FX's The Patient | Only on Hulu
No one said therapy was easy.
The Patient is a psychological thriller from the minds of Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg (The Americans) about a therapist, “Alan Strauss” (Steve Carell), who's held prisoner by a patient, “Sam Fortner” (Domhnall Gleeson), who reveals himself to be a serial killer. Sam has an unusual therapeutic demand for Alan: curb his homicidal urges.
In order to survive, Alan must unwind Sam's disturbed mind and stop him from killing again... but Sam refuses to address critical topics, like his mother “Candace” (Linda Emond). Alone in captivity, Alan excavates his own past through memories of his old therapist, “Charlie” (David Alan Grier), and grapples with waves of his own repressed troubles – the recent death of his wife, “Beth” (Laura Niemi), and the painful estrangement from his religious son, “Ezra” (Andrew Leeds).
Over the course of his imprisonment, Alan uncovers not only how deep Sam's compulsion runs, but also how much work he has to do to repair the rift in his own family. With time running out, Alan fights desperately to stop Sam before Alan becomes complicit in Sam's murders or worse – becomes a target himself.
Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg are Co-Creators and Executive Producers and will write The Patient, and Steve Carell will serve as an Executive Producer along with Caroline Moore, Victor Hsu and Chris Long. The 10-episode limited series is produced by FX Productions.
Explore Episodes
Dr. Alan Strauss, a therapist mourning the death of his wife, takes on an enigmatic new client; as the two men wrestle with very different, individual problems, their professional relationship is transformed by a choice that binds them together.
Sam delves more deeply into the reason he entered therapy, but he encounters resistance
from Dr. Strauss as he attempts to continue their sessions; a gathering sense of not being alone leads to a revelation about the house.
Sam’s desire to find a therapeutic solution grows as his inner struggle intensifies; Dr. Strauss brings a new variable into their sessions.
On the threshold of crisis, Sam honors the promise Dr. Strauss made him make as a condition
for continuing their work together; the trust built between patient and doctor is tested, with a life in the balance.
Sam reaches out to a woman from his past. Trials loom for Dr. Strauss, Sam, and Elias.
Dr. Strauss struggles with the reality he finds himself in. Sam is consumed with practical necessities, but agrees to his therapist’s advice to make different choices.
Both Dr. Strauss and Sam try to make new connections in their pursuit of an elusive peace.
Dr. Strauss is honest with himself about his failures, past and present. A revelation about his relationship with Ezra leads him back to the urgency of escape. Sam loses faith in his doctor.
Dr. Strauss leaves nothing unsaid. Sam gives it another shot with Mary. An idea sparks for Sam, and everything seems to click together.
For Sam, an unexpected decision shows progress towards his goals, but Dr. Strauss demands even more.
BONUS CONTENT
He wants to get better in the worst way.
Behind The Scenes
2:53First Look with Steve Carrell and Domhnall Gleeson
There’s no shame in asking for help. But what if you take it by force? Here’s a First Look with stars Steve Carrell and Domhnall Gleeson previewing the dark relationship at the heart of The Patient.
Inside Look
3:41How Steve Carell Went From Actor to Therapist
Successful therapy requires a safe environment— but that’s not what the The Patient’s writers had in mind. Get an Inside Look at the complex art of psychotherapy through the eyes of star Steve Carell as he steps into the role of therapist Alan Strauss.
Video Extra
0:30Psychotherapist
"I really think if we can just talk, this will be okay. Okay-ish."