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Brilliant Minds

For the Furniture song, see "Brilliant Mind".
Brilliant Minds
GenreMedical drama
Created byMichael Grassi
Starring
ComposerJoseph Trapanese
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Zachary Quinto
  • Carl Ogawa
  • Mohan Mandali
  • Michael Wray
CinematographyPierre Gill
Editors
  • Nicholas Wong
  • Gaston Jaren Lopez
  • Finnian Murray
Running time43 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkNBC
ReleaseSeptember 23, 2024 (2024-09-23) –
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.[1] It premiered on September 23, 2024. In May 2025, the series was renewed for a second season which is set to premiere on September 22, 2025.[2][3]

Cast and characters

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Main

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  • 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 and Wolf's best friend
  • 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 and Wolf's love interest
  • Brian Altemus as Charlier Porter (season 2)[4]
  • John Clarence Stewart as Anthony Thorne (season 2)[4]
  • Al Calderon as Nurse Scotty Silva (season 2)[5]

Recurring

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  • Donna Murphy as Muriel Landon, the chief medical officer and Wolf's mother
  • Mandy Patinkin as Noah Wolf, Oliver's bipolar father who he believed to be dead for 30 years, who later reconnects with his son and seeks his help in treating an unknown neurological illness[6]
  • Gray Powell as Younger Noah Wolf
  • Ted Sutherland as Teen Oliver Wolf[7]
  • Jaden Myles Waldman as Young Oliver Wolf
  • Simon Webster as Young Oliver Wolf
  • Rainbow Sun Francks as Morris Allen, Carol's adulterous husband and father of their daughter Maya
  • Kiki Hammill as Maya Allen, Carol and Morris' daughter
  • Julia Chan as Alison Zhang-Whitaker, Morris' mistress who later seeks treatment from Carol
  • Mishel Prada as Katie Rodriguez, an EMT and Dana's love interest
  • Jonathan Kim as Max Yoo, an EMT
  • Stacey Farber as Michelle, Van's ex-girlfriend and mother of their son Liam
  • Henry Falk as Liam Markus, Van and Michelle's son
  • Nisa Gunduz as Nurse Portia Flores
  • Dorrett White as Nurse Jenny Carter
  • Brendan Hines as Simon Gadson
  • Meghan Swaby as Psych Nurse
  • Alex Ozerov-Meyer as John Doe/Roman Fedorov
  • Carson Durven as Gene Pomeroy
  • Sandra Okuboyejo as Celia Pomeroy
  • Karen Robinson as Betsy Chase
  • Bellamy Young as Amelia Frederick (season 2)[8]

Guest

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Episodes

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Season 1 (2024–25)

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No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [10]Directed byWritten byOriginal release date [10]Prod.
code		U.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Pilot"Lee Toland KriegerMichael Grassi & Alex BergerSeptember 23, 2024 (2024-09-23)T15.101683.92[11]
22"The Disembodied Woman"Lee Toland KriegerMichael GrassiSeptember 30, 2024 (2024-09-30)T13.251023.46[12]
33"The Lost Biker"DeMane DavisSara Saedi & Ryan KnightonOctober 7, 2024 (2024-10-07)T13.251033.30[13]
44"The Blackout Bride"Deborah KampmeierDavia Carter & Daniela LamasOctober 14, 2024 (2024-10-14)T13.251043.09[14]
55"The Haunted Marine"Charles Randolph-WrightAisha Bhoori & Will EwingOctober 21, 2024 (2024-10-21)T13.251053.12[15]
66"The Girl Who Cried Pregnant"Jordan CanningStasia Demick & William YuOctober 28, 2024 (2024-10-28)T13.251062.63[16]
77"The Man From Grozny"David KatzenbergMichael Grassi & Shannon LooneyNovember 11, 2024 (2024-11-11)T13.251072.63[17]
88"The Lovesick Widow"James DeWilleSara SaediNovember 18, 2024 (2024-11-18)T13.251082.98[18]
99"The Colorblind Painter"Dawn WilkinsonDavia Carter & Ryan KnightonNovember 25, 2024 (2024-11-25)T13.251092.75[19]
1010"The First Responder"Maggie KileyStasia Demick & William YuDecember 2, 2024 (2024-12-02)T13.251102.82[20]
1111"The Other Woman"Sudz SutherlandDaniela Lamas & Will EwingDecember 9, 2024 (2024-12-09)T13.251112.52[21]
1212"The Doctor Whose World Collapsed"Harry JierjianSara Saedi & Davia CarterJanuary 6, 2025 (2025-01-06)T13.251122.82[22]
1313"The Man Who Can't See Faces"DeMane DavisMichael GrassiJanuary 6, 2025 (2025-01-06)T13.251132.54[22]

Season 2 (2025–26)

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No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [23]Directed byWritten byOriginal release date [23]Prod.
code		U.S. viewers
(millions)
141"The Phantom Hook"TBATBASeptember 22, 2025 (2025-09-22)T13.25201TBA
152"The Contestant"TBATBASeptember 29, 2025 (2025-09-29)T13.25202TBA
163"The Pusher"TBATBAOctober 6, 2025 (2025-10-06)T13.25203TBA

Production

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Development

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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.[24] However, Fox did not go forward with the project. On January 24, 2023, the show's development was moved to NBC;[25] 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.[26] Production companies involved with the series are Grassi Productions, Berlanti Productions, Fabel Entertainment, The Imaginarium, Universal Television, and Warner Bros. Television.[27]

Brilliant Minds was moved to the 2024–25 season due to strike-related production delays.[28] On May 1, 2024, the name change from Dr. Wolf to Brilliant Minds was announced.[29] The show was given a 13 episode, season 1 order.[30] On May 12, 2025, NBC renewed the series for a second season.[2]

Casting

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On February 23, 2023, Zachary Quinto was cast to star.[31] In April 2023, Teddy Sears, Tamberla Perry, Alex MacNicoll, Spence Moore II, Aury Krebs, and Ashleigh LaThrop joined the main cast.[32][33] On November 28, 2023, Donna Murphy was cast in a recurring capacity.[34] In July 2025, Brian Altemus, John Clarence Stewart, and Al Calderon joined the cast as new series regulars for season 2, while Bellamy Young was cast in a recurring capacity.[4][8][5]

Filming

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Principal photography for the series began on April 8, 2024, and concluded on August 23, 2024, in Toronto, Canada.[35] Filming for the second season began on July 2, 2025 and scheduled to concluded on March 31, 2026.[36]

Broadcast

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Brilliant Minds premiered on September 23, 2024, on NBC.[37] The second season is slated to premiere on September 22, 2025.[3] In Canada, the series airs on Citytv and is available to stream on Citytv+.[38]

Reception

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Critical response

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The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported an 88% approval rating based on 17 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."[39] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 64 out of 100 based on 10 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[40]

Ratings

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Viewership and ratings per episode of Brilliant Minds
No. Title Air date Rating/share
(18–49)		 Viewers
(millions)		 DVR
(18–49)		 DVR viewers
(millions)		 Total
(18–49)		 Total viewers
(millions)		 Ref.
1 "Pilot" September 23, 2024 0.3/3 3.92 — — — — [11]
2 "The Disembodied Woman" September 30, 2024 0.3/3 3.46 — — — — [12]
3 "The Lost Biker" October 7, 2024 0.3/3 3.30 — — — — [13]
4 "The Blackout Bride" October 14, 2024 0.2/2 3.09 0.2 1.99 0.4 5.08 [14]
5 "The Haunted Marine" October 21, 2024 0.3/3 3.12 0.2 2.02 0.5 5.15 [15]
6 "The Girl Who Cried Pregnant" October 28, 2024 0.2/2 2.64 0.1 1.88 0.4 4.52 [16]
7 "The Man From Grozny" November 11, 2024 0.2/2 2.63 0.1 2.00 0.3 4.63 [17]
8 "The Lovesick Widow" November 18, 2024 0.2/2 2.98 0.2 1.68 0.3 4.66 [18]
9 "The Colorblind Painter" November 25, 2024 0.3/3 2.75 0.1 1.95 0.4 4.70 [19]
10 "The First Responder" December 2, 2024 0.3/3 2.82 0.1 1.81 0.4 4.63 [20]
11 "The Other Woman" December 9, 2024 0.2/2 2.52 0.1 1.77 0.3 4.29 [21]
12 "The Doctor Whose World Collapsed" January 6, 2025 0.2/3 2.82 0.1 1.06 0.3 3.89 [22]
13 "The Man Who Can't See Faces" January 6, 2025 0.2/3 2.54 0.1 1.16 0.3 3.70 [22]

References

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  1. ^ "Brilliant Minds: A New TV Show Based on Oliver Sacks". Oliver Sacks | Official Website of Author, Neurologist & Foundation. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (May 12, 2025). "The Hunting Party & Brilliant Minds Renewed For Season 2; NBC Plans To "Lean Into" Them In 2025-26". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  3. ^ a b Schwartz, Ryan; Nemetz, Dave (July 28, 2025). "NBC Reveals Fall Premiere Dates for #OneChicago, SVU and More — Plus, Organized Crime Returns!". TVLine. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c Cordero, Rosy (July 7, 2025). "Brian Altemus & John Clarence Stewart Cast In 'Brilliant Minds' As Series Regulars For Season 2". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 7, 2025. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Cordero, Rosy (July 29, 2025). "'Days Of Our Lives' Actor Al Calderon Joins NBC's 'Brilliant Minds' For Season 2". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 29, 2025. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  6. ^ Cobb, Kayla (July 14, 2024). "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". The Wrap. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  7. ^ Crawford, Je'Kayla (November 25, 2024). "Who Plays Young Zachary Quinto on Brillant Minds? Meet Teen Wolf Actor Ted Sutherland". NBC. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
  8. ^ a b Roots, Kimberly (July 14, 2025). "Brilliant Minds Adds Bellamy Young as Oliver's [Spoiler] in Season 2". TVLine. Archived from the original on July 14, 2025. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  9. ^ a b c d Otterson, Joe. "'Brilliant Minds' Season 2 Casts Porsha Williams, Molly Bernard, Connor Tomlinson, Laura Vandervoort". Variety.
  10. ^ a b "Shows A-Z – Brilliant Minds on NBC". The Futon Critic. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  11. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (September 24, 2024). "Monday Ratings: Brilliant Minds Debut on NBC Earns Decent Total Viewership". Programming Insider. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (October 1, 2024). "Monday Ratings: Brilliant Minds on NBC Relatively Steady in Week Two from Debut". Programming Insider. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  13. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (October 9, 2024). "Monday Ratings: 60 Minutes Election Special on CBS Tops Non-Sports Telecasts in Prime Time Among Total Viewers". Programming Insider. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  14. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (October 16, 2024). "Monday Ratings: NCIS: Origins Gets Modest Launch on CBS Opposite NFL on ABC". Programming Insider. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  15. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (October 22, 2024). "Monday Ratings: Wayans Sitcom Poppa's House Off to Good Start for CBS, Well Compatible with Lead-In The Neighborhood". Programming Insider. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  16. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (October 29, 2024). "Monday Ratings: MLB World Series Game 3 and NFL Monday Night Football Nearly Even in Total Viewers". Programming Insider. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  17. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (November 12, 2024). "Monday Ratings: The Voice Powers NBC to Top Broadcast Networks in Prime Time". Programming Insider. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  18. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (November 19, 2024). "Monday Ratings: NFL on ABC and ESPN Far Outdistance the Competition". Programming Insider. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  19. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (November 27, 2024). "Monday Ratings: Monday Night Football Continues Prime Time Dominance for ABC and ESPN Networks". Programming Insider. Retrieved November 27, 2024.
  20. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (December 4, 2024). "Monday Ratings: Holiday Editions of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and Press Your Luck on ABC". Programming Insider. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  21. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (December 11, 2024). "Monday Ratings: Bengals-Cowboys Posts Top NFL Week 14 'Monday Night Football' Telecast in Total Viewers Since 2001". Programming Insider. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  22. ^ a b c d Pucci, Douglas (January 7, 2025). "Monday Ratings: Netflix Projected to Win Prime Time with its Debut of 'WWE Raw'". Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  23. ^ a b "Brilliant Minds - Aired Order - All Seasons". TheTVDB. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  24. ^ Andreeva, Nellie; Petski, Denise (November 22, 2019). "Fox Nabs Oliver Sacks Medical Drama From Alex Berger, Lee Toland Krieger, Fabrik & Imaginarium As Put Pilot". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 7, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  25. ^ Campione, Katie (November 7, 2023). "'Wolf' Medical Drama Inspired By Oliver Sacks From Michael Grassi, Lee Toland Krieger & Greg Berlanti Lands NBC Pilot Order". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 3, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  26. ^ Mitovich, Matt (October 20, 2023). "Zachary Quinto's Dr. Wolf Ordered to Series at NBC". TVLine. Archived from the original on January 5, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  27. ^ Rice, Lynette (October 20, 2023). "Zachary Quinto-Led Medical Drama 'Dr. Wolf' Lands Series Order At NBC". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  28. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (November 8, 2023). "Most New Broadcast Scripted Series Moving To 2024–25 Season Due To Strike-Related Production Delays". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  29. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 1, 2024). "Upfronts 2024: Pilot Buzz & Other Development Updates In Another Atypical Broadcast Cycle". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 3, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  30. ^ Foutch, Haleigh (September 30, 2024). "'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". The Wrap. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  31. ^ Otterson, Joe (February 28, 2023). "Zachary Quinto to Lead NBC Medical Drama Pilot 'Wolf' From Producers Greg Berlanti, Andy Serkis". Variety. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  32. ^ Cordero, Rosy (April 10, 2023). "Teddy Sears & Tamberla Perry Join Zachary Quinto-Led NBC Medical Drama Pilot 'Wolf'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  33. ^ Cordero, Rosy (April 20, 2023). "Alex MacNicoll, Spence Moore II, Aury Krebs & Ashleigh LaThrop Board NBC Medical Drama Pilot 'Wolf'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  34. ^ Cordero, Rosy (November 28, 2023). "'The Gilded Age' Actress Donna Murphy To Recur In NBC's 'Dr. Wolf'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  35. ^ "Current Productions". City of Toronto. August 7, 2017. Archived from the original on August 27, 2024. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  36. ^ "Current Productions". City of Toronto. Archived from the original on August 10, 2025. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  37. ^ Schwartz, Ryan (July 9, 2024). "NBC Reveals Fall Premiere Dates for The Voice, #OneChicago, Law & Order: SVU and More". TVLine. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  38. ^ "2024 Fall Schedule" (PDF) (Press release). Rogers Sports & Media. June 3, 2024. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  39. ^ "Brilliant Minds: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  40. ^ "Brilliant Minds: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
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