Variety reports that NBC has given a series order to The Irrational, a new drama starring Jesse L. Martin (Law & Order, Rent). The streamer announced this on Tuesday. The show, which was ordered to pilot in February, is based on Dan Ariely’s (Predictably Irrational) bestselling novel. Ariely’s novel was published in February 2008 by HarperCollins.
The Irrational follows Alec Baker (Martin), a world-renowned professor of behavioral science who uses his unique and unexpected approach to understanding human behavior to assist with high-stakes cases involving governments, law enforcement, and corporations. Maahra Hill (Black-ish), Travina Springer (All American), Molly Kunz (This is Us), and Arash DeMaxi (The L Word: Generation Q) also star.
Arika Lisanne Mittman, known for her work on La Brea and Timeless, will serve as a writer and executive producer for The Irrational, alongside Mark Goffman, who has worked on White Collar and The Umbrella Academy, and Samuel Baum, the creator of Lie to Me and writer of TV movies like The Wizard of Lies and The Surgeon General. David Frankel, known for directing The Devil Wears Prada and Marley & Me, will also executive produce and direct the series, which is being produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. Ariely, whose novel serves as inspiration for the show, will serve as a consultant.
The Irrational was first ordered as a pilot in February, and a mini writers room was set up in the fall to produce backup scripts and extend cast options. The Irrational is the latest drama to receive a series order from NBC, following the success of Quantum Leap, which has been renewed for a second season, and the upcoming premiere of Found, starring Shanola Hampton (Shameless) in February 2023. The Irrational is part of NBC’s 2022 development cycle. The network passed on dramas Unbroken and Blank Slate. At the moment, there is no official date for when The Irrational will premiere on NBC.