New NBC Drama 'The Irrational' Starring Jesse L. Martin Gets Series Order

"The Flash" and "Law & Order" alum Jesse L. Martin has signed up for his next television series role. NBCUniversal has announced that Martin will star in the new one-hour drama, "The Irrational," for the network. The show has received a series order and is currently in the works.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Martin was previously cast in April, but NBC picked up the show to series this week. It hasn't been determined yet if the show will air in the spring 2023 season or will be held back for a fall debut.

The show is inspired by the best-selling book, "Predictably Irrational," written by Daniel Ariely, who is also serving as a consultant for the series. The book was originally published in February 2008 by HarperCollins. "The Irrational" will follow Alec Baker, a world-renowned professor of behavioral science. Professor Baker lends his expertise to a variety of high-stakes cases involving governments, law enforcement, and corporations with his unique and unexpected approach to interpreting human behavior.

As noted by THR, this is the third one-hour NBC drama NBC has ordered from its 2022 development cycle, including the recent "Quantum Leap" revival and "Found." As reported by The Blast, NBC opted to renew "Quantum Leap" for a second season earlier this month. The new series, "Found," will debut in February 2023.

"The Irrational" is written and executive produced by Arika Lisanne Mittman ("La Brea," "Timeless"). Mark Goffman and Samuel Baum are also attached as executive producers, with Martin attached as a producer as well.

Per Variety, pilot for the show was ordered in February, along with a pilot for "Blank Slate" from creator Dean Georgaris ("The Brave"). "The Irrational" also stars Maahra Hill, Travina Springer, Molly Kunz, and Arash DeMaxi. It's being produced by Universal Television.

Martin will still be back for the ninth and final season of "The Flash" television show for DC Entertainment and The CW network. Season 9 will debut on February 8, 2023, and it will consist of only 13 episodes. Martin has been part of the cast for the hit show across every season as Joe West, portraying a friend, confidante, and father figure to Grant Gustin's Barry Allen, aka The Flash. Martin is once again part of the cast for Season 9.

The DC comic book superhero show saw its debut over eight years ago in 2014 and will, at last, conclude its nine-season run in 2023. The long-running juggernaut is developed by Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg, and Geoff Johns. It also stars Candice Patton as Joe's daughter Iris, Danielle Panabaker as Caitlin Snow, Rick Cosnett, Carlos Valdes, and Tom Cavanagh.

Conceptually, the premise sounds a bit like the FOX TV show, "Lie To Me," which aired from 2009-2011 for three seasons. The show starred Tim Roth.

However, while "The Flash" is soon ending, it appears Martin already has his next major television role lined up. "The Irrational" will air on NBC later on. It does not yet have an official premiere date.