The Irrationalseason 2 aired its finale Tuesday, April 25 on NBC. The series was created for television by Arika Lisanne Mittman and loosely based on the real life of Dan Ariely. It starsJesse L. Martinas Alec, a world-renowned professor of behavioral science who “works alongside varying clients ranging from the FBI to everyday people caught in perplexing situations desperate for answers.” Maahra Hill, Travina Springer, Karen David, Molly Kunz, Arash DeMaxi, and Max Lloyd-Jones are also included in the main cast.
In October 2024,ScreenRantwas invited to visit the set ofThe Irrationalseason 2in Vancouver, Canada. The cast was in the middle of shooting the highly anticipated musical-themed episode, which aired as a prelude to the finale.ScreenRantspoke with Jesse L. Martin and Karen David at the theater, as well as the rest of the main cast while on the Wylton University set.
Jesse L. Martin Wanted Alec To Keep His Scars
And Karen David Enjoys The “Vulnerable” Scenes It Creates Between Their Characters
Whether Alec would choose to remove his scar was a reoccurring plotline throughoutThe Irrationalseason 2. Mittman wanted to tell a story"about a male having discomfort with his body"and"the reality of how he feels about himself with his scars and how he feels in a new relationship.“Martin shares that the scar is a visual representation of what Alec has suffered, and the character questions if they symbolize a badge of honor or a badge of trauma.
Jesse L. Martin: Is it fair to say I love my scar? I love it. And they’ll tell you, I kept saying, every time they brought up the whole idea of this new laser procedure that could lessen the scar, I was like, “We’re not lessening the scar, are we?” It has become such a part of what I do every day, even just the actor who shows up early enough to do it, that I can’t imagine not having it. I actually love it.
While Mittman reassured Martin that Alec would be keeping the scar, it was a journey that fueled much of the emotion behind the second season. Karen David shares that it’s important for Alec to feel like"he’s in a safe space"with Rose. Not all scars are physical, and Rose has trauma of her own. David lovesfilming vulnerable moments with Martin, as the scenes between their characters are"grounded"and"deeply touching.”
The Irrational Season 2 Embraces The “Case Of The Week” Format
Mittman Enjoys The “Formula Of Not Having A Formula”
When asked what the writers learned through filming the first season, Mittman says that"telling different episodic stories every week"works best for the series. The showrunner acknowledges that the “case of the week” format is used in many procedurals, but it allows every new installment to be different:
Arika Lisanne Mittman: In season 1, for instance, we went from this big plane crash to this small intimate story of a family and a kidnapping to Vegas. We learned that we really like structuring it that way and surprising the audience with a really different world every week. And so we really embraced that this season as well. There are a lot of surprises from a train emergency to K-pop to being lost in the woods. There is a lot of variety.
However, the show doesn’t shy away from personal stories, and instead finds a balance. Mittman tellsScreenRantin apost-finale interviewthatThe Irrationalis a very character-driven procedural, as indicated by Alec and Rose’s storylines. Alec doesn’t work for any particular law enforcement agency and"gets cases both informally and formally."
Maahra Hill And Travina Springer Were Excited To Explore Their Characters' Sisterhood
The Characters Have A Personal And Professional Relationship In Season 2
Kylie and Marisa had a close relationship as in-laws, andThe Irrationalseason 1 sees them maintain their bond.“The writers have done a really nice job in season 2 displaying what a relationship can look like after divorce,“Springer says.“The sisterhood that existed doesn’t dissolve just because a marriage dissolved. I think seeing what it can evolve into has been really nice.“While sharing Springer’s sentiment, Hill also adds that their characters' season 2 dynamic allowed the actors to grow closer offscreen:
Maahra Hill: We have a new working relationship to add to our previous personal relationship, which is also enhanced by working together because you get to have time with each other. You have just somebody that you’re able to partner with to share some of the things that you’re going through.
I’m very excited about the sisterhood that we have and being able to explore that dynamic and that kind of relationship. There’s a lot of relationships that get explored in depth, but the idea of just sisterhood and being able to be close to someone after a relationship has dissolved in a way, but still holding on to the love and the bond that the two of you have, they did a beautiful job of that.
There Is A Tone Meeting For Each Episode Of The Irrational
The Writers Don’t Want The Show To Feel Too Dark
Production designer, Eric Fraser,and set decorator, Bradley Lang, share that there is a tone meeting before filming each episode ofThe Irrational. The team originally developed a look that was too dark for network television, and a balance had to be established to instill a hopeful feeling. When the mystery is solved at the end of the hour, they’ll warm up the setting and allow the scene to breathe. However, given the nature of the crimes, a somber tone is sometimes required.
The Irrational Season 3: Will It Happen? Everything We Know
NBC’s hit procedural, The Irrational, returned for its sophomore season in late 2024, but will the Jesse L. Martin series earn a season 3 renewal?
Other than destroying the school, there were no major changes to the physical sets between seasons 1 and 2.The Irrationalhad already established a look that both viewers and NBC enjoyed, making altercations unnecessary. The crew focused on helping bring more exciting and intense stories to life as the show continued with its sophomore run.
Molly Kunz And Arash DeMaxi Feel Their Characters Have A Real Friendship In Season 2
Phoebe and Rizwan have been Alec’s research assistants since the beginning ofThe Irrational, but a strong bond didn’t form between them until later on.“In the very beginning of season 1, I’m new to the job, and I don’t think our characters know each other that well,“DeMaxi says. Meanwhile, Kunz refers to the time Rizwan helped Phoebe through a panic attack to emphasize the turning point in their relationship:
Molly Kunz: Phoebe and Rizwan now have a real friendship. We would see them after that moment at the end of season 1, where Rizwan stepped up and helped Phoebe through a panic attack. Early in season 2, even though they’re not working together, they would go grab dinner. They earned each other’s trust, and now they’re real friends, not just co-workers.
The Irrationalseason 2 adds Simon (Max Lloyd-Jones) to the cast, turning the research assistant team into a trio. He begins a romance with Phoebe, allowing DeMaxi toplay as the third wheel.“I’ve had to figure out how I feel about it without it just being given to me on the page, and that’s fun as an actor to create that,“DeMaxi says. What’s in store for Phoebe and Rizwan’s relationship is up in the air, as the stars are also interested to see where it goes.
The Irrationalseason 2 is currently available to stream on Peacock.
The Irrational
Based on the novel by Dan Ariely, The Irrational is a crime drama series created by Arika Mittman. Alec Mercer, a behavioral psychology professor, is enlisted for his uncanny ability to profile and analyze people. Helping to solve several cases for governing bodies, Mercer’s world is shaken when he finally meets his equal in a female suspect in a domestic terror case.
