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The Mentalist
On CBS — From Warner Bros. Television · Primrose Hill Productions
Let the mind games begin.
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Not available to stream in US
🔔 Notify me about new seasonsSynopsis
Patrick Jane, a former celebrity psychic medium, uses his razor sharp skills of observation and expertise at "reading" people to solve serious crimes with the California Bureau of Investigation.
Themes
Episodes
Highlighted episode
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- E1 Red Sky at NightSep 23, 2010 · 43 min · ★ 7.4
Synopsis
When the CBI investigates the kidnapping of a prominent lawyer and state house lobbyist, the CBI Director wants Jane on the case, but he is uncertain of his future with the unit after his encounter with Red John.
Guest stars: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Madeleine Hightower), Michael Gaston (Gale Bertram), Andrew Leeds (Drew Yost), Faline England (Marjorie), Shanley Caswell (Nadine Russo), Kari Coleman (Patricia Farrow), Lochlyn Munro (Keith Farrow), Leilani Sarelle (Giselle Dublin)
- E2 Cackle-Bladder BloodSep 30, 2010 · 43 min · ★ 7.9
Synopsis
When Jane's brother-in-law returns to town and gets mixed up in a murder investigation, Jane must come to his aid despite personal reservations.
Guest stars: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Madeleine Hightower), Bellamy Young (Melanie Ayers), Conor O'Farrell (Detective Reece), Stacy Edwards (Concetta "Connie" Wale), Emily Baldoni (Heather Rade), William Ragsdale (Murphy Traver), Kevin Rankin (Danny Ruskin), Eve Brenner (Biltmore Nicki)
- E3 The Blood on His HandsOct 7, 2010 · 43 min · ★ 7.6
Synopsis
When Patrick Jane faces off once again with cult leader Bret Stiles, Stiles offers Jane information regarding Red John and the missing Kristina Frye.
Guest stars: Leslie Hope (Kristina Frye), Malcolm McDowell (Bret Stiles), Joseph Will (Brother Steven Wench), Eric Pierpoint (Vint Molinari), Eric Winter (Craig O'Laughlin), Steven Hack (Brother David), Patricia Melone (Celia Jovanovich), Rebecca Field (Lucy Joel)
- E4 Red Carpet TreatmentOct 14, 2010 · 43 min · ★ 7.9
Synopsis
Patrick Jane and the CBI team are called in to investigate the murder of a convict who served nine years for rape and murder, but was recently released on DNA evidence.
Guest stars: Michael Gaston (Gale Bertram), Asher Book (Jackson Winter), Eric Winter (Craig O'Laughlin), Jack Coleman (Max Winter), Michele Hicks (Betsy Meyers), Brian Letscher (Milly Mock), Gil McKinney (Sean Meyers), Missi Pyle (Karen Cross)
- E5 The Red PoniesOct 21, 2010 · 41 min · ★ 7.9
Synopsis
Patrick Jane and the CBI team hit the horse track when a jockey is found murdered and suspects abound.
Guest stars: Tara Karsian (Medical Examiner), Betsy Rue (Misty Dawn Smith), Christina Cox (Delinda Lecure), Jim Beaver (Cobb Holwell), Greg Roman (Ellis Barnes), Olesya Rulin (Sam Starks), Patrick St. Esprit (Frank Lockhardt), Ingrid Rogers (Barkeep)
- E6 Pink Chanel SuitOct 28, 2010 · 43 min · ★ 7.7
Synopsis
The case of a murder and missing person on an intensely secure wealthy family's compound perplexes Jane and the CBI team.
Guest stars: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Madeleine Hightower), Chryssie Whitehead (Sophie), Arye Gross (Dr. Saban), Brett Wagner (Raymond Tubbs), Keri Lynn Pratt (Daniella), Derek Webster (Whiteside), Marc Worden (Howard "Howie" Dressler), Dan Watkins (Austin Marr)
- E7 Red HotNov 4, 2010 · 41 min · ★ 7.8
Synopsis
Jane and the CBI team narrowly escape a fiery end when a building explodes while they're investigating a death threat. Meanwhile, sparks fly between Lisbon and billionaire Walter Mashburn when they meet again while on the case.
Guest stars: Currie Graham (Walter Mashburn), Alon Aboutboul (Yuri Bajoran), Helena Mattsson (Elsa Struven), Omid Abtahi (Markham Shankar), Zoe McLellan (Marie Jarret Bajoran), Nestor Serrano (Garth Drucker), Rob Zabrecky (Auctioneer)
- E8 Ball of FireNov 11, 2010 · 42 min · ★ 7.8
Synopsis
When Jane is kidnapped, Lisbon and the team realize there are many suspects who might want to harm him.
Guest stars: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Madeleine Hightower), Eric Winter (Craig O'Laughlin), Jessy Schram (Sherry Winger), Željko Ivanek (Dr. Linus Wagner), Steve Railsback (Fred Kittel), Rubén Garfias (Mendoza), William Francis McGuire (Sgt. Delamure), Rebecca Wisocky (Brenda Shettrick)
- E9 Red MoonNov 18, 2010 · 43 min · ★ 7.9
Synopsis
Patrick Jane accepts the help of a local astrologer, Ellis Mars, to solve the puzzling case of a triple homicide that involves two policemen and the fiancé of an EMT worker.
Guest stars: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Madeleine Hightower), Bryan Lugo (Rusty Moore), John Billingsley (Ellis Mars), Heather Tom (Marva), Josh Braaten (Todd Johnson), Chris Ellis (Sherrif Mullery), Connor Trinneer (Deputy Woolgar), Brian Cousins (Fire Station Captain)
- E10 Jolly Red ElfDec 9, 2010 · 42 min · ★ 7.2
Synopsis
The CBI pursues two lines of investigation when a Santa is murdered: Patrick Jane goes undercover in an AA group; and Rigsby and Van Pelt question members of an authentic Santa society. Meanwhile, following the demise of a person in custody at the CBI, J.J. LaRoche is brought in to question the team when it appears to be an inside job.
Guest stars: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Madeleine Hightower), Gregory Itzin (Virgil Minelli), Pruitt Taylor Vince (J.J. LaRoche), David Alan Basche (Dr. Jack Wilder), Marisa Echeverria (Lailah Bloom), Megan Gallagher (May Walters), Sarah Adina (Female Manager), Angela Gots (Roxy Rhodes)
- E11 BloodsportJan 6, 2011 · 43 min · ★ 7.0
Synopsis
Patrick and the team investigate the murder of a woman with ties to one of the fighters. Meanwhile, LaRoche focuses his investigation on Rigsby, who in turn is forced to ask Cho for a huge favor in order to keep his job.
Guest stars: Pruitt Taylor Vince (J.J. LaRoche), Amy Flanagan (Rigsby's Date), Jaimi Paige (Charlotte Mitchell), Sherman Augustus (Suge Lima), Jake McLaughlin (Rowdy Merriman), Robert Pine (Tom Mitchell), Richard Roundtree (Floyd Benton), Paola Turbay (Beatriz)
- E12 BloodhoundsJan 20, 2011 · 42 min · ★ 7.7
Synopsis
When Patrick Jane and the CBI must work with a criminal profiler, Dr. Montague, to solve a double murder, it becomes a competition for Jane to prove that his methods are superior.
Guest stars: Linda Park (Dr. Montague), James McCauley (Donovan Treadlow), Lela Loren (Nilda), Silas Weir Mitchell (Arthur Coffrey), Patricia Rae (Esther)
- E13 Red AlertFeb 3, 2011 · 42 min · ★ 7.9
Synopsis
When Patrick Jane and others are taken hostage by an armed man accused of murder, Jane must think quickly to defuse the situation.
Guest stars: Michael Gaston (Gale Bertram), Carlos Jacott (Mayor Kenyon Bagshaw), Josh Randall (Ron Crosswhite), Graham Shiels (Officer Tom Rowley), Lilli Birdsell (Jessica Bagshaw), Tyler Francavilla (Zach Gladden), Louis Herthum (Chief Arnold Nail), Judith Moreland (Donna)
- E14 Blood for BloodFeb 10, 2011 · 43 min · ★ 7.8
Synopsis
Van Pelt's actions are called into question when a witness is murdered while she is assigned to his protection.
Guest stars: Pruitt Taylor Vince (J.J. LaRoche), Mozhan Navabi (Nicki Weymouth), Eric Winter (Craig O'Laughlin), Adam Leadbeater (Eugene Boden), Cyd Strittmatter (Neurologist), Daniel Travis (Marshal Gorman), Yancy Butler (Aunt Jodie), Kaitlyn Dever (Trina)
- E15 Red GoldFeb 17, 2011 · 42 min · ★ 7.6
Synopsis
When a modern-day prospector is found dead near a mining site and Lisbon is injured during the initial stages of the investigation, Agent Hightower joins Patrick Jane in the field for the first time.
Guest stars: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Madeleine Hightower), Amy Farrington (Melinda Drew), Casey Sander (Sheriff Hughes), Jordan Belfi (Wes Attwood), Dylan Bruno (Dean Puttock), Ever Carradine (Cheryl Meade), Drew Garrett (Jeff Loomis), Wendy Braun (Sonya Mitchell)
- E16 Red QueenFeb 24, 2011 · 43 min · ★ 8.6
Synopsis
Evidence in the murder of an antiques dealer found dead in a museum indicates that the suspect may be a member of the CBI team.
Guest stars: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Madeleine Hightower), Michael Gaston (Gale Bertram), Pruitt Taylor Vince (J.J. LaRoche), Arturo del Puerto (Roberto Salvador), Chris Coy (Foley), Dakin Matthews (Christo Papadakis)
- E17 BloodstreamMar 10, 2011 · 42 min · ★ 7.6
Synopsis
After a doctor is found dead at a golf course, the CBI team searches for a killer amongst a hospital's staff and patients. Meanwhile, when LaRoche is placed in charge of the CBI, his first act of business is to name Cho the new team leader.
Guest stars: Pruitt Taylor Vince (J.J. LaRoche), Alanna Ubach (Dr. Gidry), David Meunier (Yegor Golenka), Holley Fain (Francine Trent), Amy Hill (Nurse Viola Hearn), John Prosky (Dr. Evan Quick), J. August Richards (Dr. Vernon Watson), Cameron Daddo (David Vance)
- E18 The Red MileMar 31, 2011 · 43 min · ★ 8.0
Synopsis
Patrick Jane and the CBI team must track down the killer of a man who believed he experienced an alien abduction - even after the victim's body is stolen from the coroner's van. Meanwhile, Van Pelt takes a break from the case to shop for wedding dresses.
Guest stars: George Wyner (Dr. Steiner), Eric Winter (Craig O'Laughlin), Alan Blumenfeld (Nathan Vella), David Kaufman (Gary Wineman), William Francis McGuire (Sgt. Delamure), Frances Conroy (Elspeth Cook), Heather McComb (Peregrine Hartley), Ethan Phillips (Newsome Kirk)
- E19 Every Rose Has Its ThornApr 7, 2011 · 43 min · ★ 8.1
Synopsis
Patrick Jane sets out to prove a beautiful yet manipulative matchmaker shot and killed her husband after his body is found floating in the marina.
Guest stars: Morena Baccarin (Erica Flynn), Brad Greenquist (Henry Cliff), Jonathan Baron (Peter Clarridge), Jillian Bach (Sarah Harrigan), Marnette Patterson (Viktoria Shays), Kim Johnston Ulrich (Kim Cartwright)
- E20 RedactedApr 28, 2011 · 42 min · ★ 8.0
Synopsis
Patrick Jane must deal with two failed robbery attempts: one resulting in the murder of a repair shop owner and the other involving a former suspect personally hired by Jane to break into LaRoche's home.
Guest stars: Pruitt Taylor Vince (J.J. LaRoche), Charles Malik Whitfield (Cole Ruger), David Warshofsky (Donny Culpepper), Devon Sorvari (Heather Blue), Wesam Keesh (Omar Hassan), Michael Maize (Officer Gary O'Donnell), Kerry O'Malley (Vivian Griswold)
- E21 Like a Redheaded StepchildMay 5, 2011 · 43 min · ★ 7.6
Synopsis
When a prison guard is stabbed to death outside of a jewelry store, Patrick Jane suspects one of the guard's inmates is the killer. Meanwhile, Rigsby questions his own father about the murder.
Guest stars: Cheryl Texiera (Shelley Dillion), Clifton Powell (Correctional Officer Earl), William Forsythe (Steve Rigsby), Robert Cicchini (Nick Monaco), Angela Featherstone (Rocket), Jamie Harris (Marcus Lansdale), Darin Heames (Butch Carwin), Kymberly Newberry (Professor Huff)
- E22 Rhapsody in RedMay 12, 2011 · 43 min · ★ 7.4
Synopsis
After a young violinist is shot to death, Patrick Jane questions the members of the Northern California Symphony Orchestra about the murder. Meanwhile, Cho crosses paths with a precocious young pickpocket.
Guest stars: David Norona (Osvaldo 'Oscar' Ardiles), Alex Loynaz (Orlando Yglesias), Brittany Ishibashi (Ariel), Kwesi Boakye (Anthony Rome), P.J. Byrne (Kieran Carruthers), Marlene Forte (Isabella), Michael Jace (Lawrence Rome), Michael Monks (Rick Meadowlark)
- E23 Strawberries and Cream (1)May 19, 2011 · 42 min · ★ 8.2
Synopsis
A robber with a bomb attached to him is blown up in front of a convenience store, and CBI soon discovers that there may be connections between this case and Red John and agent Hightower.
Guest stars: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Madeleine Hightower), Michael Gaston (Gale Bertram), Pruitt Taylor Vince (J.J. LaRoche), Eric Winter (Craig O'Laughlin), Adam Kulbersh (Drake Vermilion), Ravi Kapoor (Anthony Gupta), Jesse Lee Soffer (Alan Dinkler), Mekia Cox (Tracy Zuniga)
- E24 Strawberries and Cream (2)May 19, 2011 · 43 min · ★ 9.1
Synopsis
Patrick trades Hightower's secret location to Laroche for the four remaining names on his list. The team then sets up a trap to uncover Red John's real informant, leading to a possible face-to-face showdown between Patrick and Red John.
Guest stars: David Norona (Osvaldo 'Oscar' Ardiles), Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Madeleine Hightower), Michael Gaston (Gale Bertram), Pruitt Taylor Vince (J.J. LaRoche), Eric Winter (Craig O'Laughlin), Rebecca Wisocky (Brenda Shettrick), Bradley Whitford (Timothy Carter (uncredited))
Cast & crew
Created by Bruno Heller
Simon Baker
Robin Tunney
Tim Kang
Rockmond Dunbar
Joe Adler
Josie LorenVideos
Behind the scenes
Images · 14
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Reviews · from TMDB members
RobJun 1, 2023
This show takes four or five episodes to establish itself but once all the characters find their place and Simon Baker gets comfortable playing Jane you get utterly absorbed in this world. The mind games Jane plays are intriguing, the continuing Red John theme keeps you guessing and the uncertainty of trust in Jane's motives adds perfect tension. Unfortunately, the expansion and revelation of Red John in the last seasons dilute the quality of the show somewhat.
Martin OaksOct 14, 2026
**Parlor tricks for the Federals** Originally conceived for traditional network TV before the streaming boom, "The Mentalist" was dreamed up by Bruno Heller as a show with a premise that could easily be written off as absurd. In practice, however, it shrewdly follows the footsteps of Patrick Jane, a former carnival con man with a borderline supernatural knack for perception who now makes a living collaborating with the California Bureau of Investigation and the FBI. Jane c… Read more
arries a tragic backstory: years ago, he made the mistake of mocking the serial killer Red John, who retaliated by murdering his wife and daughter. Consumed by guilt and a thirst for revenge, our protagonist decides to use his extraordinary gift for observation, psychological deduction, and illusionism to help Agent Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney) and her unit crack the most complex crimes. His ultimate goal is crystal clear: hunt down the elusive psychopath who destroyed his life, using unorthodox methods that completely blow up any police protocol. The show stands out mainly due to its magnetic writing and Simon Baker's brilliant performance (though, let’s be honest, bingeing 7 seasons of over 20 episodes each can be a bit of an uphill battle). The tone masterfully balances the protagonist's profound tragedy with moments of light humor and narrative elegance. In fact, the chemistry between Lisbon's pragmatism and Jane's sheer cheekiness becomes the beating heart of the series, making even the standalone, case-of-the-week episodes highly entertaining. Mind you, the plot's development treats us to a rather curious narrative paradox: it’s wild to see how elite federal agencies, armed with cutting-edge technology and rigorously trained agents, suddenly throw their methodologies out the window just to accept that everything gets solved with a few parlor tricks, body language readings, or the psychological traps of a civilian consultant. This constant dynamic reduces law enforcement to mere spectators of Jane's vain, one-man show, throwing institutional realism right out the window and bordering on the ridiculous in the more complex cases. But what the hell, maybe it’s exactly that eccentricity that gives the show its unique charm, cementing it as a television classic.
Livio Andrea AcerboOct 18, 2026
The show opens with a man insulting a serial killer on live television. That same night his wife and daughter are murdered, and a smiley face is left on the wall in their blood. Patrick Jane is a former celebrity psychic who admits he was always a fraud. He actually relies on close observation of small details like shoes, pulses, and lies told moments earlier. He now consults for the California Bureau of Investigation, though his real focus stays on one particular case. Ja… Read more
ne’s daily routine is consistent. He starts with tea and a nap on the office couch, dresses in a three-piece suit without a tie and the same scuffed brown shoes, and drives an old Citroen. Once on a case he politely insults people until someone confesses. The team around him handles the practical side of the work while managing his behavior. Lisbon keeps things on track officially and unofficially, Cho stays steady and expressionless, Rigsby handles arson investigations and snacks, and Van Pelt begins as the newest member still expecting a normal job. Each week brings a fresh murder solved through Jane’s unconventional approach. Comedy sits on the surface while the deeper thread of personal loss runs underneath. The series drew millions of weekly viewers from its first season. Bruno Heller had pictured Cary Grant in the lead role, but Simon Baker brought the part to life with the kind of understated presence that fits a man who solves problems yet rarely receives full credit. Every episode title after the pilot includes the word red or a shade of it. That choice shapes how the story feels week to week. The combination of procedural cases and the central pursuit keeps the tone balanced between light and serious without fully tipping either way.
