With sharp, witty dialogue, intricate plot lines and a police detective who can literally read minds, you can’t really go wrong with The Mentalist. It’s something Netflix viewers have clearly twigged onto.
Starring Simon Baker as the California Bureau of Investigation’s ‘gifted’ consultant Patrick Jane, the series provided utter joy for viewers from its first episode in 2008 until February 2015.
The reformed psychic conman is brought under the command of Agent Teresa Lisbon as they investigate standalone crimes while pursuing a long-running arc of Patrick’s bogeyman serial killer Red John.
With his highly observational skills, Patrick acts as a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, as an expert at reading people’s true intentions.
On air for seven seasons and featuring 151 episodes during its run, The Mentalist was first seen on CBS before being picked up in the UK by Channel 5.
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Now, to the delight of its fans, the series is available to watch on Netflix, where it has just entered the top 10 ranking of all the streamer’s TV shows.
In its first season alone, it also managed to achieve 17million viewers. However, viewership eventually started to decline before the show was cancelled in 2015, when it was watched by only 11m people.
Writing on Google reviews about the series, fans have long held a soft spot for Baker’s performance.
Derek Grabham said about the show: ‘Brilliant series about crime and investigation involving the homicides, the serial killing that the CBI handles, and of course The Mentalist way of catching the killer every time which is very unique in all the episodes.
‘Excellent performance by Patrick Jane, Teresa Lisbon, Kimball Cho, Wayne Rigsby, Grace van Pelt, Red John, and all of them in each and every season.’
Nikunj Raghav added: ‘I don’t normally write reviews but I have to for this gem. First of all if you’re in dilemma of deciding whether should watch it or not then put your doubts aside and give it a go, you will not regret it.
‘This is one of the best show I have ever seen.’
Shweta R also wrote: ‘Hands down the best show I have ever watched, and I have watched quite a few shows in my lifetime.
‘Each and every one of the actors are terrific, but a special mention is surely deserved by the charming, suave, dashing, breathtakingly handsome, with an infectious smile that lights up the room… Simon Baker.’
Baker went on to earn an Emmy nomination for his role as Patrick after previously earning a Golden Globe nomination for The Guardian.
A version of this article was originally published on September 25, 2025.
The Mentalist is available to watch on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
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