NBC gave the drama pilot, The Irrational, which is based on Dan Ariely’s book Predictably Irrational, a series order. Jesse L. Martin leads the series as a behavioral scientist who helps solve high-stakes problems.
Maahra Hill is cast as the female lead opposite, previously cast Jesse L. Martin with Travina Springer, Molly Kunz, and Arash DeMaxi also starring.
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Written by Arika Mittman, the show centers on Alec Baker (Martin), a world-renowned professor of behavioral psychology with a unique insight into human nature who lends his expertise to an array of high-stakes cases involving governments, corporations and law enforcement. However, he meets his match in a female domestic terror suspect who turns his world upside down.
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Hill will play Marisa, an astute and intelligent FBI agent with a passion for her work who often finds herself teaming up with Alec (Martin) in one way or another.
Travina Springer will play Kylie, who is described as a creative free spirit and Alec’s younger sister, with whom he currently resides.
Kunz will take over as Phoebe, a protégé of Alec and conscientious graduate student pursuing her master’s degree in psychology. And Arash DeMaxi will portray Owen, a grad student of psychology with a playful sense of humor and natural curiosity.
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Mittman is exec producing alongside Sam Baum and Mark Goffman. Author Ariely is attached as a consultant on the drama from Universal Television. Martin also is producing The Irrational.
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Hill, who led the OWN series Delilah, also starred in series such as Black-ish, The L Word: Generation, How to Get Away with Murder, Life in Pieces and Speechless.
The pilot will be shot in late May-early June in Vancouver.