The Alienist
The Alienist

The Alienist

2020TV ShowEnded2 SeasonsEnglish

New York, 1896. Police commissioner Theodore Roosevelt brings together criminal psychologist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, newspaper illustrator John Moore and secretary Sara Howard to investigate several murders of male prostitutes.

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Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes79%
Metacritic64/100
Google Users85%
Director: Cary Joji FukunagaGenres: Period Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

In 1896 New York City, a criminal psychologist known as an 'alienist,' Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, teams up with newspaper illustrator John Moore and police secretary Sara Howard to investigate a series of gruesome murders of boy prostitutes. They delve into the dark underbelly of Gilded Age society, using early psychological profiling techniques to catch a killer operating in the shadows.

Critical Reception

The series received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its atmospheric production design, compelling performances, and suspenseful narrative. Some found the plot occasionally convoluted, but the overall engagement and historical detail were frequently highlighted.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning with a rich period atmosphere.
  • Strong performances anchor the dark and intricate mystery.
  • Engaging but sometimes complex narrative that demands attention.

Google audience: Viewers appreciated the show's dark, atmospheric portrayal of 19th-century New York and the compelling performances, particularly from the lead actors. Some found the storyline a bit slow-paced in parts but generally praised its suspense and historical setting.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 5 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Period And/Or Character Music Composition and Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Period Or Fantasy Program.

Fun Fact

The series is based on the 1994 novel of the same name by Caleb Carr, which was the first in a trilogy featuring Dr. Laszlo Kreizler.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
moviefan39

moviefan39

okay so i started watching this show pretty much in the second season and ill tell you what im loving this show fantastic action likeable cast good plot so much to brag on here however i cant say i recommend it to kids due to graphic conten...
Patrick E. Abe

Patrick E. Abe

I just finished episode #4 and this "journey through the past" has a blah feel to it. "Murdoch Mysteries," which covers some of the same era has that Something this production lacks. NYC Police Commissioner "Theodore Roosevelt" comes across...
adrain smith

adrain smith

Great show!!!