Watch Prodigal Son

Prodigal Son is an American crime drama television series that premiered on FOX in 2019. The show stars Tom Payne as Malcolm Bright, a highly intelligent criminal psychologist who uses his skills to help the NYPD solve complex cases. The show also stars Lou Diamond Phillips as Gil Arroyo, the head of the NYPD’s major crimes unit, and Halston Sage as Ainsley Whitly, Malcolm's younger sister.

The show opens with Malcolm's release from a psychiatric hospital where he spent several years after being traumatized by his father's crimes. His father, Dr. Martin Whitly (played by Michael Sheen), is a notorious serial killer known as “The Surgeon”. The show explores the tension between Malcolm's past and his present as he navigates life as a consultant for the NYPD while grappling with his own psychological demons.

As the show progresses, Malcolm must balance his desire to distance himself from his father's legacy with his fascination with the psychology of serial killers. He is aided in this journey by his colleagues at the NYPD, who value his unique insight into the minds of criminals. These colleagues include Gil, who serves as a father figure to Malcolm, and NYPD detective Dani Powell (played by Aurora Perrineau), who becomes Malcolm's love interest.

Throughout the series, each episode features a new case for Malcolm and the team to solve. In addition to this, the show delves into the personal lives of the characters and explores complex family dynamics. Malcolm's relationship with his mother Jessica (played by Bellamy Young) is a major theme throughout the show, as she struggles with her own demons and her relationship with Dr. Whitly. Ainsley, Malcolm's sister, is a successful journalist who grapples with her own fascination with her father's crimes.

One of the strengths of Prodigal Son is its ability to balance the show's procedural and serialized elements. While each episode features a self-contained case for the team to solve, there are also ongoing storylines that build throughout the season. The show has been praised for its strong characters, intricate plotting, and its willingness to delve into the psychological depths of its characters.

The show's cast is also a major asset, with each actor bringing nuance and depth to their roles. Tom Payne shines as Malcolm, portraying the character's intelligence and intensity while also conveying his vulnerability and trauma. Lou Diamond Phillips imbues Gil with a warmth and wisdom that makes him a standout among the show's characters. Halston Sage brings a fresh energy to the show as Ainsley, and Michael Sheen's portrayal of Dr. Whitly is compelling in its manipulative charm.

Overall, Prodigal Son is a riveting crime drama that explores the dark underbelly of the human psyche. Its mix of procedural and serialized elements, balanced tone, and strong cast make it a standout show on FOX.

Prodigal Son is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (34 episodes). The series first aired on September 23, 2019.