Saint X
{{Short description|American TV series}}
{{About|American psychological drama television series|the American musician|Capital Kings}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Saint_x.png
| genre = Psychological drama
| developer = Leila Gerstein
| based_on = {{Based on|Saint X|Alexis Schaitkin}}
| starring = {{Plainlist|
- Alycia Debnam-Carey
- Josh Bonzie
- West Duchovny
- Jayden Elijah
- Michael Park
- Betsy Brandt
- Bre Francis
- Kenlee Anaya Townsend
}}
| music =
| country = United States
| language = English
| num_seasons = 1
| num_episodes = 8
| list_episodes =
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
- Leila Gerstein
- Alexis Schaitkin
- Dee Rees
- Stephen Williams
- David Levine
- Zack Hayden
- Aubrey Drake Graham
- Adel "Future" Nur
- Jason Shrier
- Steve Pearlman
}}
| producer =
| location =
| cinematography =
| editor =
| camera =
| runtime = 42–51 minutes
| company = {{Plainlist|
}}
| network = Hulu
| first_aired = {{Start date|2023|4|26}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2023|5|31}}
}}
Saint X is an American psychological drama television series developed by Leila Gerstein, based on the novel of the same name by Alexis Schaitkin.{{Cite web |last=Krystaf |first=Lauren |date=2023-04-11 |title='Saint X': Release Date, Trailer, Cast, and Everything You Need To Know About the Hulu Series |url=https://collider.com/saint-x-hulu-series-release-date-trailer-cast/ |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=Collider |language=en}} It stars Alycia Debnam-Carey, Josh Bonzie, West Duchovny, Jayden Elijah, Bre Francis, Kenlee Anaya Townsend, Betsy Brandt, and Michael Park.{{Cite web |last=Perkins |first=Njera |date=2023-04-07 |title="Saint X" Alludes to a Young Woman's Mysterious Real-Life Disappearance in the Drama's Trailer |url=https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/saint-x-tv-show-49138782 |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=Popsugar |language=en}} The series premiered on Hulu on April 26, 2023.
Premise
Based on the bestselling novel, this psychological drama follows the story of Emily Thomas on her dangerous mission to find out the truth about what happened to her older sister, Alison, who was brutally murdered and raped on an idyllic trip to the Caribbean 20 years earlier.
Cast and characters
- Alycia Debnam-Carey as Claire Emily Thomas, an environmental documentary editor
- Josh Bonzie as Clive "Gogo" Richardson
- West Duchovny as Alison Thomas
- Jayden Elijah as Edwin
- Michael Park as Bill Thomas
- Betsy Brandt as Mia Thomas
- Bre Francis as Sara
- Kenlee Anaya Townsend as Claire Thomas (7 years old)
- Clarisse Albrecht as Deputy
- Sule Thelwell as Desmond
Episodes
{{Episode table |background=#17A7AE |total_width= |overall= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |airdateR={{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/saint-x/listings/|title=Shows A-Z – saint x on hulu|website=The Futon Critic|access-date=May 22, 2023}}{{cbignore}} |episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 1
|Title = A Lovely Nowhere
|DirectedBy = Dee Rees
|WrittenBy = Leila Gerstein
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|4|26}}
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 17A7AE
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 2
|Title = Woman Is Fickle
|DirectedBy = Darren Grant
|WrittenBy = Leila Gerstein
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|4|26}}
|ShortSummary = More information about what went down during Alison's disappearance is revealed. Alison begins to explore her feelings for Edwin and Tyler. In present day, Emily begins to search deeper into her past for answers on Alison's death. Meanwhile, Edwin's tour of the Island Kay leads to a grizzly discovery.
|LineColor = 17A7AE
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 3
|Title = Men of Interest
|DirectedBy = Darren Grant
|WrittenBy = Nina Braddock & Cynthia Adarkwa
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|4|26}}
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 17A7AE
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 4
|Title = A Disquieting Emptiness
|DirectedBy = Patricia Riggen
|WrittenBy = Jeff Augustin & Matthew Cruz
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|5|3}}
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 17A7AE
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 5
|Title = Colonial Interference
|DirectedBy = Patricia Riggen
|WrittenBy = Leila Gerstein & Natasha M. Hall
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|5|10}}
|ShortSummary =Tyler begins to push things further with Alison. In present day, Clive gets a surprising call from his past. Emily and Josh's relationship is put to the test as she continues to search for answers. Emily and Sunita begin clashing over her unhealthy obsession.
|LineColor = 17A7AE
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 6
|Title = Loose Threads of the Past
|DirectedBy = Matt Sobel
|WrittenBy = Nina Braddock & Cynthia Adarkwa
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|5|17}}
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 17A7AE
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 7
|Title = The Goat Witch and the Sinner
|DirectedBy = Matt Sobel
|WrittenBy = Jeff Augustin & Matthew Cruz
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|5|24}}
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 17A7AE
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 8
|Title = Faraway
|DirectedBy = Ekwa Msangi
|WrittenBy = Leila Gerstein
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|5|31}}
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 17A7AE
}}
}}
Production
=Development=
On January 24, 2022, Hulu gave production an eight-episode series order. It is based on the novel of the same name by Alexis Schaitkin.{{Cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=January 24, 2022 |title='Saint X' Adaptation From Leila Gerstein & Dee Rees Gets Series Order At Hulu |url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/saint-x-leila-gerstein-dee-rees-hulu-1234918449/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113181840/https://deadline.com/2022/01/saint-x-leila-gerstein-dee-rees-hulu-1234918449/ |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=March 21, 2023 |work=Deadline Hollywood}} The series is developed by Leila Gerstein, who executive produced alongside Schaitkin, Dee Rees, Stephen Williams, David Levine, Zack Hayden, Aubrey Drake Graham, Adel "Future" Nur, Jason Shrier, and Steve Pearlman. Anonymous Content, DreamCrew Entertainment, and ABC Signature are the production companies involved with producing the series.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/hulu-series-saint-x-alexis-schaitkin-1235161550/|title=Hulu Orders Series Adaptation of Alexis Schaitkin Psychological Drama Novel 'Saint X'|work=Variety|first=Joe|last=Otterson|date=January 24, 2022|access-date=March 21, 2023|archive-date=January 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130133339/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/hulu-series-saint-x-alexis-schaitkin-1235161550/|url-status=live}} Saint X was released on April 26, 2023, with the first three episodes available immediately and the rest debuting on a weekly basis.{{Cite web|url=https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a42466065/saint-x-news-date-cast-spoilers/|title=Your First Look at Hulu's 'Saint X' Adaptation|work=ELLE|first=Erica|last=Gonzales|date=January 12, 2023|access-date=March 21, 2023|archive-date=March 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321181833/https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a42466065/saint-x-news-date-cast-spoilers/|url-status=live}}
=Casting=
On March 29, 2022, Victoria Pedretti was cast to star.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/03/victoria-pedretti-star-saint-x-hulu-series-1234989875/|title=Victoria Pedretti To Headline 'Saint X' Hulu Drama Series|work=Deadline Hollywood|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|date=March 29, 2022|access-date=March 21, 2023|archive-date=March 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321181835/https://deadline.com/2022/03/victoria-pedretti-star-saint-x-hulu-series-1234989875/|url-status=live}} In April 2022, Josh Bonzie, West Duchovny, and Jayden Elijah joined the main cast.{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=April 1, 2022 |title=Josh Bonzie Joins Victoria Pedretti In 'Saint X' Hulu Drama Series |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/josh-bonzie-saint-x-hulu-drama-series-victoria-pedretti-1234992229/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321181836/https://deadline.com/2022/04/josh-bonzie-saint-x-hulu-drama-series-victoria-pedretti-1234992229/ |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |access-date=March 21, 2023 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=April 5, 2022 |title=West Duchovny Joins Victoria Pedretti & Josh Bonzie In 'Saint X' Hulu Drama Series |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/west-duchovny-victoria-pedretti-josh-bonzie-saint-x-hulu-drama-series-1234994691/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321181833/https://deadline.com/2022/04/west-duchovny-victoria-pedretti-josh-bonzie-saint-x-hulu-drama-series-1234994691/ |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |access-date=March 21, 2023 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=April 7, 2022 |title=Jayden Elijah Joins Victoria Pedretti, Josh Bonzie & West Duchovny In 'Saint X' Hulu Drama Series |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/jayden-elijah-victoria-pedretti-west-duchovny-josh-bonzie-saint-x-hulu-drama-series-1234995918/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321181833/https://deadline.com/2022/04/jayden-elijah-victoria-pedretti-west-duchovny-josh-bonzie-saint-x-hulu-drama-series-1234995918/ |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |access-date=March 21, 2023 |work=Deadline Hollywood}} On May 3, 2022, Alycia Debnam-Carey joined the cast in a recasting, replacing Pedretti.{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 3, 2022 |title='Saint X': Alycia Debnam-Carey Set As Lead In Recasting As Victoria Pedretti Exits |url=https://deadline.com/2022/05/saint-x-alycia-debnam-carey-star-recasting-victoria-pedretti-exit-fear-the-walking-dead-future-1235014577/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503164235/https://deadline.com/2022/05/saint-x-alycia-debnam-carey-star-recasting-victoria-pedretti-exit-fear-the-walking-dead-future-1235014577/ |archive-date=May 3, 2022 |access-date=March 21, 2023 |work=Deadline Hollywood}} On October 27, 2022, Michael Park and Betsy Brandt were cast in starring roles.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/10/saint-x-betsy-brandt-michael-park-cast-hulu-1235155748/|title='Saint X': Michael Park, Betsy Brandt Join Hulu's Psychological Drama|work=Deadline Hollywood|first=Katie|last=Campione|date=October 27, 2022|access-date=March 21, 2023|archive-date=March 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321184608/https://deadline.com/2022/10/saint-x-betsy-brandt-michael-park-cast-hulu-1235155748/|url-status=live}} On January 12, 2023, upon the series premiere date announcement, it was reported that Bre Francis and Kenlee Anaya Townsend are also part of the main cast.
Release
Saint X premiered on Hulu on April 26, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Remley |first=Hilary |date=2023-04-06 |title='Saint X' Trailer Creates a Dangerous Ripple Effect for Alycia Debnam-Carey |url=https://collider.com/saint-x-series-trailer/ |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=Collider |language=en}} It consists of eight episodes, which were released weekly until the finale on May 31.{{Cite web |last=Leonte |first=Tudor |date=2023-04-23 |title=Saint X Hulu Release Date & Time |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/1283422-saint-x-hulu-release-date-time |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=ComingSoon.net |language=en-US}} Internationally, the series was made available for streaming on Disney+.{{Cite web |last=Cormack |first=Morgan |date=April 18, 2023 |title=Saint X {{!}} Release date, cast and latest news for Disney Plus series {{!}} Radio Times |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/saint-x-disney-plus-release-date/ |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=Radio Times |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Palmer |first=Roger |date=April 18, 2023 |title=“Saint X” Coming Soon To Disney+ (Australia/New Zealand) |url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/saint-x-coming-soon-to-disney-australia-new-zealand/ |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com |language=en-us}}
Reception
= Viewership =
TVision, which uses its TVision Power Score to evaluate CTV programming performance by factoring in viewership and engagement across over 1,000 apps and incorporating four key metrics—viewer attention time, total program time available for the season, program reach, and app reach—calculated that Saint X was the sixteenth most-streamed show from May 1–7.{{Cite web |last= |date=May 10, 2023 |title=The TVision Power Score – Week of May 1–7, 2023 |url=https://www.tvisioninsights.com/signal/may-10-2023 |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=TVision Insights |language=en}} It later moved to nineteenth place from May 8–14.{{Cite web |last= |date=May 17, 2023 |title=The TVision Power Score – Week of May 8–14, 2023 |url=https://www.tvisioninsights.com/signal/may-17-2023 |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=TVision Insights |language=en}}
= Critical response =
The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 19% approval rating with an average rating of 4.9/10, based on 16 critic reviews. The website's critics consensus reads, "A tedious crawl to an unsatisfying destination, Saint X only marks time instead of hitting the spot."{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes|id=saint_x|title=Saint X|type=tv|season=1|access-date=April 28, 2023|publisher_hide=y}}{{cbignore}} Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 51 out of 100 based on 10 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews."{{Cite Metacritic|id=saint-x|title=Saint X|type=tv|season=1|access-date=May 5, 2023|publisher_hide=y}}{{cbignore}}
= Accolades =
Tony Mirza won Best Cinematography in a Dramatic Series at the 2024 Leo Awards.{{Cite web |title=2024 LEO AWARDS, Nominees & Winners by Name |url=https://www.leoawards.com/2024/nominees_and_winners/nominees_and_winners_by_name_2024.php |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=Leo Awards}}{{Cite web |date=July 9, 2024 |title=Congratulations 2024 LEO Award Winners! – International Cinematographers Guild |url=https://icg669.com/congratulations-2024-leo-award-winners/ |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=ICG 669 |language=en-US}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Hulu series}}
- {{IMDb title}}
{{Hulu}}
Category:2020s American drama television series
Category:2023 American television series debuts
Category:2023 American television series endings
Category:American English-language television shows
Category:Hulu original programming
Category:Psychological television series
Category:Television series by ABC Signature Studios