About The Alienist

The Alienist is a gripping television series that premiered on TNT in 2018. Based on the novel by Caleb Carr, the story is set in 1896 and follows an ad hoc team assembled to catch a serial killer who's murdering child prostitutes in New York City.

Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a criminal psychologist (or "alienist"), newspaper illustrator John Moore and secretary Sara Howard are the unconventional trio at the heart of this television adaptation, bringing a blend of psychoanalysis and detective work to the puzzling case.

Making / Production

The series brings to life the Gilded Age of New York City and was overseen by showrunner and writer Hossein Amini. Jakob Verbruggen directed several episodes, captivating audiences with his rich, atmospheric visuals. The series was a co-production between Paramount Television and Studio T.

Actors

• Daniel Brühl as Dr. Laszlo Kreizler: Brühl brings a mix of intensity and sensitivity to his role as the pioneering psychologist.
• Luke Evans as John Moore: Evans plays Moore with charm and grace while also depicting his character's deep-seated anxieties.
• Dakota Fanning as Sara Howard: Fanning shines as the headstrong police secretary who isn't afraid to step outside the lines of her expected role.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title comes from a term used in the 19th century for psychologists: 'alienists', which derives from the French 'aliéné', meaning mad.
• Although set in New York City, much of the filming took place in Hungary.

Awards

The Alienist was nominated for numerous awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series and Golden Globe for Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television.

Quotes

• "The human mind is capable of all forms of perversion." - Dr. Laszlo Kreizler
• "Evil is not some disembodied force. It resides within us." - Dr. Laszlo Kreizler
• "I must follow this wherever it goes. Even if it leads me to the darkest pit of hell." - John Schuyler Moore

• Official Soundtrack: The Alienist's haunting, atmospheric score was composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams and was released by Lakeshore Records.