Evil is a supernatural drama series that has gained a strong following for its distinctive blend of crime investigation, psychological thriller elements and unsettling horror. In the UK, the show airs on Alibi, where it has become a standout title within the channel’s schedule of crime and mystery programming. Its mix of procedural storytelling and supernatural ambiguity has helped it appeal to audiences looking for something darker and more thought provoking.
The series centres on Dr Kristen Bouchard, a forensic psychologist portrayed by Katja Herbers. Kristen is recruited to assist the Catholic Church in assessing cases that appear to involve miracles, demonic possession or other unexplained phenomena. Her role is to provide rational, scientific evaluations of incidents that could be interpreted as supernatural, often placing her in direct conflict with matters of faith and belief.
Kristen is joined by David Acosta, a priest in training played by Mike Colter, and Ben Shakir, a technology expert portrayed by Aasif Mandvi. Together, the trio investigates a wide range of disturbing cases, from supposed hauntings and prophetic visions to violent acts linked to alleged demonic influence. Each case forces the team to confront the possibility that not everything can be explained through logic and reason alone.
A central theme of Evil is the tension between science and faith. Kristen approaches each case with scepticism, relying on psychology, forensic evidence and rational analysis. David, by contrast, brings a spiritual perspective shaped by his religious training and personal beliefs. Ben often serves as a pragmatic middle ground, using technology and engineering to search for practical explanations. This dynamic creates ongoing debate within the team and gives the series much of its intellectual depth.
The show has been widely praised for its writing and atmosphere. Rather than offering simple answers, Evil often leaves questions unresolved, allowing viewers to decide whether events have a supernatural origin or a human one. This ambiguity adds to the sense of unease and distinguishes the series from more conventional procedural dramas.
Evil also stands out for its tonal range. Alongside moments of genuine horror and psychological tension, the series incorporates dark humour and satire. This balance prevents the show from becoming overly grim while reinforcing its exploration of moral complexity and human weakness. The result is a series that can be unsettling and entertaining in equal measure.
Katja Herbers has received particular acclaim for her performance as Kristen, portraying a character who is both intellectually confident and emotionally vulnerable. Mike Colter’s portrayal of David adds warmth and moral seriousness, while Aasif Mandvi brings wit and grounded realism to the role of Ben. The chemistry between the three leads has been frequently cited as a key strength of the show.
Originally, Evil premiered in the United States on CBS, where it quickly attracted critical attention and a loyal audience. Its success led to multiple seasons, with later instalments moving to the streaming platform Paramount+. The transition allowed the series greater creative freedom, enabling it to push further into darker themes and more explicit horror.
In the UK, Alibi’s decision to air Evil expanded the channel’s offering beyond traditional crime dramas. The show’s blend of investigative structure and supernatural intrigue fits well with Alibi’s audience while also introducing a more experimental and unsettling tone to its lineup.
The presence of Evil on British television has helped the series reach new viewers who may not have encountered it during its original US run. Its availability on Alibi provides UK audiences with access to a critically acclaimed drama that challenges assumptions about belief, morality and the nature of evil itself.
By combining strong performances, thoughtful storytelling and an unsettling atmosphere, Evil has carved out a unique place in modern television. Its success in both the US and the UK reflects a growing appetite for dramas that are willing to blur genre boundaries and confront complex philosophical questions through compelling and often chilling stories.