The Irrational: next episode, plot, cast, everything we know

Travina Springer as Kylie, Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer in The Irrational

(Image credit: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)

The Irrational is one of the few new scripted series coming to NBC's 2023 fall lineup this TV season. This cerebral police procedural with a twist is a welcome addition to the schedule, offering a refreshing take on the police consultant trope. It's based on the book Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely.

The show features Jesse L. Martin as Professor Alec Mercer, a leading behavioral science specialist who offers his perspective on cases and investigations of all kinds, including cases that go as high as governmental levels and within law enforcement. Mercer's specialty is diving into the nature of rationality and decision-making, and how preconceived notions can impact how we shape the decisions we make.

Since NBC had to push the Law & Order and FBI series to the spring as a result of the writers and actors strike, The Irrational is a great way to fill the gap as a show that was planned for midseason but moved up to the fall schedule.

The Irrational was so well received that it earned a second season pickup at the end of November, paving the way for more stories to come in the future.

What to Watch had a chance to review the new series, calling it "sexy" and "compelling."

Here's everything we know about The Irrational.

Next episode of The Irrational

The next new episode of The Irrational airs on Monday, February 19, at 10 pm ET/PT.

Here's information about the new episode:

The Irrational season 1 episode 11: "Reciprocity"
"Alec and Marisa are close to finding the culprit of the church bombing; Kylie gets an interview with the FBI, but is pulled into the investigation; Rose tracks down a witness; Phoebe and Rizwan make a discovery that sheds light on the truth."

As of this writing there's no premiere date set for the UK, but as soon as information is available we'll have it for you right here.

The Irrational episode guide

The Irrational season 1 episode 1: "Pilot"
"Professor of behavioral science Alec Mercer is called upon to investigate the murder of a fashion influencer whose boyfriend, a decorated soldier and senator's son, has confessed to the crime; however, Mercer suspects there is more to the story."

The Irrational season 1 episode 2: "Dead Woman Walking"
"Professor Mercer is approached by his old friend CJ, a prominent investigative journalist who asks for help after she's poisoned with a rare and deadly nerve agent; with time running out, Mercer pieces together scant clues."

The Irrational season 1 episode 3: "The Barnum Effect"
"After a passenger plane crashes into the Potomac River, suspicions focus on the pilot; Professor Mercer and the team are asked to investigate the pilot's personal motivations and piece together clues in the hopes of revealing the truth."

The Irrational season 1 episode 4: "Zero Sum"
"Alec and the team take on a kidnapping case at the request of a desperate father; their investigation is hampered by a complicated family dynamic that slowly reveals everyone's hidden motivations."

The Irrational season 1 episode 5: "Lucky Charms"
"Alec and the team head to Las Vegas to help Camille, a former colleague turned expert poker player who's been lured into danger; they must take some risks to solve a gambling mystery before Camille gets hurt; Marisa makes a significant discovery."

The Irrational season 1 episode 6: "Point and Shoot"
"Alec agrees to testify as an expert witness in a wrongful death trial for a friend of Kylie's; as he faces an old nemesis, he discovers competing emotions around an accidental shooting; Marisa reaches a decision about the bombing investigation."

The Irrational season 1 episode 7: "The Real Deal"
"Alec's first date with Rose turns into a 24-hour excursion when they find themselves taking on an investigation involving a forged masterpiece; Marisa and Kylie attempt to revive their friendship, which has faltered since Alec and Marisa's divorce."

The Irrational season 1 episode 8: "Scorched Earth"
"Alec takes a case involving a young burn victim and arson that forces him to confront some trauma from his past. Phoebe and Rizwan compete for an important research grant."

The Irrational season 1 episode 9: "Cheating Life"
"After witnessing a hit-and-run during a friend's livestream, Alec and Kylie aim to prove it wasn't an accident; as Marisa and Jace continue their investigation into the church bombing, they set their sights on a prominent senator."

The Irrational season 1 episode 10: "Bombshell"
"Alec and his team come face to face with the man who was put away for the church bombing 20 years earlier; Marisa and Kylie work together to save Alec, Phoebe and Rizwan; Jace makes a critical break in the case that changes everything."

The Irrational plot

Here's the official synopsis of The Irrational from NBC: "The Irrational follows world-renowned professor of behavioral science Alec Mercer (Jesse L. Martin) as he lends his unique expertise on an array of high-stakes cases involving governments, law enforcement and corporations. His insight and unconventional approach to understanding human behavior lead him and the team on a series of intense, unexpected journeys to solve illogical puzzles and perplexing mysteries. The show is based on best-selling author Dan Ariely’s book, Predictably Irrational."