The Irrational: next episode, plot, cast, trailer and everything we know
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The Irrational is one of the few new scripted series coming to NBC's 2023 fall lineup this TV season. This cerebral police procedural with a twist is a welcome addition to the schedule, offering a refreshing take on the police consultant trope. It's based on the book Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely.
The show features Jesse L. Martin as Professor Alec Mercer, a leading behavioral science specialist who offers his perspective on cases and investigations of all kinds, including cases that go as high as governmental levels and within law enforcement. Mercer's specialty is diving into the nature of rationality and decision-making, and how preconceived notions can impact how we shape the decisions we make.
Since NBC had to push the Law & Order and FBI series to the spring as a result of the writers and actors strike, The Irrational is a great way to fill the gap as a show that was planned for midseason but moved up to the fall schedule.
The Irrational was so well received that it earned a second season pickup at the end of November, paving the way for more stories to come in the future.
What to Watch had a chance to review the new series, calling it "sexy" and "compelling."
Here's everything we know about The Irrational.
Next episode of The Irrational
The Irrational will return with its final four episodes of season 1 on Monday, January 29, at 10 pm ET/PT.
As of this writing there's no premiere date set for the UK, but as soon as information is available we'll have it for you right here.
The Irrational episode guide
The Irrational season 1 episode 1: "Pilot"
"Professor of behavioral science Alec Mercer is called upon to investigate the murder of a fashion influencer whose boyfriend, a decorated soldier and senator's son, has confessed to the crime; however, Mercer suspects there is more to the story."
The Irrational season 1 episode 2: "Dead Woman Walking"
"Professor Mercer is approached by his old friend CJ, a prominent investigative journalist who asks for help after she's poisoned with a rare and deadly nerve agent; with time running out, Mercer pieces together scant clues."
The Irrational season 1 episode 3: "The Barnum Effect"
"After a passenger plane crashes into the Potomac River, suspicions focus on the pilot; Professor Mercer and the team are asked to investigate the pilot's personal motivations and piece together clues in the hopes of revealing the truth."
The Irrational season 1 episode 4: "Zero Sum"
"Alec and the team take on a kidnapping case at the request of a desperate father; their investigation is hampered by a complicated family dynamic that slowly reveals everyone's hidden motivations."
The Irrational season 1 episode 5: "Lucky Charms"
"Alec and the team head to Las Vegas to help Camille, a former colleague turned expert poker player who's been lured into danger; they must take some risks to solve a gambling mystery before Camille gets hurt; Marisa makes a significant discovery."
The Irrational season 1 episode 6: "Point and Shoot"
"Alec agrees to testify as an expert witness in a wrongful death trial for a friend of Kylie's; as he faces an old nemesis, he discovers competing emotions around an accidental shooting; Marisa reaches a decision about the bombing investigation."
The Irrational season 1 episode 7: "The Real Deal"
"Alec's first date with Rose turns into a 24-hour excursion when they find themselves taking on an investigation involving a forged masterpiece; Marisa and Kylie attempt to revive their friendship, which has faltered since Alec and Marisa's divorce."
The Irrational plot
Here's the official synopsis of The Irrational from NBC: "The Irrational follows world-renowned professor of behavioral science Alec Mercer (Jesse L. Martin) as he lends his unique expertise on an array of high-stakes cases involving governments, law enforcement and corporations. His insight and unconventional approach to understanding human behavior lead him and the team on a series of intense, unexpected journeys to solve illogical puzzles and perplexing mysteries. The show is based on best-selling author Dan Ariely’s book, Predictably Irrational."
The Irrational cast
The Irrational stars Jesse L. Martin (Rent, The Flash) as Professor Alec Mercer.
The series also stars Maahra Hill (Delilah), Travina Springer (Ms. Marvel), Molly Kunz (Widows) and Arash DeMaxi (Partner Track).
The Irrational trailer
Take a look at the trailer for The Irrational below:
How to watch The Irrational
The Irrational will air on NBC, with new episodes becoming available the following day on Peacock.
If you’ve cut the cord, you can watch NBC through DirecTV Stream, Hulu with Live TV, FuboTV, Sling TV and YouTube TV.
