The Alienist 2018
“Madness lies within.”
What is The Alienist?
The Alienist is an American period crime drama and thriller television series that aired from 2018 to 2020. Based on the 1994 novel by Caleb Carr, the show is set in New York City during the mid-1890s.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 2018
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 18
- Runtime
- 48 minutes
- First aired
- Jan 22, 2018
- Last aired
- Aug 9, 2020
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- US
- Networks
- TNT
- Genres
- Drama, Crime, Mystery
- Updated
Where to watch
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 18 episodes and an average 48-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
The Alienist is an American period crime drama and thriller television series that aired from 2018 to 2020. Based on the 1994 novel by Caleb Carr, the show is set in New York City during the mid-1890s. The narrative follows an ad hoc team assembled by police commissioner Theodore Roosevelt to conduct investigations. This group consists of criminal psychologist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, newspaper illustrator John Moore, and secretary Sara Howard. Together, they work to solve a series of murders involving male prostitutes and street children. The production explores the atmosphere of New York City during this historical era, with the cast featuring actors Daniel Brühl, Luke Evans, and Dakota Fanning in the lead roles. The series, which is categorized under the drama, crime, and mystery genres, also includes a follow-up installment titled The Alienist: Angel of Darkness. The program focuses on the collaborative efforts of the team as they apply their unique skills to track a serial killer operating within the city.
Should you watch it?
“A psychological thriller following a team investigating brutal murders in 1890s New York.”
- Compelling historical setting with authentic period detail
- Strong character development and team dynamics
- Intriguing early criminal psychology themes
- Pacing may feel slow to some viewers
- Graphic violence and disturbing content
Watch it if you enjoy historical mysteries with psychological depth.
Contains mature themes, violence, and disturbing content appropriate for adult audiences.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 10 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 The Boy on the Bridge Jan 22, 2018
- E2 A Fruitful Partnership Jan 29, 2018
- E3 Silver Smile Feb 5, 2018
- E4 These Bloody Thoughts Feb 12, 2018
- E5 Hildebrandt's Starling Feb 19, 2018
- E6 Ascension Feb 26, 2018
- E7 Many Sainted Men Mar 5, 2018
- E8 Psychopathia Sexualis Mar 12, 2018
- E9 Requiem Mar 19, 2018
- E10 Castle in the Sky Mar 26, 2018
Season 2 · 8 episodes
- E1 Ex Ore Infantium Jul 19, 2020
- E2 Something Wicked Jul 19, 2020
- E3 Labyrinth Jul 26, 2020
- E4 Gilded Cage Jul 26, 2020
- E5 Belly of the Beast Aug 2, 2020
- E6 Memento Mori Aug 2, 2020
- E7 Last Exit to Brooklyn Aug 9, 2020
- E8 Better Angels Aug 9, 2020
Frequently asked questions
Is this based on a book?
Yes, it's based on Caleb Carr's novel of the same name.
What time period is it set in?
The series is set in New York City in the 1890s.
Who are the main characters?
The investigation team includes a criminal psychologist, newspaper illustrator, and secretary working with police commissioner Theodore Roosevelt.
Is it violent or disturbing?
Yes, it contains graphic violence and mature themes involving murder investigations.
How many episodes are there?
The series consists of multiple episodes exploring the investigation.