Malcom Bright knows how killers think and how their minds work, because his father, Dr. Martin Whitly, was one of the most notorious serial killers, called "The Surgeon." Alongside his longtime mentor, Gil Arroyo, and detectives Dani Powell and JT Tarmel, he helps the NYPD solve crimes by profiling killers, while also dealing with a manipulative mother, Jessica Whitly, an annoyingly normal sister, Ainsley Whitly and a homicidal father still looking to bond with his prodigal son.
Malcolm jumps at the chance to help Gil solve a quadruple homicide for the NYPD. As Malcolm slips into the mind of this serial killer, he finds himself dealing with the repercussions of seeing his father for the first time in years. Tormented by the terrors of his childhood, he is faced with a question: are his dreams just nightmares or did they actually happen?
Malcolm gets his dream interview opportunity when the NYPD zeroes in on one of his and his father's favorite psychologists, who may be involved in a homicide linked to an LSD-laced psychology trial. As his night terrors continue to evolve, Malcolm checks in with his trusted childhood therapist to discuss new theories on what exactly he witnessed as a child. The consequences of Malcolm's visits with The Surgeon begin to add up when Gil, Jessica and Ainsley catch wind that he has been seeing his father again.
As Malcolm’s childhood memories start to take shape, he realizes his father’s killing spree may not have been a surprise to everyone in his family. While Malcolm continues to investigate his past, the murder of a famous model and social media influencer sends him, Gil, Dani and JT on the hunt for a stalker with a creepy eye for design.
Malcolm searches the depths of his mind to unravel the mystery of 'the girl in the box', but with his night terrors and lack of sleep increasing, his real life becomes more and more of a blur. When the NYPD investigates a homicide they assume is linked to a drug cartel, Malcolm discovers a secret about Dani’s past that draws them closer together.
When Bright uncovers a photo of himself and Martin from when he was a kid, he is forced to focus on the repressed memories from his childhood psyche. He also finds himself bonding with a young boy connected to the NYPD’s latest homicide. Jessica and Malcolm finally agree on one thing—they must put a stop to Ainsley’s idea to interview 'The Surgeon'.
Bright’s quest for answers about his childhood leads him to a junkyard, where he’s bombarded with gunshots. Narrowly escaping, Bright and the NYPD discover multiple bodies on the scene, with victims spanning decades. Gil, Dani, Frank and Bright must investigate this serial killer who Bright suspects has something to do with “The Surgeon.” Meanwhile, Ainsley’s exclusive interview with Martin takes an unexpected turn, forcing her to team up with Bright.
As the NYPD digs into the “Junkyard Killer” case, Malcolm realizes the main suspect may have had a connection to his father. As news regarding this serial killer spreads, Ainsley itches to be the first one on the case, while Jessica panics, fearing she may never be able to leave the past behind.
When Martin is locked away in solitary confinement and the FBI takes over the Junkyard Killer case, Malcolm uses his spare time as an excuse to try out a 'normal' lifestyle. Things go well, until he accepts a challenge to 'profile' his date. The NYPD tracks a new homicide that’s linked to an elite underground sex club.
Knowing that the “Junkyard Killer” was in cahoots with his father, Malcolm goes against the FBI’s wishes and continues to investigate. His findings reconnect him with a disgruntled ex-detective who was once heavily involved in the search for “The Surgeon,” delivering them both into danger. Meanwhile, the holidays are anything but jolly for the Whitly family, when an epic blowout with Ainsley leads Jessica to take matters into her own hands. Also, Colette Swanson, the steadfast FBI detective who’s now in charge of the case, seems to have a personal vendetta against Malcolm.
The FBI and NYPD collaborate to save Malcolm from the 'Junkyard Killer'—aka John Watkins—who reveals shocking details about his involvement in the camping trip memories that have been plaguing his psyche. Gil looks for answers from The Surgeon. Ainsley and Jessica search through their memories of the past, hoping to find some sort a clue to where Malcolm could be hidden.
Following a mysterious and catastrophic incident in the precinct, Bright faces an internal affairs review as Gil and the team worry about his mental health.
Malcolm takes a detour from his mandated vacation time when he finds out a killer on the loose is mimicking homicides from one his favorite children’s books. With added help from a very excited Martin Whitly, the NYPD trace the case to a high-society family planning one of the biggest weddings of the season. Jessica scores an invitation and is eager to make her return to the New York elite.
Jessica continues to search for more information on the 'Girl in the Box', but is confronted by the 'Carousel Killer'. While the NYPD investigates families tied to Martin's victims, it's ultimately up to Malcolm and Jessica to track down the tip-line caller—turned killer—who is blackmailing her. Ainsley receives a big promotion at work, but quickly realizes she may never escape the high demand for serial killer reports.
When a body is found professionally preserved and embalmed, the NYPD teams up with Edrisa to go undercover at a convention of funeral directors. Martin revisits his past through a series of hallucinations.
When a motorcycle gang robbery turns into a murder, Malcolm and team are called to the scene to investigate. While he's working on a profile, he runs into an old friend from boarding school—a licensed insurance investigator. Martin blackmails Jessica, exchanging his silence about who stabbed him for more quality time with his son.
The NYPD dives into a case surrounding a famous blogger, whose husband was mysteriously stabbed just days after their baby was born. Bright finds his way back to Eve, but can't shake his paranoia that there's more to her than meets the eye. To help ease his nerves, Ainsley helps him do some investigating and uncovers a secret she has been keeping.
When an up-and-coming ballet dancer is mysteriously poisoned, the NYPD dives deep into the rigorous world of dance. Jessica reunites with an old friend. Bright and Eve turn to Martin for answers regarding the girl in the box.
After a catastrophic turn of events, Malcolm and Ainsley are convinced there's more to Nicholas Endicott than meets the eye. Their only hope just might be an impromptu Whitly family reunion.
Malcolm continues to unravel as the mystery of the girl in the box comes to a head. As Nicholas Endicott's true colors continue to show, the Whitlys must decide to what lengths they are willing to go in order to take him down.
Bright finds his personal life in disarray after his sister's shocking actions. Now, he has to "take care" of her and protect his mother, Jessica, from a secret that could tear the family apart all over again. To distract himself, Malcolm takes on a new case and must find the killer behind a recent beheading in the city.. and the only person he can turn to for help with the case is his father. Meanwhile, Martin returns to Claremont to a surprise new roommate and JT faces discrimination while on the job.
When a priest is found murdered in his place of worship, Bright grapples with its effect on his own trauma. Martin, trying to help with the case, consults his fellow inmate, Friar Pete, whom he learns is keeping a secret of his own. Meanwhile, Ainsley grows worried that Jessica is keeping something from her regarding her relationship with Gil. And Dani, Gil and Malcolm rally behind JT, urging him to speak to his union rep about the discrimination he's been facing.
When the headmaster of Bright's alma mater is found murdered, he is forced to face a troubling secret from his past. Meanwhile, Jessica struggles with her decision to end things with Gil, Martin grows closer to Friar Pete and JT eagerly anticipates the birth of his baby.
Martin is delighted when a murder at Claremont Psychiatric brings the NYPD into his territory, allowing him direct involvement with one of Malcolm's cases. While working the same job, Ainsley's suspicion grows when she feels Malcolm may be hiding something from her. Malcolm and Ainsley must dodge their mother, who's wondering why they got rid of her favorite rug.
Malcolm and Ainsley both race to find the killer in the so-called 'Debutante Slayings', but Ainsley's persistence has Malcolm worried about what her actual motive might be. While Martin is thrilled to see his daughter's passion in the field, Jessica suggests she and Ainsley take a vacation. JT meets with his union rep to decide if he should file an official complaint against the cop who discriminated against him.
While the team investigates the murder of an architect who was tasked with renovating a supposedly haunted hotel, Bright is knocked out and falls into an elevator shaft. Trapped and unconscious, he imagines an alternate reality that finds him leading a semi-normal life in which his father, who is not a serial killer, helps him solve the case.
Malcolm, still reeling from the latest events with Ainsley, focuses on the next case, in which a famous plastic surgeon is murdered. Meanwhile, Martin gets a new job working in the infirmary with resident MD Dr. Vivian Capshaw. Then, Jessica is surprised to learn her younger sister is in town.
When world-famous Europol profiler Simon Hoxley shows up in New York and claims that Major Crimes’ current case is connected to the discovery of Endicott’s body overseas, Bright fears he and Ainsley’s secret is about to be exposed. Meanwhile, Martin gets to know Dr. Vivian Capshaw.
Despite Gil's fatherly concerns, Bright throws himself into a new case involving an escalating killer that has Edrisa's online vigilante group, known as the "Killabustas," trying to stop him. Meanwhile, Jessica realizes that she must dive deep into her past traumas in order to write a book and may need Gil's help to do it. Then, Martin's relationship with Dr. Capshaw intensifies.
As Malcolm distances himself from Martin, Jessica does the opposite, diving head-first into the past for the sake of her tell-all book. Meanwhile, Martin is desperate to get in touch with his son ahead of his imminent plans, as Dr. Vivian Capshaw grows increasingly suspicious. Meanwhile, the NYPD investigates a crime of passion.
After a terrifying incident at Claremont, Malcolm is in a race against time to track down multiple killers. The NYPD realizes someone close to home might be the key to finding them.
As the search intensifies for a serial killer on the run, so does Malcolm's tenacity, causing U.S. Marshal Emily Ruiz to kick him off the case. However, Malcolm doesn't back down that easily.
The search for a serial killer known as 'The Woodsman' might help the NYPD find one of their own.
