™
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 Scarlet RibbonsSep 22, 2011 · 42 min · ★ 8.6
Synopsis
In prison for killing his nemesis, Patrick Jane must prove that the man he shot really was Red John. Meanwhile, Lisbon urges Van Pelt to seek counseling in the aftermath of the death of her fiancé.
Guest stars: David Norona (Osvaldo 'Oscar' Ardiles), Michael Gaston (Gale Bertram), Catherine Combs (Debbie Lubin), Daniel Roebuck (Det. Wade), Valente Rodriguez (Frank Lopez), Ken Lerner (Judge), Nicki Micheaux (Det. Miller), Kate Norby (Sally Carter)
- E2 Little Red BookSep 29, 2011 · 43 min · ★ 8.0
Synopsis
With Lisbon suspended and the rest of the team reassigned, Jane is reinstated as a CBI consultant and forced to work with a new team. During the investigation, Jane conspires to bring his former team back together.
Guest stars: Michael Gaston (Gale Bertram), Pruitt Taylor Vince (J.J. LaRoche), Reed Diamond (Raymond "Ray" Haffner), Alicia Witt (Rosalind Harker), Allison McAtee (Jocelyn Chapin), Annie Tedesco (Ann-Marie), Matt Bushell (Mike Villanueva), Omar J. Dorsey (CBI Agent Anthony Niskin)
- E3 Pretty Red BalloonOct 6, 2011 · 41 min · ★ 7.6
Synopsis
When the son of a former client from Jane's days as a psychic is kidnapped, Jane and the CBI team are asked to help find him. Meanwhile, Jane butts heads with his former client's new "spiritual advisor."
Guest stars: Brian McNamara (Deke Hutton), David Bowe (Brady Walton), J.D. Walsh (Nate Glass), Kelli Williams (Beth Flint), Todd Grinnell (Jonathan Flint), Jake Martin (Barry Mills), Miles Elliot (Conner Flint)
- E4 Ring Around the RosieOct 13, 2011 · 43 min · ★ 7.5
Synopsis
Jane notices a suspicious-looking man carrying a gun at a political rally and sets out to prove he's a psychopath on the brink of committing murder. Meanwhile, Lisbon investigates the death of a photographer at the same rally.
Guest stars: Dorie Barton (Linda Tibbs), E. G. Daily (Rusty), Michael Rady (Luther Wainwright), Henry G. Sanders (Willie Shubert), Jake Richardson (Mike Flynn), Christian Camargo (Henry Tibbs), Jerry Kernion (Manager), Alan Pietruszewski (Polo Shirt Guy)
- E5 Blood and SandOct 20, 2011 · 41 min · ★ 7.5
Synopsis
The CBI team investigates the murder of a woman whose corpse washed up on an island off the coast of California. Rigsby worries that his relationship with a public defender will create awkwardness between him and Van Pelt.
Guest stars: Alex Hyde-White (Peter Upchurch), Debra Mooney (Lydia Bibb), Dwain Murphy (Dennis Kagan), Jillian Bach (Sarah Harrigan), Mary-Pat Green (Bureaucrat), Steve Rankin (Jed Stack), Jonathan Schmock (William Gardner), Zack Ward (Whit Naylor)
- E6 Where in the World Is Carmine O'Brien?Oct 27, 2011 · 41 min · ★ 7.6
Synopsis
When the CBI team travels to a resort town to find out who murdered a police chief, Lisbon crosses paths with her brother Tommy, now a bounty hunter, who's tracking a bail jumper.
Guest stars: Alyson Reed (Jori Kasser), Carlo Rota (Dimitri Zubov), Daniel Hugh Kelly (Philip Carmichael), Henry Thomas (Tommy Lisbon), Madison McLaughlin (Annabeth "Annie" Lisbon), Malcolm Barrett (Officer Price), Todd Eric Andrews (Carmine O'Brien), Fernanda Andrade (Sofia Chavez)
- E7 Blinking Red LightNov 3, 2011 · 43 min · ★ 8.7
Synopsis
The search for a serial killer hits close to home for Jane when he encounters a blogger who has devoted his life to finding the killer.
Guest stars: William Mapother (Richard Haibach), David Carey Foster (Thomas Maier), David Paymer (James "Jim" Panzer), Missi Pyle (Karen Cross), Michael Rady (Luther Wainwright), Ely Pouget (Teri Maier), Paul Willson (Paul Jenkins), Catherine Dent (Susan Darcy)
- E8 Pink TopsNov 17, 2011 · 42 min · ★ 7.1
Synopsis
In order to find the killer of an undercover narcotics cop, Jane and the CBI team retrace her investigation.
Guest stars: Dean Norris (Sgt. Don Henderson), Kamar de los Reyes (Omar Vega), Stephen Bishop (Trey Holcombe), Wilmer Calderon (Lalo Concepcion), Cullen Douglas (Vince Candide), Victoria Gabrielle Platt (Officer Bianca Trotter), Gina Rodriguez (Elvia), Samaire Armstrong (Summer Edgecombe)
- E9 The RedshirtDec 8, 2011 · 42 min · ★ 7.6
Synopsis
Jane and the CBI investigate when a retired NFL star quarterback is presumed dead after his car blows up. Meanwhile, while preparing for a court case, Rigsby and Harrigan take their relationship to the next level.
Guest stars: Chris Owen (Nick), Chris Gartin (Alex Sodko), Craig Bierko (Trevor "Doc" Dugan), Jillian Bach (Sarah Harrigan), Michael Rady (Luther Wainwright), Emilio Rivera (Martin), Ashley Williams (Anna Dugan), Kristen Kerr (Marie St. Claire)
- E10 Fugue in RedDec 15, 2011 · 42 min · ★ 7.3
Synopsis
During the search for a firefighter's killer, Jane is attacked and nearly drowned, resulting in a temporary loss of his memory and a return to his pre-CBI con man persona.
Guest stars: Edwin Hodge (Toby Rawlins), Kenneth Mitchell (Tom Wilcox), Stacy Haiduk (Cynthia Satterfield), David Naughton (Neurologist), Myk Watford (Cole Larkin), Charles Parnell (Captain Cutright)
- E11 Always Bet on RedJan 12, 2012 · 41 min · ★ 7.4
Synopsis
Jane and the CBI team narrow down the long list of suspects after a high-end divorce attorney, with many enemies, is killed on his speed boat. Meanwhile, Jane is questioned by Agent Darcy about whether Red John was responsible for Panzer's murder.
Guest stars: David Carey Foster (Thomas Maier), Andrew Borba (Bobby Wilson), Don Franklin (Larry Dersh), Ely Pouget (Teri Maier), Samaire Armstrong (Summer Edgecombe), Rudolf Martin (Brock Marx), Heather Mazur (Colette Santori), Jeff L. Williams (Alton Creek)
- E12 My Bloody ValentineJan 19, 2012 · 43 min · ★ 6.9
Synopsis
With very little evidence, Jane and the CBI investigate the death of a mob boss’ son. Meanwhile, while taking an eyewitness in for questioning, Van Pelt is haunted by the memories of O’Laughlin’s shooting.
Guest stars: Eric Winter (Craig O'Laughlin), Bree Turner (Iris Porchetto), Jeffrey Licon (Sergio Porchetto), Jillian Bach (Sarah Harrigan), Michael Rady (Luther Wainwright), Joaquim de Almeida (Gabriel Porchetto), Matt Battaglia (Curtis Nett), Michael Reilly Burke (Andrew Kellogg)
- E13 Red Is the New BlackFeb 2, 2012 · 41 min · ★ 6.8
Synopsis
Jane and the CBI narrow down the list of suspects after a disgraced clothing designer on the verge of a comeback becomes a fashion victim. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Darcy continues her investigation into finding Red John.
Guest stars: Alicia Witt (Rosalind Harker), Cosimo Fusco (Guy Duval), Michael Rady (Luther Wainwright), Iddo Goldberg (Tony Redgrave), Roberto Urbina (Junior Acosta), Van Hansis (Derek), Griffin Matthews (Rafe), Yuji Okumoto (Mr. Liu)
- E14 At First BlushFeb 9, 2012 · 43 min · ★ 7.0
Synopsis
While a jury deliberates the guilt or innocence of a defendant on trial for murder, Jane tries to prove she has been wrongfully accused before time runs out. Meanwhile, Summer may have gone too far when she helps Cho make a case against a suspect.
Guest stars: David Norona (Osvaldo 'Oscar' Ardiles), Carrie Wiita (Gretchen Zahn), Bonnie Somerville (Eve Mulberry), Carlos Sanz (Detective Dan Silva), Samaire Armstrong (Summer Edgecombe), Robert Clotworthy (Rudolph Pulaski), James Frain (Terry Murphy), Kathryn Joosten (Gloria Williams)
- E15 War of the RosesFeb 16, 2012 · 42 min · ★ 7.3
Synopsis
When a charity worker is killed, Jane has Erica Flynn, a murderer he helped imprison, furloughed in exchange for information she claims to have about the case. Meanwhile, Rigsby and Sarah try to adjust to impending parenthood.
Guest stars: Morena Baccarin (Erica Flynn), Felix Ryan (Trent Matthews), Greg Serano (Dion Warren), Ian Bohen (Richard Eldridge), Jillian Bach (Sarah Harrigan), Michael Rady (Luther Wainwright), Michael Arden (Evan Kress), Marisa Ramirez (Sharon Vasquez)
- E16 His Thoughts Were Red ThoughtsFeb 23, 2012 · 43 min · ★ 7.5
Synopsis
Jane is reunited with his former nemesis, cult leader Bret Stiles, when the head of an anti-cult activist organization is murdered.
Guest stars: Caitlin Custer (Jessie Meadows), Robert Picardo (Jason Cooper), Malcolm McDowell (Bret Stiles), Bob McCracken (Randal Parker), Eric Steinberg (Jon Musashi), Louise Lombard (Dean Nora Hill), Jorge-Luis Pallo (Officer Downs), Jake Olson (Gabe Meadows)
- E17 Cheap BurgundyMar 8, 2012 · 43 min · ★ 7.3
Synopsis
Jane suspects that Agent Susan Darcy has ulterior motives when she asks for his help with a homicide investigation. Meanwhile, the CBI team handles the murder of a young woman who was killed after meeting someone in an online chat room.
Guest stars: Brad Beyer (Sam Franklin), Craig Sheffer (Gary Philo), Michael Rady (Luther Wainwright), Jonathan Chase (Sandy Bauer), Roxanne Hart (Shirley Bauer), Perry King (Greg Bauer), Melissa Marsala (Lila Barca), Gino Anthony Pesi (James Barca)
- E18 Ruddy CheeksMar 9, 2012 · 43 min · ★ 7.1
Synopsis
Jane and the CBI try to narrow down the list of suspects when a terminally ill man, is found murdered. Meanwhile, Cho is forced to face his demons.
Guest stars: August Emerson (Aden Braddock), Bruce Kenny (Archer Braddock), Samaire Armstrong (Summer Edgecombe), Richard Cox (Brother Josef), Stephanie Erb (Betsy Firth), Andy Milder (Dr. Leopold Scheck), Rebecca McFarland (Helen Braddock), Haley Ramm (Liesl Braddock)
- E19 Pink Champagne on IceMar 29, 2012 · 41 min · ★ 7.4
Synopsis
While investigating the murder of a casino employee, Jane runs into a stage magician he used to tour with during his time as a mentalist and discovers he is hiding a shocking secret.
Guest stars: Andrew Rothenberg (Jack Hellion), Christopher Backus (Vincent), Christopher Judge (Dante Holmes), Jay Acovone (Nicky Shaw), Jackie Debatin (Trish), Niko Nicotera (Skiddy), Rodney Rowland (Bartender), E.E. Bell (Manager)
- E20 Something's Rotten in RedmundApr 5, 2012 · 42 min · ★ 6.8
Synopsis
Jane and the CBI try to determine who would have reason to kill a popular English teacher, and Rigsby nervously awaits a special delivery.
Guest stars: Ciera Payton (Angel), David DeLuise (Mr. Ed Loveland), Emily Bergl (Ms. Marina Austin), Kristina Apgar (Lindy Hayes), Tom Maden (Billy Ryan), Matt McCoy (Principal Snyder), Lincoln A. Castellanos (Jeremiah), Augie Duke (Krista)
- E21 Ruby SlippersApr 26, 2012 · 42 min · ★ 7.0
Synopsis
Jane and the CBI try to find the killer of a man found outside a cabaret featuring female impersonators. During the investigation they discover a list of suspects, all of whom bullied the victim. Meanwhile, Cho and Summer hide their relationship from Lisbon.
Guest stars: Candice Afia (Katie), Carlton Wilborn (Glennda), Samaire Armstrong (Summer Edgecombe), Wilke Itzin (Rick Hughes), Don McManus (Gabriel Lamb), William R. Moses (Archie Bloom Sr.), Hillary Tuck (Kelly), Nicholas R. Grava (Archie Bloom Jr.)
- E22 So Long, and Thanks for All the Red SnapperMay 3, 2012 · 42 min · ★ 6.6
Synopsis
While investigating the murder of a surfer, Lisbon reconnects with her former fiancé, Kenny Johnson, who she hasn't seen in over a decade. Also, Cho questions his decision to be in a relationship with Summer.
Guest stars: Claire Rankin (Greta Marshall), Brendan McCarthy (Lance Gladstone), Samaire Armstrong (Summer Edgecombe), Tim DeZarn (Arkin Shea), Brett Rice (Chief Burt Anson), Preston Jones (Tark Mitchum), Stephanie Lemelin (Vicky Lang), Keram Malicki-Sánchez (Carlton "Tookie" Burroughs)
- E23 Red Rover, Red RoverMay 10, 2012 · 42 min · ★ 8.1
Synopsis
On the ninth anniversary of his wife and daughter's death, Jane receives a message from Red John, causing Jane to lose focus on his current case and put the investigation and his career at the CBI in jeopardy
Guest stars: David Kaufman (Gary Wineman), Aaron Lohr (Benjamin Marx), Amanda Schull (Marcy Victor), Michael Rady (Luther Wainwright), Ray Wise (Dennis Victor), David Furr (Ian Breitler), Jennifer Rhodes (Wealthy Woman), Dave Baez (Antonio Castro)
- E24 The Crimson HatMay 17, 2012 · 43 min · ★ 8.1
Synopsis
After another failed attempt to defeat Red John, Patrick Jane hits rock bottom, finds a lover and shoots one of his own.
Guest stars: Joseph Lyle Taylor (Oscar), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Lorelei Martins), JoNell Kennedy (Coroner Pat), Michael Rady (Luther Wainwright), Noel Gugliemi (Kevin Cintron), Ramon Camacho (Manfreddo), Rob Roy Fitzgerald (Captain Rupert), Sonia Jackson (Bean)
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.
