Plot Synopsis

Based on James Patterson's novel "Murder Games," INSTINCT is a one-hour series that centers on former CIA operative Dr. Dylan Reinhart, a gifted author and university professor living a quiet life teaching psychopathic behavior, who is lured back to his old life when the NYPD needs his help to stop a serial killer. When tenacious top NYPD detective Lizzie Needham appeals to him to help her catch a serial murderer who is using Dylan's first book as a tutorial, Dylan is compelled by the case and comes out of retirement. Helping them is Julian Cousins, Dylan's invaluable CIA comrade who rivals Dylan in brilliance and wit, and can get top-secret dirt on anyone, anywhere, anytime. Lizzie's boss, Lt. Jasmine Gooden, is glad to see her best detective finally agree to work with someone on a case, since Lizzie has refused any partner since a tragic event one year ago. But as Dylan feels re-energized tapping into his old skill set, his husband, Andy, is concerned that Dylan's breaking their pact about putting away his cloak and dagger for good. Though Dylan and Lizzie initially clash, when it comes to catching killers, they realize they will make an ideal team if they both trust their instincts. Patterson and series star Alan Cumming are Executive Producers.

INSTINCT returned for its second season on Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT on CBS. In Season 2, NYPD consultant Dylan Reinhart is reinstated after being put on leave, just in time to join his partner, NYPD detective Lizzie Needham, on their new case, the "Sleeping Beauty Killer." In the season opener, "Stay Gold," Dylan and Lizzie investigate the murder of a successful businesswoman who attempted to prolong the lifespan of humans. Also, Dylan and Andy look to continue their adoption search, and Detective Ryan Stock from Nebraska arrives to hunt for a potential serial killer.
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On Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT, CBS premiered "Grey Matter," the series finale of INSTINCT. A gruesome discovery in a city pond leads Dylan and Lizzie to investigate a young man's murder, while Andy rescues one of Dylan's students from a legal bind. Also, an old friend of Dylan and Julian's reappears and Lizzie decides to embrace adventure. Guest cast: Andrew Polk (Doug), T. Ryder Smith (Dr. Martin Randolph), Emily Swallow (Allyson Randolph), Jeremy Shamos (Dr. Wells), Campbell Scott (Pasternack), Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut (Theresa), Don Noble (Dan), Alexander Salamat (Bill), Ann Sanders (Dr. Parlee), Al Thompson (Johnny), Nemuna Ceesay (Receptionist), Alex Kramer (Timothy), Andrew Pang (MRI Tech), Aaron Roman Weiner (Bernard Rudolf), and DeShawn Harold Mitchell (Cop # 1).