What is the plot of the Alienist TV show?

The show (based on the best selling book) is set in 1896 New York. Dr Laszlo Kreizler is asked by the top cop in NYC to catch a serial killer who is targeting young male prostitutes. The investigation must be conducted in secret to stop the city from panicking.

The novel mixes fiction with historical fact - Theodore Roosevelt and J.P. Morgan make an appearance, the former as the newly appointed chief of police in New York City.

The series is written by Eric Roth who won an Oscar for Forrest Gump. He also co-wrote several Oscar nominated screenplays including Munich and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It’s based on a best selling novel by Caleb Carr.

The Alienist Trailer

The Alienist Book By Caleb Carr

First published in 1994 The Alienist was New York Times best seller on release and the film rights were almost instantly snapped up by Paramount.

The story is narrated by John Moore a New York Times crime reporter who followed the case as it happened. The story was originally pitched as a work on non-fiction with Carr only revealing it was fictional at the last moment.

The Alienist cast

Daniel Brühl - Dr. Laszlo Kreizler

A famous Alienist (criminal psychologist) who is recruited to work on the case. Brühl was in Captain America: Civil War and Inglourious Basterds

Luke Evans - John Moore

A reporter working for the New Time Times. Evans recently appeared as Gaston in the live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast.

Dakota Fanning - Sara Howard

The first woman hired by the police department. Fanning is the youngest nominee in history to be selected for a Screen Actors Guild Award for her work in I Am Sam.

Brian Geraghty - Theodore Roosevelt

The head of the New York City Police Department and future President of the United states. Geraghty is no stranger to gripping historical dramas having previously had a recurring role in Boardwalk Empire.

The Alienist Premiere date

A date hasn't been revealled yet, only 'soon'

What is an Alienist?

To quote the series, in the 19th century the mentally ill were thought to be alienated from their own nature. Experts who studied them were known as Alienists.