Series synopsis
The Irrational is an American crime drama television series that premiered on NBC on September 25, 2023. It ended on March 25, 2025. It was created by Arika Lisanne Mittman. It stars Jesse L. Martin, Maahra Hill, Travina Springer and Molly Kunz.
Alec Mercer is a world-renowned professor of behavioral psychology with a unique insight into human nature who lends his expertise to an array of high-stakes cases involving governments, corporations and law enforcement. However, he meets his match in a female domestic terror suspect who turns his world upside down.
Premise
Alec Mercer is a world-renowned professor of behavioral psychology with a unique insight into human nature who lends his expertise to an array of high-stakes cases involving governments, corporations and law enforcement. However, he meets his match in a female domestic terror suspect who turns his world upside down.
Premise: He has solving crime down to a science.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer
- Maahra Hill as Marisa Clark
- Travina Springer as Kylie Mercer
- Molly Kunz as Phoebe Duncan
- Arash DeMaxi as Rizwan Asadi
Guest cast
- Caleb Ruminer as Dylan Hayes
- Kaj-Erik Eriksen as Ray
- Sara Canning as DA Elise Bowen
- Teach Grant as Clay
- Dalmar Abuzeid as Young Alec Mercer
- Ben Cotton as Wes Banning
- Lauren Holly as Mayor
- Billy Christos Jr. as Child in Bowling Alley
- Vincent Delorme as Frank
- Cameron McDonald as Agent Barry Guilfoyle
- Kaja Jean as Woman
- Leo Chiang as SWAT Officer
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 29 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 11 | September 25, 2023 | February 19, 2024 |
| Season 2 | 18 | October 8, 2024 | March 25, 2025 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Pilot Professor of behavioral science Alec Mercer suspects there's more to the story when he is called upon to investigate the murder of a fashion influencer whose boyfriend has confessed. |
September 25, 2023 |
| 2 |
Dead Woman Walking Prof. Mercer is approached by old friend CJ, a prominent investigative journalist, who asks for his help after she’s poisoned with a rare and deadly nerve agent. With time running out, Mercer pieces together scant clues. |
October 2, 2023 |
| 3 |
The Barnum Effect After a passenger plane crashes into the Potomac River, suspicions focus immediately on the pilot. Prof. Mercer and the team are asked to investigate the pilot’s personal motivations and piece together clues in the hopes of revealing the truth. |
October 9, 2023 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Collateral Damage When Rose goes missing, Alec quickly discovers this is no ordinary kidnapping. While Rose plays a dangerous game to stall for time, Alec takes matters into his own hands to find her. |
October 8, 2024 |
| 2 |
A Kick in the Teeth The FBI needs Alec and his team to help stop a serial killer terrorizing the suburbs. |
October 15, 2024 |
| 3 |
Bad Blood Alex investigates the death of a rising star on Wall Street who was killed during her hockey game. |
October 22, 2024 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | NBC |
|---|---|
| First aired | September 25, 2023 |
| Last aired | March 25, 2025 |
| Status | canceled |
| Schedule | Tuesday at 22:00:00 |