The Irrational 2023

Overview

The Irrational is an American crime drama television series that premiered in 2023. The show stars Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer, a world-renowned professor of behavioral psychology who uses his deep understanding of human nature to assist with high-stakes cases involving governments, corporations, and law enforcement. Created by Arika Lisanne Mittman, the series draws inspiration from the work of behavioral economist Dan Ariely and his 2008 book Predictably Irrational. The show also features Maahra Hill, Travina Springer, and Molly Kunz in its main cast. It aired on NBC and ran for two seasons through 2025. The series explores how psychological insights can be applied to solve complex criminal and societal challenges, while also examining the personal and professional consequences of such work.