---
title: "Instinct"
year: 2018
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/instinct-2018"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 72745
imdb_id: "tt4124758"
status: "Canceled"
seasons_count: 2
episodes_count: 24
runtime_minutes: 40
community_rating: 6.8
vote_count: 137
content_rating: "TV-14"
---

# Instinct (2018) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/instinct-2018

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Instinct is an American police procedural drama television series that premiered on March 18, 2018, on CBS, created by Michael Rauch and inspired by the Murder Games book series by James Patterson. The show follows Dr. Dylan Reinhart, a gifted author, university professor, and former CIA operative who is lured back to his old life by tenacious top NYPD Detective Lizzie Needham, and though they initially clash, they make an ideal team when it comes to catching killers.

The cultural significance of the series lies in its adaptation of James Patterson's work for television, bringing a distinct protagonist to the CBS crime drama lineup. The tone and pacing reflect a traditional police procedural combined with dramatic elements, highlighting the professional and investigative partnership between Reinhart and Needham as they tackle various criminal cases.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A former CIA operative turned professor is lured back into action by an NYPD detective."

### Why Watch
- It features a unique protagonist who is an author, university professor, and former CIA operative.
- The dynamic between the lead characters involves initial clashes that evolve into an ideal team for catching killers.
- The series is inspired by the Murder Games book series by James Patterson.

### Caveats & Content Note
- Viewers who dislike standard crime and drama police procedural formats may find the premise familiar.
- Tone & Suitability: The tone is dramatic and crime-focused, fitting the standard pacing of a network police procedural.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #police-procedural, #crime-drama, #cia-operative, #university-professor, #book-adaptation, #partner-dynamics

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Sky Go | 5 | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | None | Apple TV Store |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | 7plus | Apple TV Store |

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: Michael Rauch
- **Networks / Studios**: CBS

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Alan Cumming** as *Dylan Reinhart*
- **Bojana Novaković** as *Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Needham*
- **Daniel Ings** as *Andy*
- **Naveen Andrews** as *Julian Cousins*
- **Sharon Leal** as *Jasmine Gooden*
- **Travis Van Winkle** as *Det. Ryan Stock*
- **Michael B. Silver** as *Sgt. Kanter Harris*
- **Andrew Polk** as *Doug the Medical Examiner*
- **Lynn Marocola** as *NYPD Officer (uncredited)*
- **Lauren E. Banks** as *Dierde*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream Instinct?
Streaming availability can be checked through platforms listed as available to rent or buy on services like TMDB.

### Q: Is Instinct worth watching?
It is worth watching if you enjoy crime dramas featuring a former CIA operative partnering with an NYPD detective.

### Q: What is the binge duration for Instinct?
The series ran from 2018 to 2019 following its premiere on March 18, 2018, on CBS.

### Q: What are the essential episodes of Instinct?
The series begins with the premiere episode introducing Dr. Dylan Reinhart and Detective Lizzie Needham as they form their investigative partnership.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Instinct — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/72745)
- [Instinct (American TV series) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instinct_(American_TV_series))
- [Instinct (2018) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/498154-instinct/prehled/)
- [Instinct (seriál) – Wikipedie](https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instinct_(seri%C3%A1l))
- [Instinct (2018): Zajímavosti | Kinobox.cz](https://www.kinobox.cz/film/578152-instinct/zajimavosti)
- [Instinct (2018–2019) | SerialZone.cz](https://www.serialzone.cz/serial/instinct/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*