and cinematography, reflecting the exceptional craft behind its 1890s New York recreation.
What is the content rating for The Alienist?
The Alienist is rated TV-MA, indicating it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains graphic violence, disturbing crime scenes, and mature thematic content including the murder of children and depictions of 19th-century social exploitation, making it unsuitable for younger viewers.
Why was The Alienist cancelled after two seasons?
TNT did not renew The Alienist for a third season following the conclusion of Angel of Darkness in 2020. While no official reason was publicly confirmed, the decision likely reflected shifting network priorities and viewership trends. The series adapted both of Caleb Carr's novels, giving it a natural narrative conclusion.
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