Netflix to remove critically-acclaimed show in just a matter of days
Daniel Bruhl, Luke Evans and Dakota Fanning star in the psychological thriller, which is due to be removed from Netflix this month after running for two successful seasons
Netflix is gearing up to axe the much-loved original series The Alienist from its roster this month.
The gripping show, which draws its plot from Caleb Carr's bestselling novel, features a star-studded cast including Daniel Bruhl, Luke Evans, and Dakota Fanning. Set against the backdrop of 1896 New York, the psychological thriller spans two seasons.
The Alienist delves into the dark corners of the human mind, following Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a criminal psychologist, John Moore, a newspaper illustrator, and Sara Howard, a secretary at the police department, as they pursue a killer whose gruesome crimes against boy prostitutes are unprecedented, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The official blurb describes the show: "The brilliant, obsessive Kreizler is known as an alienist -- one who studies mental pathologies and the deviant behaviours of those who are alienated from themselves and society. His controversial methods and views often land him in hot water. Yet, with the aid of a group of societal misfits, Kreizler's relentless pursuit sheds light on the darkest question of all: what turns a man into a murderer?"
The series, which had a successful run from 2018 to 2020, is scheduled to disappear from Netflix come August 11. Fans have been quick to spread the word on X, formerly Twitter, urging fellow viewers to catch it before it's gone.
One lamented: "Justice for the Alienist on Netflix, watch it quick before they take it down next week." Another fan bluntly queried: "Why the f*** is the alienist leaving netflix next month", and yet another expressed their longing: "I miss #TheAlienist. I wish @netflix would do a third season".
The two seasons have scored well with a respectable 77 percent rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, while fans have been even more impressed, giving it an approval rating of 80 percent.
Alexandra Heller-Nicholas from Film International gave the show's second season a glowing review, scoring it 4.5 out of 5 and remarking: "This is a complex crime story with enough twists and turns to keep even the most experienced genre addict on their toes."
Dale McGarrigle of TV Fanatic also had high praise, noting: "Just when you think that The Alienist couldn't possibly get any darker, it does."
Netflix's help centre has shed some light on why shows are pulled from the platform, stating: "Netflix licenses TV shows and movies from studios around the world. Though we strive to keep the titles you want to watch, some titles do leave Netflix because of licensing agreements."
They further explain the considerations taken into account upon a title's license expiry: "Whenever a TV show or movie license is expiring, we consider things such as: If the rights to the title are still available. How popular it is in a region, and how much it costs to license. If a TV show or movie is renewed, it remains on Netflix for you to enjoy. If a title isn't renewed, we'll give you a heads up when it's about to leave."
The Alienist seasons one and two will be removed from Netflix from August 11.