If you loved
The Alienist
Cary Joji Fukunaga · Series · 2018
What hooked you in The Alienist was the way early forensic science and psychological profiling expose the dark underbelly of a rapidly changing society.
Start with the source
Books on the same thread
The Angel of Darkness
Caleb Carr · Book · 1998
Shares 2 threads with The Alienist: Psychological Profiling, Psychological Thriller.
As the direct sequel to The Alienist, this novel reunites Dr. Laszlo Kreizler and his team, plunging them into a harrowing investigation that continues the psychological profiling established previously.
Angel of Darkness
Caleb Carr · Book · 2009
Explores: Criminal Profiling, Gilded Age social stratification, Early forensic science.
This continuation of the narrative featuring Dr. Laszlo Kreizler offers the same deep dive into Gilded Age social stratification and early forensic investigation that defined The Alienist for you.
Films on the same thread
Nightmare Alley
Guillermo del Toro · Film · 2021
Shares a thread with The Alienist: Psychological Thriller.
Much like the protagonists in The Alienist, the characters here navigate a world of moral decay where psychological manipulation and the desire for social advancement lead to dangerous consequences.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Film · 2023
Explores: Systemic Racism, Greed, Betrayal.
If you valued the exploration of systemic corruption and institutional failure in The Alienist, you will find this true crime investigation into greed and betrayal equally compelling and disturbing.
The Pale Blue Eye
Scott Cooper · Film · 2022
Explores: Occult Crime, Atmospheric Mystery, Detective and Apprentice.
This gothic mystery mirrors the investigative intensity of The Alienist, pairing a seasoned investigator with an apprentice to solve a gruesome crime amidst the rigid social structures of history.
The Illusionist
Neil Burger · Film · 2006
Explores: forbidden love, social class, deception.
The tension between social class and the pursuit of truth found in The Alienist is reflected here, as a determined inspector challenges the illusions maintained by the powerful elite.
Podcasts on the same thread
Serial
Serial Productions & The New York Times · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Justice system flaws, Legal ambiguity, Deep-dive reporting.
Just as The Alienist examines the flaws in the justice system of 1896, this investigative series provides a modern look at human fallibility and the complexities of legal truth.
Criminal
Vox Media Podcast Network · Podcast · 2026
Explores: moral ambiguity, social justice, human behavior.
This podcast shares the focus on the psychology of those who commit crimes found in The Alienist, offering a narrative look at the gray areas of human behavior and justice.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Alienist based on a book?
The Alienist is a television series based on the historical crime novel of the same name. Following the events of the first story, the narrative continues in the sequel book titled The Angel of Darkness, which was published in 1998.
What order should I watch or read The Alienist series?
You should begin with The Alienist, which introduces the team of Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, John Moore, and Sara Howard as they investigate murders in 1896 New York. After finishing that story, you can continue the narrative by reading the sequel book, The Angel of Darkness.
How long is the investigation in The Alienist?
The investigation in The Alienist takes place in 1896 New York. Police commissioner Theodore Roosevelt assembles a specialized team consisting of a criminal psychologist, an illustrator, and a secretary to identify the person responsible for the murders of several male prostitutes.
Is The Angel of Darkness related to The Alienist?
Yes, The Angel of Darkness is the direct follow-up to the story presented in The Alienist. It continues the journey of the core characters, including Dr. Laszlo Kreizler and Sara Howard, as they pursue further criminal investigations after their initial success in 1896 New York.