The Alienist (2018)
In 1896 New York, a criminal psychologist, an illustrator, and a secretary hunt a killer with dark humor.
New York, 1896. Police commissioner Theodore Roosevelt brings together criminal psychologist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, newspaper illustrator John Moore and secretary Sara Howard to investigate several murders of male prostitutes.
How intense is The Alienist?
The Alienist is mildly scary, with graphic gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch and a late-night trip. Rated TV-MA.
What The Alienist feels like
- Tone
- grittysuspensefulatmosphericdarkly comic
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attentionLate night
Where to stream The Alienist
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 12, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Alienist for you?
Is The Alienist scary?
Only a little. The Alienist has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is The Alienist gory or violent?
Graphic gore (2 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3). If graphic gore is a dealbreaker, skip it.
Is The Alienist sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is The Alienist OK for kids?
It is rated TV-MA, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 1, gore 2, violence 2, each out of 3.
How long is The Alienist?
Episodes run about 48m.
Where can I stream The Alienist?
The Alienist is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does The Alienist have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
It leaves the ending open to interpretation.
Cast and crew
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