Eleventh Hour

Dr. Jacob Hood is a brilliant biophysicist who works as a special science advisor for the government, called in when experiments, technologies, or discoveries go wrong in ways that threaten public safety. He tracks anomalous incidents that sit at the edge of plausible science, sorting fact from hype while racing to stop people who would exploit research for profit or power. Episodes pair hands-on investigation with moral questions about how far science should be pushed and who gets to control its outcomes. The show keeps its focus on immediate crises and ethical dilemmas, avoiding spoilers about deeper plot turns or any season finales.

The series premiered in 2008 and was created by Stephen Gallagher. It stars Rufus Sewell as Dr. Jacob Hood and Marley Shelton as Rachel Young, and it packaged high-concept science ideas into a network procedural format aimed at mainstream viewers.

The show did not rack up major industry awards like Emmys or Golden Globes, and it received limited formal recognition during its run. That said, reviewers and genre-focused outlets often singled out Sewell’s performance as a highlight, and the cast’s work drew some positive attention despite the series’ brief lifespan.

Although it ran only for a short time, Eleventh Hour found a modest, dedicated audience among viewers who like science-tinted mysteries. It’s frequently mentioned in conversations about TV that tried to blend forensic-style procedural storytelling with speculative science, and it remains a reference point for shows that raise questions about scientific responsibility on mainstream television.

Critical reaction was mixed, reflected in a user vote average of about 6.636 out of 10 from 55 votes. Reviewers praised the premise and lead actor but noted uneven plotting and episodic resolutions. Major themes include the ethics of research, the potential for technology to be misused, the friction between scientists and political institutions, and the personal toll on someone who spends their career defending scientific integrity.