Brilliant Minds
{{Short description|2024 American medical drama TV series}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Brilliant Minds Title Card.png
| genre = Medical drama
| creator = Michael Grassi
| starring = {{Plainlist|
- Zachary Quinto
- Tamberla Perry
- Ashleigh LaThrop
- Alex MacNicoll
- Aury Krebs
- Spence Moore II
- Teddy Sears
- Donna Murphy
}}
| composer = Joseph Trapanese
| country = United States
| language = English
| num_seasons = 1
| num_episodes = 13
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
- Michael Grassi
- Andy Serkis
- DeMane Davis
- Greg Berlanti
- Henrik Bastin
- Jonathan Cavendish
- Lee Toland Krieger
- Leigh London Redman
- Melissa Aouate
- Sarah Schechter
- Will Tennant
}}
| producer = {{Plainlist|
- Zachary Quinto
- Carl Ogawa
- Mohan Mandali
- Michael Wray
}}
| editor = {{Plainlist|
- Nicholas Wong
- Gaston Jaren Lopez
- Finnian Murray
}}
| cinematography = Pierre Gill
| runtime = 43 minutes
| company = {{Plainlist|
- Berlanti Productions
- 1107 Productions
- 72nd Street
- Fabel Entertainment
- The Imaginarium
- Universal Television
- Warner Bros. Television
}}
| network = NBC
| first_aired = {{Start date|2024|9|23}}
| last_aired = present
}}
Brilliant Minds is an American medical drama television series created and written by Michael Grassi for NBC that is inspired by the Oliver Sacks books The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and An Anthropologist on Mars.{{Cite web |title=Brilliant Minds: A New TV Show Based on Oliver Sacks |url=https://www.oliversacks.com/watch-listen/brilliant-minds/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Oliver Sacks {{!}} Official Website of Author, Neurologist & Foundation |language=en-US}} It premiered on September 23, 2024. In May 2025, the series was renewed for a second season.
Cast and characters
=Main=
- Zachary Quinto as Oliver Wolf (named after Oliver Wolf Sacks) an attending neurologist at Bronx General Hospital
- Tamberla Perry as Carol Pierce, the chair of psychiatry
- Ashleigh LaThrop as Ericka Kinney, a first-year resident
- Alex MacNicoll as Van Markus, a first-year resident
- Aury Krebs as Dana Dang, a first-year resident
- Spence Moore II as Jacob Nash, a first-year resident
- Teddy Sears as Josh Nichols, the chair of neurosurgery at Bronx General Hospital
=Recurring=
- Donna Murphy as Muriel Landon, Wolf's mother, the chief medical officer
- Alex Ozerov-Meyer as John Doe
- Rainbow Sun Francks as Morris Allen
- Julia Chan as Alison Whitaker
- Dorrett White as Nurse Carter
- Mandy Patinkin as Noah Wolf, a family care doctor who develops a mentor relationship with his son Oliver.{{cite news |last1=Cobb |first1=Kayla |title=Zachary Quinto's 'Brilliant Minds' Taps Mandy Patinkin in Recurring Role Steve Howey and André De Shields will also guest star on the NBC medical drama |url=https://www.thewrap.com/zachary-quinto-brilliant-minds-mandy-patinkin-nbc/ |access-date=4 October 2024 |agency=The Wrap |date=14 July 2024}}
- Ted Sutherland as Teen Oliver Wolf{{cite news |last1=Crawford |first1=Je'Kayla |title=Who Plays Young Zachary Quinto on Brillant Minds? Meet Teen Wolf Actor Ted Sutherland|url=https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/who-plays-teenage-dr-oliver-wolf-zachary-quinto-brilliant-minds-ted-sutherland-career|access-date=23 February 2025|agency=NBC|date=25 November 2024}}
- Jaden Waldman as young Oliver Wolf
=Guest=
- André De Shields as Harold
- Steve Howey as Wyatt James
- Sammi Hanratty as Bridget
- Brendan Hines as Simon
- Susan Bay Nimoy as June Sullivan
Episodes
{{Episode table |total_width=79 |background=#E2A482 |overall= |season= |title= |titleR= |director= |writer= |airdate= |airdateR={{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/brilliant-minds/listings/|title=Shows A-Z – Brilliant Minds on NBC|website=The Futon Critic|access-date=November 25, 2024}}{{cbignore}} |prodcode= |viewers= |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 1
| EpisodeNumber2 = 1
| Title = Pilot
| DirectedBy = Lee Toland Krieger
| WrittenBy = Michael Grassi & Alex Berger
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|23}}
| ProdCode = T15.10168
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = E2A482
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 2
| EpisodeNumber2 = 2
| Title = The Disembodied Woman
| DirectedBy = Lee Toland Krieger
| WrittenBy = Michael Grassi
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|30}}
| ProdCode = T13.25102
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = E2A482
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 3
| EpisodeNumber2 = 3
| Title = The Lost Biker
| DirectedBy = DeMane Davis
| WrittenBy = Sara Saedi & Ryan Knighton
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|7}}
| ProdCode = T13.25103
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = E2A482
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 4
| EpisodeNumber2 = 4
| Title = The Blackout Bride
| DirectedBy = Deborah Kampmeier
| WrittenBy = Davia Carter & Daniela Lamas
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|14}}
| ProdCode = T13.25104
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = E2A482
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 5
| EpisodeNumber2 = 5
| Title = The Haunted Marine
| DirectedBy = Charles Randolph-Wright
| WrittenBy = Aisha Bhoori & Will Ewing
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|21}}
| ProdCode = T13.25105
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = E2A482
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 6
| EpisodeNumber2 = 6
| Title = The Girl Who Cried Pregnant
| DirectedBy = Jordan Canning
| WrittenBy = Stasia Demick & William Yu
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|28}}
| ProdCode = T13.25106
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = E2A482
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 7
| EpisodeNumber2 = 7
| Title = The Man From Grozny
| DirectedBy = David Katzenberg
| WrittenBy = Michael Grassi & Shannon Looney
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|11|11}}
| ProdCode = T13.25107
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = E2A482
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 8
| EpisodeNumber2 = 8
| Title = The Lovesick Widow
| DirectedBy = James DeWille
| WrittenBy = Sara Saedi
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|11|18}}
| ProdCode = T13.25108
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = E2A482
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 9
| EpisodeNumber2 = 9
| Title = The Colorblind Painter
| DirectedBy = Dawn Wilkinson
| WrittenBy = Davia Carter & Ryan Knighton
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|11|25}}
| ProdCode = T13.25109
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = E2A482
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 10
| EpisodeNumber2 = 10
| Title = The First Responder
| DirectedBy = Maggie Kiley
| WrittenBy = Stasia Demick & William Yu
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|12|2}}
| ProdCode = T13.25110
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = E2A482
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 11
| EpisodeNumber2 = 11
| Title = The Other Woman
| DirectedBy = Sudz Sutherland
| WrittenBy = Daniela Lamas & Will Ewing
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|12|9}}
| ProdCode = T13.25111
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = E2A482
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 12
| EpisodeNumber2 = 12
| Title = The Doctor Whose World Collapsed
| DirectedBy = Harry Jierjian
| WrittenBy = Sara Saedi & Davia Carter
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2025|1|6}}
| ProdCode = T13.25112
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = E2A482
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 13
| EpisodeNumber2 = 13
| Title = The Man Who Can't See Faces
| DirectedBy = DeMane Davis
| WrittenBy = Michael Grassi
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2025|1|6}}
| ProdCode = T13.25113
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = E2A482
}}
}}
{{^|Episode table |total_width=79 |background=# |overall= |season= |title= |titleR= |director= |writer= |airdate= |airdateR={{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/brilliant-minds/listings/|title=Shows A-Z – Brilliant Minds on NBC|website=The Futon Critic|access-date=November 25, 2024}}{{cbignore}} |prodcode= |viewers= |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{^|Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 14
| EpisodeNumber2 = 1
| Title =
| DirectedBy =
| WrittenBy =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2025}}
| ProdCode =
| Viewers =
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor =
}}
}}
Production
=Development=
In November 2019, it was announced that the series was in development at Fox, with the network landing the project with a script deal plus penalty.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/11/fox-nabs-oliver-sacks-medical-drama-from-alex-berger-lee-toland-krieger-fabrik-imaginarium-as-put-pilot-1202793092/|title=Fox Nabs Oliver Sacks Medical Drama From Alex Berger, Lee Toland Krieger, Fabrik & Imaginarium As Put Pilot|work=Deadline Hollywood|first1=Nellie|last1=Andreeva|first2=Denise|last2=Petski|date=November 22, 2019|access-date=August 6, 2024|archive-date=November 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107051902/https://deadline.com/2019/11/fox-nabs-oliver-sacks-medical-drama-from-alex-berger-lee-toland-krieger-fabrik-imaginarium-as-put-pilot-1202793092/|url-status=live}} However, Fox did not go forward with the project. On January 24, 2023, the show's development was moved to NBC;{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/wolf-medical-drama-oliver-sacks-michael-grassi-lee-toland-krieger-greg-berlanti-pilot-nbc-1235239386/|title='Wolf' Medical Drama Inspired By Oliver Sacks From Michael Grassi, Lee Toland Krieger & Greg Berlanti Lands NBC Pilot Order|work=Deadline Hollywood|first=Katie|last=Campione|date=November 7, 2023|access-date=August 6, 2024|archive-date=March 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303145520/https://deadline.com/2023/01/wolf-medical-drama-oliver-sacks-michael-grassi-lee-toland-krieger-greg-berlanti-pilot-nbc-1235239386/|url-status=live}} it was given a series order on October 20, 2023. The series is created by Michael Grassi, and he is also expected to executive produce alongside Lee Toland Krieger, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Henrik Bastin, Melissa Aouate, Andy Serkis, Jonathan Cavendish, Will Tennant, and DeMane Davis.{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/news/zachary-quinto-dr-wolf-series-order-nbc-1235063496/|title=Zachary Quinto's Dr. Wolf Ordered to Series at NBC|work=TVLine|first=Matt|last=Mitovich|date=October 20, 2023|access-date=August 6, 2024|archive-date=January 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105200709/https://tvline.com/news/zachary-quinto-dr-wolf-series-order-nbc-1235063496/|url-status=live}} Production companies involved with the series are Grassi Productions, Berlanti Productions, Fabel Entertainment, The Imaginarium, Universal Television, and Warner Bros. Television.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/10/oliver-sacks-medical-drama-nbc-series-order-zachary-quinto-star-1235578862/|title=Zachary Quinto-Led Medical Drama 'Dr. Wolf' Lands Series Order At NBC|work=Deadline Hollywood|first=Lynette|last=Rice|date=October 20, 2023|access-date=August 6, 2024|archive-date=July 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706230626/https://deadline.com/2023/10/oliver-sacks-medical-drama-nbc-series-order-zachary-quinto-star-1235578862/|url-status=live}}
Brilliant Minds was moved to the 2024–25 season due to strike-related production delays.{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title=Most New Broadcast Scripted Series Moving To 2024–25 Season Due To Strike-Related Production Delays|url=https://deadline.com/2023/11/new-broadcast-series-move-2024-25-season-strike-metlock-dr-wolf-doc-rescue-hi-surf-poppas-house-st-denis-1235597159/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=November 8, 2023|access-date=November 9, 2023|archive-date=November 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109000748/https://deadline.com/2023/11/new-broadcast-series-move-2024-25-season-strike-metlock-dr-wolf-doc-rescue-hi-surf-poppas-house-st-denis-1235597159/|url-status=live}} On May 1, 2024, the name change from Dr. Wolf to Brilliant Minds was announced.{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title=Upfronts 2024: Pilot Buzz & Other Development Updates In Another Atypical Broadcast Cycle|url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/upfronts-2024-pilots-development-abc-cbs-nbc-fox-1235899211/|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=May 1, 2024|access-date=May 1, 2024|archive-date=August 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803201238/https://deadline.com/2024/05/upfronts-2024-pilots-development-abc-cbs-nbc-fox-1235899211/|url-status=live}} The show was given a 13 episode, season 1 order.{{cite news |last1=Foutch |first1=Haleigh |title='Brilliant Minds' Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Air? Zachary Quinto stars as a neurologist in the NBC series inspired by the life of Oliver Sacks |url=https://www.thewrap.com/brilliant-minds-release-date-time-episodes-schedule/ |access-date=4 October 2024 |agency=The Wrap |date=30 September 2024}} On May 12, 2025, NBC renewed the series for a second season.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2025/05/the-hunting-party-brilliant-minds-renewed-season-2-nbc-1236392332/|title=The Hunting Party & Brilliant Minds Renewed For Season 2; NBC Plans To "Lean Into" Them In 2025-26|work=Deadline Hollywood|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|date=May 12, 2025|access-date=May 12, 2025}}
=Casting=
On February 23, 2023, Zachary Quinto was cast to star.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/zachary-quinto-nbc-medical-drama-pilot-wolf-greg-berlanti-andy-serkis-1235539073/|title=Zachary Quinto to Lead NBC Medical Drama Pilot 'Wolf' From Producers Greg Berlanti, Andy Serkis|work=Variety|first=Joe|last=Otterson|date=February 28, 2023|access-date=August 6, 2024|archive-date=August 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806223830/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/zachary-quinto-nbc-medical-drama-pilot-wolf-greg-berlanti-andy-serkis-1235539073/|url-status=live}} In April 2023, Teddy Sears, Tamberla Perry, Alex MacNicoll, Spence Moore II, Aury Krebs, and Ashleigh LaThrop joined the main cast.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/teddy-sears-tamberla-perry-cast-nbc-pilot-wolf-1235321536/|title=Teddy Sears & Tamberla Perry Join Zachary Quinto-Led NBC Medical Drama Pilot 'Wolf'|work=Deadline Hollywood|first=Rosy|last=Cordero|date=April 10, 2023|access-date=August 6, 2024|archive-date=August 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806222026/https://deadline.com/2023/04/teddy-sears-tamberla-perry-cast-nbc-pilot-wolf-1235321536/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/zachary-quinto-led-nbc-medical-drama-pilot-wolf-casting-1235332689/|title=Alex MacNicoll, Spence Moore II, Aury Krebs & Ashleigh LaThrop Board NBC Medical Drama Pilot 'Wolf'|work=Deadline Hollywood|first=Rosy|last=Cordero|date=April 20, 2023|access-date=August 6, 2024|archive-date=August 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806222027/https://deadline.com/2023/04/zachary-quinto-led-nbc-medical-drama-pilot-wolf-casting-1235332689/|url-status=live}} On November 28, 2023, Donna Murphy was cast in a recurring capacity.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/11/donna-murphy-cast-nbc-dr-wolf-1235639967/|title='The Gilded Age' Actress Donna Murphy To Recur In NBC's 'Dr. Wolf'|work=Deadline Hollywood|first=Rosy|last=Cordero|date=November 28, 2023|access-date=August 6, 2024|archive-date=August 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806223348/https://deadline.com/2023/11/donna-murphy-cast-nbc-dr-wolf-1235639967/|url-status=live}}
=Filming=
Principal photography for the series began on April 8, 2024, and concluded on August 23, 2024, in Toronto, Canada.{{cite web|url=https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/industry-sector-support/film/current-productions/|title=Current Productions|website=City of Toronto|date=7 August 2017 |access-date=August 27, 2024|archive-date=August 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827213139/https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/industry-sector-support/film/current-productions/|url-status=live}}
Broadcast
Brilliant Minds premiered on September 23, 2024, on NBC.{{Cite web|url=https://tvline.com/news/nbc-fall-premiere-dates-2024-the-voice-law-and-order-svu-chicago-fire-1235278898/|title=NBC Reveals Fall Premiere Dates for The Voice, #OneChicago, Law & Order: SVU and More|work=TVLine|first=Ryan|last=Schwartz|date=July 9, 2024|access-date=July 9, 2024|archive-date=July 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709200734/https://tvline.com/news/nbc-fall-premiere-dates-2024-the-voice-law-and-order-svu-chicago-fire-1235278898/|url-status=live}} In Canada, the series airs on Citytv and is available to stream on Citytv+.{{Cite press release|title=2024 Fall Schedule|date=June 3, 2024|publisher=Rogers Sports & Media|url=https://www.rogerssportsandmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/upfronts_citytv_fall_sched_English.pdf|access-date=August 21, 2024}} In Latin America is available to stream on Max.
Reception
=Critical response=
The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 92% approval rating with an average rating of 6.9/10, based on 13 critic reviews. The website's critics consensus reads, "Benefitting from a characteristically sharp performance by Zachary Quinto, Brilliant Minds is a medical procedural with brains but also a surprising amount of heart."{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes|id=brilliant_minds|title=Brilliant Minds|type=tv|season=1|access-date=September 28, 2024|publisher_hide=y}}{{cbignore}} Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 64 out of 100 based on 10 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.{{Cite Metacritic|id=brilliant-minds|title=Brilliant Minds|type=tv|season=1|access-date=September 25, 2024|publisher_hide=y}}{{cbignore}}
=Ratings=
{{Television episode ratings
| refs_col = y
| title1 = Pilot
| date1 = September 23, 2024
| rs1 = 0.3/3
| viewers1 = 3.92
| dvr1 = n/a
| dvrv1 = n/a
| total1 = n/a
| totalv1 = n/a
| title2 = The Disembodied Woman
| date2 = September 30, 2024
| rs2 = 0.3/3
| viewers2 = 3.46
| dvr2 = n/a
| dvrv2 = n/a
| total2 = n/a
| totalv2 = n/a
| title3 = The Lost Biker
| date3 = October 7, 2024
| rs3 = 0.3/3
| viewers3 = 3.30
| dvr3 = n/a
| dvrv3 = n/a
| total3 = n/a
| totalv3 = n/a
| title4 = The Blackout Bride
| date4 = October 14, 2024
| rs4 = 0.2/2
| viewers4 = 3.09
| dvr4 = 0.2
| dvrv4 = 1.99
| total4 = 0.4
| totalv4 = 5.08
| title5 = The Haunted Marine
| date5 = October 21, 2024
| rs5 = 0.3/3
| viewers5 = 3.12
| dvr5 = 0.2
| dvrv5 = 2.02
| total5 = 0.5
| totalv5 = 5.15
| title6 = The Girl Who Cried Pregnant
| date6 = October 28, 2024
| rs6 = 0.2/2
| viewers6 = 2.64
| dvr6 = 0.1
| dvrv6 = 1.88
| total6 = 0.4
| totalv6 = 4.52
| title7 = The Man From Grozny
| date7 = November 11, 2024
| rs7 = 0.2/2
| viewers7 = 2.63
| dvr7 = 0.1
| dvrv7 = 2.00
| total7 = 0.3
| totalv7 = 4.63
| title8 = The Lovesick Widow
| date8 = November 18, 2024
| rs8 = 0.2/2
| viewers8 = 2.98
| dvr8 = 0.2
| dvrv8 = 1.68
| total8 = 0.3
| totalv8 = 4.66
| title9 = The Colorblind Painter
| date9 = November 25, 2024
| rs9 = 0.3/3
| viewers9 = 2.75
| dvr9 = 0.1
| dvrv9 = 1.95
| total9 = 0.4
| totalv9 = 4.70
| title10 = The First Responder
| date10 = December 2, 2024
| rs10 = 0.3/3
| viewers10 = 2.82
| dvr10 = 0.1
| dvrv10 = 1.81
| total10 = 0.4
| totalv10 = 4.63
| title11 = The Other Woman
| date11 = December 9, 2024
| rs11 = 0.2/2
| viewers11 = 2.52
| dvr11 = 0.1
| dvrv11 = 1.77
| total11 = 0.3
| totalv11 = 4.29
| title12 = The Doctor Whose World Collapsed
| date12 = January 6, 2025
| rs12 = 0.2/3
| viewers12 = 2.82
| dvr12 = 0.1
| dvrv12 = 1.06
| total12 = 0.3
| totalv12 = 3.89
| title13 = The Man Who Can't See Faces
| date13 = January 6, 2025
| rs13 = 0.2/3
| viewers13 = 2.54
| dvr13 = 0.1
| dvrv13 = 1.16
| total13 = 0.3
| totalv13 = 3.70
}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website}}
- {{IMDb title}}
{{NBCNetwork Shows (current and upcoming)}}
Category:2024 American television series debuts
Category:2020s American LGBTQ-related drama television series
Category:2020s American medical drama television series
Category:American English-language television shows
Category:NBC television dramas
Category:Psychological television series
Category:Television series by Universal Television
Category:Television series by Warner Bros. Television Studios
Category:Television shows based on non-fiction books
Category:Television shows set in New York (state)