‘The Irrational’ Season 3 Axed By NBC — Here’s Everything You’re Not Being Told

The Irrational Season 3 is no longer happening. NBC has canceled the behavioral science drama, bringing Dr. Alec Mercer’s investigations to a premature end. While the show delivered compelling cases and complex character arcs, it also ended on a cliffhanger that may never be resolved. For fans wondering why the cancellation happened and what Season 3 might have looked like, here’s everything we know so far.

NBC Cancels ‘The Irrational’ After Two Seasons

NBC confirmed the cancellation of The Irrational on May 9, 2025, just weeks after the Season 2 finale aired on March 25. Despite a promising debut and a solid Season 1, the show’s viewership declined in its second outing, likely influencing the network’s decision. According to TVLine and Deadline, the drama ranked No. 7 out of 11 NBC dramas, averaging 4.4 million total viewers (with delayed viewing).

The cancellation comes amid NBC’s broader shakeup, which also saw the end of Suits: LA, Found, Night Court, and Lopez vs. Lopez. With NBC preparing to accommodate over 180 hours of new NBA coverage next season, scripted series had to compete hard for renewal spots.

What Was ‘The Irrational’ About?

Based on Dan Ariely’s book Predictably Irrational, the series followed Dr. Alec Mercer (played by Jesse L. Martin), a behavioral science professor who applied his psychological insights to solve complex criminal cases. Working alongside the FBI, corporations, and everyday clients, Alec used science and social dynamics to decode irrational human behavior.

The show blended procedural drama with personal storylines, featuring a strong ensemble cast:

• Maahra Hill as Marisa, Alec’s ex-wife
• Travina Springer as Kylie, Alec’s sister
• Molly Kunz and Arash DeMaxi as Phoebe and Rizwan, his academic assistants
• Karen David as Rose, Alec’s girlfriend and former MI6 agent

The Irrational Season 2 Ended on a Major Cliffhanger

The final episode of Season 2 left fans with unanswered questions. Alec received disturbing photos of himself via text, suggesting he was being stalked. With Rose launching her own private agency in Washington D.C., she took Alec on as her first client.

Meanwhile, Marisa decided to move out of the home she once shared with Alec, and Kylie turned down major job offers, unsure about her next career step. All of these developments were setting up new directions for Season 3—until the cancellation pulled the plug.

What Would Have Happened in The Irrational Season 3?

According to showrunner Arika Lisanne Mittman, The Irrational Season 3 would have explored the identity of Alec’s stalker, expanded Rose’s detective agency, and deepened the cast’s personal journeys. “The cliffhanger was meant to say, ‘Hey, there’s more mystery, more to uncover,’” she told TV Insider.

Rose would have become a more permanent character, taking on varied clients and offering Alec new case opportunities beyond just the FBI. The writers also planned to explore “new beginnings” for Marisa and a career crossroads for Kylie. As for Alec, his cases would’ve come from a blend of sources—government, academia, and Rose’s agency—adding layers to the story.

Could There Be a Revival or Spin-Off?

While nothing is officially in the works, the creative team has expressed hope. Mittman teased that everyone was open to returning, and that Jesse L. Martin’s musical moments—like his duet in The Irrational Season 2—might have continued organically.

But as of now, there are no plans for a revival or transfer to a streaming platform. Fans are left with speculation and a finale that now serves as the series’ end.

Why Did NBC Pull the Plug Despite Loyal Viewership?

While the numbers weren’t catastrophic, Season 2’s performance paled compared to its initial run. Season 1 launched during the 2023 WGA strike, giving The Irrational a competitive edge as one of the few fresh scripted offerings. Its 12.1 million premiere viewers across NBCU platforms was a standout at the time.

But with more competition and a return to full programming in Season 2, the show struggled to maintain the same momentum. NBC also had to make room for major investments in sports programming, particularly its new NBA deal, which further limited space for returning dramas. The cancellation of The Irrational Season 3 is a blow to fans of thoughtful, character-driven procedurals. With a strong cast, unique premise, and compelling cliffhanger, the show deserved closure. Instead, it joins the list of promising series cut short due to shifting network priorities.

If you’re looking to catch up, both seasons of The Irrational are expected to remain available on Peacock for streaming. Stay tuned to TVSeasonspoilers for more updates and news.