User reviews

The first few episodes made the show seem compelling, but by episode 4, the show started to become less adult focused and more cartoony. The characters seemed to be slowly becoming flat, yet stereotypical and the writing seems to increasingly insult my intelligence with each successive episode. Initially I expected this to be a bit more of an Americanized and more exciting, stylized version of a Professor T. Certainly, casting the charismatic Jesse Martin in this role could more than pull that off. However the supporting characters are exaggerated and the side story arcs feel like time fillers. This is really a shame - I was really excited for this series.

I was excited to start watching this new show as the preview clips were pretty good. It started out fine but halfway through seemed to be very predictable as far as the plot goes. Was nice to see Lauren Holly in it but she obviously looks different with all the work she has had.

I was really liking it until the scene where killer and he were outside chatting at their vehicles. When the guy pulled out the gun - it was a bit strange because he hadn't yet been accused. Then they drive around and get in a car crash? I mean c'mon, that's the best the writers could do? I'll watch next episode and see.

Alec Mercer (Jesse L. Martin) teaches and does research in Behavioral Science at Wylton University. He is sometimes called in to consult with law enforcement when they need his professional talents.

This show has the bones of a police procedural, but it is more than that. Mercer can help solve cases because he is observant and he understands human psychology. But he also deals with criminals in hostage situations or any time the police think an understanding of human psychology might help in dealing with a crisis. Because local government officials know of him, he may also be used behind the scenes in delicate situations where public relations are top priority.

But one of the most interesting facets of this series is that Mercer explains the psychology behind his decisions, often citing well-known behavioral experiments. And he can use his academic resources to help conduct his own experiments to test theories.

Jesse L. Martin is perfecting suited to this role. And he is surrounded by a good cast. The first two episodes were about interesting cases, but viewers who like learning about human psychology may enjoy this series most.

Ever since Tim Roth stopped playing Cal Lightman in Lie to Me (2009) I've been craving a smart psychologist fighting crime.

Then came Perception (2012), but Erick. McCormacks character was just a tad too crazy.

I had big hopes for. Mind Games (2014), but Christian Slater played an extremely annoying role, so it was cancelled as no one could stand watching it.

Enter The Irrational (2023) where an expert in human behavior helps law enforcement. We are immediately exposed to his backstory, which I am sure we will further explore in forthcoming episodes.

The crime he solves in the pilot is okay. We are not as audience convinced that he's a genius (yet), but he does drop a few interesting tidbits from time to time.

My wish list for future episodes: Writes, take a look at "The Mentalist" and "Lie to Me" and see if you can add a bit of that magic to the show.

I will continue watching.

... and so I did. Just finished watching episode 10 of season 1, which is the weakest so far. Something has been bugging me and that's how the writers makes professionals do or say things that a real professional would never say or do. These kind of shows works because they have a foundation. There really is such a thing as behavioral science. But it''s not just the science - sometimes law enforcement agencies are involved, and there we see a multitude of small errors. Calling CIA officers for agents. Wrong use of weapons and tactics, etc.

Both Lie to Me and The Mentalist had real, bonafide professionals helping them with the science. That would be a great step going forward if this show should have a future.

Had to speak up after seeing the pro reviews that gave this new series a rotten rating elsewhere. Those critics seem to have gotten pretty jaded. Maybe watching one too many procedurals? None, repeat none, of these tried and true TV tropes have ever been perfect. But to damn "The Irrational" for being what it is, is, well, NOT rational. The show's an example of a pretty familiar but often successful format and its pilot masterfully established both its star and premise with panache and in record time. It set itself apart from other murder mysteries for me, as much for its arguably endearing and interesting star turn as the very real science the character's mini-storytelling makes accessible. I suspect that the more I watch this series the more I'm going to like it -and the more I'll learn about my OWN motives!

After only a couple of episodes, I'll continue to tune in. The psychology is intriguing, and we'll have to see if the story lines hold up as the series progresses. It certainly provides a lot of food for thought, and a refreshing, original slant on mystery shows.

The first episodes may have stretched reality a bit, in terms of interactions and results, but they pulled it off. If you're into such shows as "The Mentalist", this may be a good choice for you.

I'll definitely continue watching and hope that they flesh out some of the support characters as the show develops. There's a lot of potential here.

Didn't feel like a good start. Supposedly it is about behavioral analysis and forensic intervention. All, I saw was trauma-centered analysis and a suspect who had the ingenuity to circumvent what he did with a certain mental strength quickly drew the gun when Mercer was just talking to him. It did not have any quirky moments or interesting plot movement mechanics, Mercer even doesn't appear to be a memorable character. There isn't even a light-hearted joke. I believe the series lacks a specialist in behavioral psychology. The best option is just to prop-up Mercer as a psychologist, this way you can touch-up on many things as you intend to do it. Try to show his coping skills, and maybe make it a bit funny. Even if you don't want to, try to do something funny, because the current formula for the series is dull and lethargic. Add a dollop of mysticism that could be seen in The Blacklist and a dollop scientific rigor shown in Bones.

Behavioral science has been a big interest of mine for a long time as has psychology in general so I have enjoyed the first couple of episodes. I really enjoy the brother sister dynamic of the main character and his sister. I've been able to figure out who the bad guy was fairly early on in each episode but that could just be because this type of show is my favorite and they all set it up the same way so it's easy for me to do. It doesn't take away from enjoying the show. All shows take a little while to ramp up into what they are going to be so hard to judge a show harshly off a couple of episodes.

Jesse L. Martin is a very talented, multi-disciplined actor. I immediately "bonded" with his character. His professor is extremely intelligent but not an insufferable academic snob like so many are. And even though the underlying current is something traumatic that happened in his past he doesn't sit around brooding all the time. While he wants to know the truth of what happened he still goes on with his life. I love learning about the many facets of behavioral science. It is very interesting. The characters of Professor Mercer's sister and two assistants are very capably played. I think the role of his ex-wife is the weak link in the show. Her character is flat and totally unbelievable. No one would ever believe she is an FBI agent.

Too many tropes in this show to enumerate. There's the brilliant college proffessor who does this crime-fighting thing as a sideline. Of course he has a dark past with some damage, in this rare case visible to the naked eye. He drives an oddball car that stands out. He is well respected by his (naturally) ex-wife and students, but not so much by other professionals in various disciplines. And on, and on, and on.

This thing is kinda predictable, like a not-well-written Columbo episode with the clowns all dropping their hints flat on the floor in front of the audience -- and the coppers. I don't think I'll have the patience to struggle through another episode of this show. The first one was enough to turn me away.

Conclusion: not terrible, but not good either. I just don't have the time in my limited entertainment budget to waste on bland pate like this.

Jessie Martin is on his game again. He has never disappointed. This is a completely different role for him including carrying a show as the lead actor.

This is a good show that demonstrates how the mind works and why we do some of the things we do as well as our actions.

I've watched 2 episodes and feel the acting is very good and the actors do a good job at developing their characters. The show also has a good sense of humor.

I think it's hard to judge a show from the pilot episode. Most shows need to deliver at least 5 to 6 episodes to in order to judge completely. Any new show takes time to find its true audience.

Last time I watched a crime drama series with black actor as the lead was Rosewood. So when I watched the ad on Youtube, I'm kinda intrigued. What kind of new thing this male cast brings to the table. The answer is... quite a lot. His acting, top notch. I dig his easygoing vibe but not in such self-damaging way like in Lie To Me. I also learn a lot from the series, especially the term of psychology. It doesn't feel like out if touch like what I feel watching Perception. And the case is quite interesting too, I watched the first two episodes and enjoyed hoth of them. I'm so gonna watch this again every week. This is brilliant and worth to try~

It is always great to see academics utilized for a television show, but this a shallow version compared to Numb3rs. That show had depth in storyline, characters, and overall purposes.. Numb3rs actually educated and presented storylines involving critical thought, philosophy, personal psychological and even spiritual growth. This show barely delivers anything on behavior psychology, the supporting characters drift by , and half way into the show I wasn't really sure what the episode was about.

Jessie Martin does a fine job with what he has to work with, but he is so much better than others that it is notable. Martin has no buddy smart guy to riff off of, and the others mumble their meaningless lines.

My first encounter with the talented Jesse L. Martin was in the 2005 movie of the stage play "Rent." He is a very talented singer and has also proven to be an accomplished actor. I enjoyed him more recently in the weekly series "The Flash."

Here he is a producer of the new "The Irrational" weekly series and stars as Alec Mercer. My wife and I watch it streaming on Peacock a day or two after the episode airs, that fits our schedule better.

The concept of a weekly 30-minute or 60-minute TV series is as old as TV. Very few of them over the years have been outstanding but they are competent, they serve a purpose, as mostly light entertainment where we can enjoy the actors and an interesting story line.

Alec is a professor, his theories involve the fact that given certain circumstances people often do irrational things. He uses this when called upon to help solve a crime. In the second episode, which we watched last night, a well-know author comes to him asking help to solve a murder, her own. Seems she was poisoned with Polonium 210 and is dying. (In the story, I found out tobacco can contain small concentrations of Polonium 201, a deadly radioactive substance.)

Anyway, I see there are a few very negative reviews of this show, in my opinion each of them is off base. This is a pleasant show and pretty well stands up to the hundreds or thousands of weekly TV shows over the decades. No one needs to watch it but there is also no reason to bash it.

I was looking forward to this show and I am glad I tuned in. It reminds me of Professor T, the British version. (I haven't watched the original.) I like Alec's backstory and the inclusion of his family. There's more to it. I am looking forward to this series. Give it a chance. Don't let the bad reviews keep you from watching. It is quick paced. Moves rapidly from scene to scene. I am not sure if I like that but it is how they move the story along. I like shows that put science in the forefront. I am partial to psychology. I like Alec's interactions with the perpetrators. Has funny light moments and covers some dark topics. As others have said, it is like other procedural dramas. I will say I like his sister Kylie, played by Travania Springer. She brings a lot of the funny, lighthearted moments. Check it lut.

Found this to be a fun watch. The true standouts are the performances by Jesse L Martin and the scene-stealing Travina Singer who is absolutely delightful every single time she's on screen.

The murders are not overly hard to solve, but it's the charm of the ensemble that make it a fun watch. There is an overarching story beyond the weekly cases, so definitely should be watched in order. It has so much potential that I hope they are able to flex a bit more in the future.

I truly hope they get a season two, to really hone the characters, take them deeper than charicatures, and find out what this show can be.

It's a standard police procedural case of the week, thin season plot deal.

Jessie of flash fame, plays it straight, this role is a bit different from his joe cop / dad / humble guy.

It's ticking all the boxes of classic tropes and cliches, nothing really new or special but it's off to a good start for watchable police drama that isn't cringe or too dumb.

I would compare this show to will trent with out the darker tone, it's light enough not to be icky but tackles the psycological angle over the tried and tested police / law enforcement.

It's probably could be linked to the other / many non police consultant solves crime shows, but this is show isn't white washed it's taking the minority / black / coloured route.

Review stuff : well acted, well directed, writting is acceptable ( run of the mill ). Edited well, and smooth transitions.

The Irrational is a Peacock/Universal series that stars Jesse L Martin as Alec Mercer who is a world-renowned behavioral scientist. Mercer lends his expertise to local law enforcement, governments and businesses to solve cases. He leads and teaches a group of kids at the university about human behavior. Molly Kunz and Arash DeMaxi act as the top students and Mercer's assistants. Travina Springer is Mercer's bi sister who also helps with the cases with her advanced IT services. Maahra Hill acts as an FBI agent and she is also Mercer's ex wife. The series is educational and at times this crime drama gets in the way of the truth. The storyline is well written with good actors, the first season end up on a cliffhanger and hoping to see a second season this fall.

THE IRRATIONAL (NBC) For one to follow a show week after week, it's of vital importance that the lead characters be likable, affable and have an interesting and appealing backstory and Jesse L. Martin, is immediately likable in this procedural crime drama as psych professor Alec Mercer, who is often called upon by the FBI and DC police to help them solve crimes. Here's a show for the logistical minded individuals, who take delight in solving riddles. Mercer often works with FBI agent Marisa Mercer who is Alec's ex who's 'seeing' a fellow agent. His face is badly scarred from burns received in some explosion that so far, remains a mystery. How's that for backstory? Mercer has a couple grad students who assist him while being mentored by him. Both actors in these roles are likable as well. Score: 8.5. Watch it.

It's predictable, simple and somewhat interesting. The expected jokes and one liners about cops and murder cases done in a light and cheery atmosphere perfectly suited for a television audience.

The characters and actors are generally competent in portraying the subject matter and the baddies are of the usual made for tv genre.

This is the show that could go on for 2-3 seasons, letting out tidbits every now and then in order to solve an underlying case involving the main character. Overall it's just an average show, with no shocking or big reveals.

It is not serious enough of a cop show to hold my interest and this reminds me of the series Unforgettable with a woman and a her photographic memory. The interesting bits just are not enough to carry the entire show.

5/10 as there is little else to go on besides the main character and his story. A one and done for me.

Please don't mention Dan Ariely in your reviews about subjects involving psychology. He is a confirmed fraud, multiple times, with none of his experiments being repeatable. I was a fan; but who knew that in order to have counterintuitive experiment results you had to fudge all the data????

I really don't understand all the negativity. Very few shows are perfect out of the gate, that's the very complaint against the networks because they don't give shows the time to work out the kinks, and fully develop the characters and storylines anymore.

I love the show, it reminds me a lot of the show Numb3rs which was a show I also loved when it was on and that I still watch today as I have it in my iTunes library. I also don't know what those who are saying that the plot is tired and cliche because like I said other than Numb3ers I can't think of a lot of similar shows and it's been nearly 20 years since Numb3ers came out. Yes, there have been shows like Castle which I also love, but even if has a similar starting point as far as the base structure of the show, as long as they then find their own way to make the story unique then it doesn't matter if it has a similar structure to others, that's the point of genres is that similar shows are group together into the same category.

What I would say to anyone who reads this and hasn't seen the show yet, is to ignore all the opinions on here good or bad and that includes mine and just watch the show and decide for yourself. Yes, I love the show but that doesn't mean you will and some hate it but that also doesn't mean you will. Decide for yourself.

All I will say is that I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I like Jesse L. Martin, whom I knew from Law Order, so when I saw a new series with him I thought it worth a try.

From the description, I thought it might be an American sort of version of Professor T., a British series itself based upon a Belgian series of the same name. I rarely watch American programmes these days, but Professor T is intelligent and interesting and, importantly, transferable.

What a let-down. There is a through-line that could almost make me watch Episode 2, but I doubt I could take any more of the dumbed-down dialogue, the obvious "types" -- the simpering sister, the dull adoring students, the prospective romantic interest with an ex-wife in the background. I had the perp pegged after first sight. What is wrong with American entertainment bosses that they seem unwilling to challenge audiences? The latest on Professor T is that the new series will come out late this year, so we shouldn't have long to wait. It's not rocket science, but compared to this is looks that way.

Very disappointing. Just second-rate.