The Irrational (2023)
A behavioral psychology professor turns criminal consultant, unraveling deception, bias, and human nature one high-stakes case at a time.
The Irrational - Series Information
- Original Title: The Irrational
- First Air Year: 2023
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Arika Lisanne Mittman
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 29
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 25, 2023 (United States - TV-14), September 25, 2023 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Universal Television, Simon-Binx Productions, Samuel Baum Productions, Off the Cliff Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Ирационално (BG), 非理性 (CN)
The Irrational - Plot
Alec Mercer is a world-renowned professor of behavioral psychology with a unique insight into human nature who lends his expertise to an array of high-stakes cases involving governments, corporations and law enforcement. However, he meets his match in a female domestic terror suspect who turns his world upside down.
The Irrational - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the science of crime-solving in action:
He has solving crime down to a science.
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The Irrational - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Arika Lisanne Mittman
Main Cast
- Jesse L. Martin
- Maahra Hill
- Travina Springer
- Molly Kunz
- Arash DeMaxi
- Karen David
- Max Lloyd-Jones
- Garfield Wilson
- Brian King
- Briana Buckmaster
Writers
- Arika Lisanne Mittman
- Jojo S. Wright
- Mark Goffman
Executive Producers
- Samuel Baum
- Mark Goffman
- Arika Lisanne Mittman
- David Frankel
The Irrational - FAQs
Is The Irrational based on a book?
Yes. The Irrational is inspired by the work of Dan Ariely, a real-world behavioral economist and author of the bestselling book Predictably Irrational. The series adapts his research into human decision-making and cognitive bias into a fictional crime-drama format centered on professor Alec Mercer.
Where can you stream The Irrational?
The Irrational is available to purchase or rent digitally through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Episodes originally aired on NBC. For a full, up-to-date list of streaming and viewing options in your region, check JustWatch.
Why was The Irrational cancelled after Season 2?
NBC cancelled The Irrational after its second season in 2025. While no official detailed reason was publicly announced, cancellations at this stage typically reflect a combination of viewership ratings, streaming performance, and network scheduling priorities. The show concluded with 29 episodes across its two-season run.
Who stars in The Irrational?
The Irrational stars Jesse L. Martin as lead character Alec Mercer, alongside Maahra Hill, Travina Springer, Molly Kunz, Arash DeMaxi, Karen David, Max Lloyd-Jones, Garfield Wilson, Brian King, and Briana Buckmaster as part of the principal ensemble cast.
How many seasons and episodes does The Irrational have?
The Irrational ran for 2 seasons and a total of 29 episodes. Season 1 comprised 11 episodes, while Season 2 expanded to 18 episodes. The series aired on NBC from September 25, 2023, through 2025, before being cancelled.
What is The Irrational TV series about?
The Irrational centers on Alec Mercer, a celebrated behavioral psychology professor who uses his deep understanding of human nature to assist governments, corporations, and law enforcement on complex, high-stakes cases. His world is disrupted when he encounters a female domestic terror suspect who challenges his every assumption.
When did The Irrational first premiere on NBC?
The Irrational made its debut on NBC on September 25, 2023. The series was rated TV-14 for US audiences and also premiered in South Korea on the same date with a 15 content rating.
Who created and wrote The Irrational?
The Irrational was created by Arika Lisanne Mittman, who also served as a writer and executive producer on the series. Additional writing credits include Jojo S. Wright and Mark Goffman. Executive producers include Samuel Baum, Mark Goffman, Arika Lisanne Mittman, and David Frankel.
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