How Zachary Quinto's Brilliant Minds Character Is Unlike Any TV Doctor
Originally appeared on E! Online
Get ready to meet Zachary Quinto as a completely different type of hero.
The Heroes alum is returning to NBC in the new medical drama Brilliant Minds. Inspired by the extraordinary life and work of revolutionary physician Oliver Sacks, Quinto plays Dr. Oliver Wolf—a larger-than-life neurologist who uses unconventional methods to help his patients.
And as E! News' exclusive teases, his approach to treating his subjects are quite unorthodox.
"He took an Alzheimer's patient out of the hospital on a motorcycle!" a rage-filled hospital executive yells in the preview. "The family is threatening to sue."
However, as Dr. Wolf reasons, "His world is darkening by the day and those days are numbered. I chose to walk with him. To find a path forward, because no one else will."
While one of Dr. Wolf's medical colleagues calls his methodology genius, another hospital worker thinks he's just a "d--k."
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And while Dr. Wolf may not always fit in at his place of work, Quinto shed light on the cognitive hurdles his character faces as he helps his patients.
"He suffers from Prosopagnosia, which is face-blindness," the actor noted in behind-the-scenes footage, "which is something that the real Oliver Sacks had as well."
The complex role is essentially what drew Quinto to the series.
"This is a character that's a little bit different from what people know me for," the Star Trek star admitted, "and I'm excited to expand people's ideas of the kinds of characters I can play."
Plus, the show's central theme is breaking the mold to do good for others.
"The idea of a show that's specifically focused on mental health and neurological issues is really unique to me," the 47-year-old added. "It is this really interesting opportunity for universal experience from an audience standpoint. This is a show that is bringing to audiences experiences that they are going through and doing it with optimism and compassion."
Brilliant Minds premieres Monday, Sept. 23, at 10 p.m. on NBC. And keep reading to see when all of your favorite new and returning shows premiere this fall.
The Circle (Netflix) - Sept. 11
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Colin Jost & Michael Che Present: New York After Dark (Peacock) - Sept. 12
The comedy event will be hosted by the Saturday Night Live Weekend Update duo and will stream live with an in-person audience from The Bell House in Brooklyn. Tune in for a night of “drop-ins only,” featuring Colin and Michael's favorite NYC club comics, fresh faces and maybe even some names you already know and love.
In Vogue: The 90s (Hulu) - Sept. 13
The series tells the definitive story of the fashion industry in the 90s through the eyes of Vogue editors Hamish Bowles, Edward Enninful, Tonne Goodman and Anna Wintour. Packed with some of the most influential names across fashion, film and politics, In Vogue: The 90s is a thrilling journey across continents and through ten years that changed fashion forever. Hollywood. Grunge. The Met Gala. The globalization of American fashion. Hip hop. Each episode in this six-part series centres on a defining 90s moment.
How to Die Alone (Hulu) - Sept. 13
The new comedy follows Mel (Natasha Rothwell), a broke, fat, Black JFK airport employee who’s never been in love and forgotten how to dream, until an accidental brush with death catapults her on a journey to finally take flight and start living by any means necessary.
Sister Wives (TLC) - Sept. 15
This season, the family faces the devastating passing of Janelle and Kody's son, Garrison Brown. Through the heartbreaking pain, the family navigates this incredible tragedy and comes together to mourn and celebrate his life.
There has been much change over the past few years, where all the Browns are facing new pathways forward. Meri takes her recent decision to leave Kody one step further by appealing to their former church for an official “release” (their version of a divorce). Janelle doesn’t need a divorce and is just moving on, which for her means moving away from Flagstaff. Christine has found her soulmate, David. In less than a year, they go on their first date, move in together, and then marry at a beautiful wedding surrounded by family and friends in Moab, Utah. While three of Kody's wives have left, his fourth wife Robyn remains legally married to him. Now that the Browns have left polygamy behind, Robyn and Kody face challenges together as a monogamous couple and how to adapt to a lifestyle they never planned on living.
Tulsa King (Paramount+) - Sept. 15
In season two, Dwight (Sylvester Stallone) and his crew continue to build up and defend their growing empire in Tulsa but, just as they get their bearings, they realize that they’re not the only ones who want to stake their claim. With looming threats from the Kansas City mob and a very powerful local businessman, Dwight struggles to keep his family and crew safe while keeping track of all his affairs. Plus, he still has unfinished business back in New York.
World's Most Notorious Killers (Peacock) - Sept. 17
World's Most Notorious Killers travels the globe to reveal the chilling stories of five renowned international murder cases, featuring firsthand accounts from individuals close to each case and those seeking justice.
Child Star (Hulu) - Sept. 17
Child Star explores the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most well-known former child stars. Through celebrity interviews, verite scenes, and archival footage, this film deconstructs the stages of earlier stardom and looks at the entertainment system over the last century. Demi Lovato sits down with iconic former child stars such as Drew Barrymore, Kenan Thompson, Christina Ricci, Raven-Symoné, JoJo Siwa, Alyson Stoner and more, to reflect on their personal experiences working in the entertainment industry in never-before-heard stories.
Dancing With the Stars (ABC & Disney+) - Sept. 17
Dancing With the Stars is returning this fall for its 33rd season with returning hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, along with plenty of more stars competiting for the mirror-ball trophy.
Survivor (CBS) - Sept. 18
The historic season 47 kicks off Sept. 18.
Agatha All Along (Disney+) - Sept. 18
In Agatha All Along, the infamous Agatha Harkness finds herself down and out of power after a suspicious goth Teen helps break her free from a distorted spell. Her interest is piqued when he begs her to take him on the legendary Witches’ Road, a magical gauntlet of trials that, if survived, rewards a witch with what they’re missing. Together, Agatha and this mysterious Teen pull together a desperate coven, and set off down, down, down The Road…
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (Netflix) - Sept. 19
Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s true-crime anthology series returns with Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, chronicling the case of the real-life brothers who were convicted in 1996 for the murders of their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez.
While the prosecution argued they were seeking to inherit their family fortune, the brothers claimed - and remain adamant to this day, as they serve life sentences without the possibility of parole - that their actions stemmed out of fear from a lifetime of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of their parents.
Frasier (Paramount+) - Sept. 19
Frasier's sophomore season will see Dr. Frasier Crane return to his radio roots at KACL in Seattle for an episode. The episode will feature previously announced guest stars stepping back into their roles from the original Frasier including Dan Butler as Bob "Bulldog" Briscoe, Edward Hibbert as Gil Chesterton and Harriet Sansom Harris as Frasier’s delightfully devilish agent, Bebe Glazer.
Matlock (CBS) - Sept. 22
Matlock stars Kathy Bates as the brilliant septuagenarian Madeline “Matty” Matlock, who, after achieving success in her younger years, decides to rejoin the workforce at a prestigious law firm where she uses her unassuming demeanor and wily tactics to win cases and expose corruption from within. Matty is assigned to Olympia (Skye P. Marshall), a senior attorney and key rainmaker with a thirst for justice, while Olympia’s ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter), the son of the head of the firm, is intrigued by Matty and her clever skills. Matty works alongside the firm’s younger associates – the charismatic Billy (David Del Rio) and the uber ambitious Sarah (Leah Lewis) – as she endeavors to establish herself in her new high-stakes world. Matlock is a reimagining of the classic television series of the same name.
Rescue: HI-Surf (Fox) - Sept. 22
Rescue: HI-Surf follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.
The Kelly Clarkson Show (Check Local Listings) - Sept. 23
The No. 1 nationally syndicated and Emmy Award-winning afternoon talk series will premiere its sixth season with new episodes and unpredictable fun beginning Monday, Sept. 23.
The Voice (NBC) - Sept. 23
The Voice, featuring first-time coaches Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé alongside returning coaches Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani, returns for season 26 on Sept. 23.
9-1-1: Lone Star (Fox) - Sept. 23
The drama returns for season five.
Brilliant Minds (NBC) - Sept. 23
Drama Brilliant Minds, starring Zachary Quinto and inspired by the true story of a revolutionary, larger-than-life neurologist, Oliver Wolf, and his team of interns as they explore the last great frontier—the human mind—while also grappling with their own relationships and mental health
Murder in a Small Town (Fox) - Sept. 24
The new mystery series follows Karl Alberg, who moves to a quiet, coastal town to soothe a psyche that has been battered by big-city police work. He’ll quickly learn that this gentle paradise has more than its share of secrets and will need to call upon all the skills that made him a world-class detective in solving the murders that, even in this seemingly idyllic setting, continue to wash up on his shore.
Grotesquerie (FX) - Sept. 25
In FX’s Grotesquerie, a series of heinous crimes have unsettled a small community. “Detective Lois Tryon” feels these crimes are eerily personal, as if someone—or something—is taunting her. At home, Lois grapples with a strained relationship with her daughter, a husband in long-term hospital care and her own inner demons. With no leads and unsure of where to turn, she accepts the help of “Sister Megan,” a nun and journalist with the Catholic Guardian. Sister Megan, with her own difficult past, has seen the worst of humanity, yet she still believes in its capacity for good. Lois, on the other hand, fears the world is succumbing to evil. As Lois and Sister Megan string together clues, they find themselves ensnared in a sinister web that only seems to raise more questions than answers.
The Masked Singer (Fox) - Sept. 25
Season 12 of the singing competition series debuts Sept. 25.
Chicago Med, Chicagor Fire & Chicago P.D. (NBC) - Sept. 25
Sept. 25 brings the return of #OneChicago Wednesdays.
2024 People's Choice Country Awards (NBC & Peacock) - Sept. 26
The 2024 People's Choice Country Awards in Nashville will be hosted by music legend Shania Twain.
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