Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A twist on the usual procedural showcases psychology.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Irrational
What's the Story?
THE IRRATIONAL follows Dr. Alec Mercer (Jesse L. Martin), a behavioral psychologist and professor who uses his study of the human brain and human behavior to help law enforcement solve crimes. Despite his expertise in behavioral psychology, his personal life is a little tougher for him to make sense of, between his ex-wife, FBI Agent Marissa, sister Kylie (Travina Springer), and his personal history as a victim of a hate crime several years earlier.
Is It Any Good?
Though billed as a series that turns the procedural genre on its head -- using behavioral psychology to identify "irrational" decision-making is a new spin -- the show's results feel very familiar. Indeed, The Irrational has all of the makings of a traditional procedural, and the behavioral psychology aspect has a tendency to bring the storytelling down, since some supposed light-bulb moments aren't really that spectacular. Further, the evidence that Alec turns up doesn't feel that concrete; some of it feels more like plot holes than stellar story turns. Overall, though, The Irrational can be lauded for bringing more of the scientific process into police work, and if you're just in the mood for the comfort procedurals can bring, The Irrational will still do the job.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Irrational supports scientific thinking. How does Alec use his curiosity to develop his hypotheses? How does he carry out his experiments?
How does Alec show courage under pressure?
Why is it important to Alec to question the world around him?
How does the series showcase Black characters and other characters of color?
What does the series teach about human behavior?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 25, 2023
- Cast : Jesse L. Martin , Maahra Hill , Travina Springer , Arash DeMaxi
- Network : NBC
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 10, 2025
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