The Alienist

In 1896 New York, a string of brutal murders targeting male prostitutes sets off an uneasy investigation that cuts into the city’s darkest neighborhoods and most respectable parlors. Police commissioner Theodore Roosevelt assembles an unusual team: Dr Laszlo Kreizler, a pioneering criminal psychologist who studies the mind of killers, John Moore, a newspaper illustrator whose sketches bring scenes to life, and Sara Howard, an ambitious secretary who wants a real role in policing. As they push through institutional resistance, social prejudice and gruesome evidence, they lean on new methods of observation and profiling to piece together a pattern, following leads that expose corruption and social fault lines without resolving every moral question.

Created by Cary Joji Fukunaga and adapted from Caleb Carr’s novel, the series debuted in 2018 on TNT, translating the late 19th century book to a moody, serialized television format with a cinematic production style.

The show drew attention during awards season, receiving nominations and recognition for its technical and craft work, particularly in areas such as production design, costumes and makeup, along with praise for several performances from industry groups.

Its depiction of the Gilded Age, grim cityscapes and forensic detail helped renew interest in historical crime drama on television. Key scenes and the look of the series, plus its casting of Daniel Brühl, Luke Evans and Dakota Fanning, made it a frequent reference point in conversations about period accuracy and how television handles sexual violence and marginalized victims.

Critics and audiences gave mixed to positive responses, with a solid average rating reflecting appreciation for atmosphere and acting, alongside some criticism of pacing and plotting. Major themes include the emergence of early psychology and investigative science, the clash between public morality and private vice, and the social hierarchies that shape who receives justice and who is overlooked. The series works best when it slows down to observe character and setting, rather than racing to unveil every twist.