archytele The Vault

The Alienist 2018

“Madness lies within.”

★ 7.5/10 · 709 votes TV-MA DramaCrimeMystery 2 seasons · 18 eps Ended
Where to watch: YouTube TVTNTAmazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesFandango At HomeSky GoSky StoreChannel 4UKTV Play
Quick answer

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
Availability by region

Where to watch

Buy

Apple TV StoreFetch TV
Check current availability ↗

Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.

Planning tool

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.

Advertisement

Should you watch it?

“A psychological thriller following a team investigating brutal murders in 1890s New York.”

Reasons to watch
  • Compelling historical setting with authentic period detail
  • Strong character development and team dynamics
  • Intriguing early criminal psychology themes
Keep in mind
  • 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.

Ask the Vault

Ask anything about The Alienist — answers are spoiler-safe.

Your verdict

Is The Alienist worth watching?

Cast

Episode guide

Season 1 · 10 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide →
Season 2 · 8 episodes

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.