Watch Instinct

Instinct is an American crime drama television series that premiered on CBS in 2018. It stars Alan Cumming in the lead role of Dr. Dylan Reinhart, a former CIA operative who is now a gifted professor, writer and crossword puzzle enthusiast. The show is based on the novel "Murder Games" written by James Patterson.

The premise of Instinct revolves around Reinhart, who is pulled out of retirement after NYPD detective Lizzie Needham (played by Bojana Novakovic) asks for his help to catch a serial killer who is using his book as a tutorial for committing murders. In each episode, Reinhart and Needham investigate a new case, often involving gruesome crimes and intricate puzzles.

The show's main strength lies in its two lead characters, Cumming and Novakovic, who have great chemistry and deliver compelling performances. Cumming's portrayal of Dr. Reinhart is charismatic and nuanced, and he brings a lot of humor and heart to the role. Novakovic's Detective Needham is smart and tough, and the dynamic between the two provides a lot of the show's appeal.

Apart from the main duo, Instinct boasts a supporting cast that includes Daniel Ings as Reinhart's husband, Andrew Polk as Reinhart's best friend, and Naveen Andrews as Julian Cousins, a former CIA colleague of Reinhart's who comes back into his life. The supporting characters add depth and texture to the show, and their relationships with the main characters are explored in interesting and unexpected ways.

As a crime drama, Instinct offers a mix of procedural and serial storytelling. Each episode features a self-contained mystery that the characters must solve, but there are also ongoing arcs and relationships that evolve over the course of the show. The mysteries themselves are often gruesome and shocking, but the show manages to balance the darker elements with light moments of humor and character development.

One of the unique aspects of Instinct is its focus on puzzles and codes. Dr. Reinhart's background as a crossword puzzle creator and his expertise in pattern recognition often come into play during each investigation. The show's use of puzzles and codes adds an extra layer of complexity and intrigue to the mystery-solving element of the show, and it sets it apart from other crime dramas.

In terms of production values, Instinct is well-executed. The show is set in New York City, and the cinematography makes full use of the iconic skyline and city streets. The music is composed by Sean Callery, who is best known for his work on the hit show '24', and it adds an extra level of tension and drama to the show. The visual effects and editing are also well-done, particularly during the show's occasional action sequences.

Overall, Instinct is an enjoyable and well-crafted crime drama that offers something different from other shows in its genre. It's anchored by two strong performances from Cumming and Novakovic, and it benefits from its unique focus on puzzles and codes. As the season progresses, the show's ongoing arcs and character relationships become more engaging, making it a must-see for fans of crime dramas.

Instinct is a series that ran for 2 seasons (24 episodes) between March 18, 2018 and on CBS