Prodigal Son on Rotten Tomatoes: The TV Series and Films with Similar Titles

“Prodigal Son” on Rotten Tomatoes most commonly refers to the crime-drama television series about Malcolm Bright, a gifted criminal psychologist who helps the NYPD solve murders while confronting the influence of his serial-killer father, Martin Whitly. The series premiered on September 23, 2019, ran for two seasons, and is classified as Crime and Drama.

Rotten Tomatoes also lists several films with similar or identical titles, including The Prodigal Son (1981), The Prodigal Son (1934), Wayward: The Prodigal Son (2014), Confessions of a Prodigal Son (2015), and Return of the Prodigal Son (1976). These titles belong to different genres and are unrelated to the television series.

Prodigal Son television series

Prodigal Son follows Malcolm Bright, a gifted criminal psychologist, using his twisted genius to help the NYPD solve crimes and stop killers, all while dealing with a manipulative mother, a serial killer father still looking to bond with his prodigal son and his own constantly evolving neuroses. Bright's only ally is his sister, Ainsley, a TV journalist who wishes her brother would take a break from murder and have a normal life.

Unfortunately for his sister, the only way Bright feels normal is by solving cases with the help of his longtime mentor, NYPD Detective Gil Arroyo. Arroyo's one of the best detectives around, and he expects no less from his team, which includes Detective JT Tarmel, a born-and-bred New Yorker who questions whether Bright is a psychopath himself.

Central premise

When tasked with solving a series of horrific copycat murders, Malcolm Bright (Tom Payne), an odd but brilliant ex-FBI profiler, begrudgingly seeks out an unusual source of expertise for insight on the case: Martin Whitly (Michael Sheen), his imprisoned serial killer father. Let’s just say that the family reunion doesn’t go as planned.

After getting fired from the FBI for recklessly endangering himself and punching out a local law enforcement officer while assisting on a case, Malcolm heads back home to New York City with no idea what he’s going to do next. Jessica (Young), Malcolm’s mother, and Ainsley (Sage), Malcolm’s sister, beg him to take a break from solving murders and use this as a fresh start, but that’s not going to work for Malcolm.

Without a killer to catch, his complex PTSD and night terrors begin to overwhelm him again. Thankfully for Malcolm, his old mentor, NYPD detective Gil Arroyo (Phillips), comes to him with a case to consult on.

What Malcolm finds on the victim’s body disturbs him deeply: three injection marks that mimic the MO of the notorious serial killer the Surgeon, also known as Dr. Martin Whitly - who happens to be Malcolm’s father. When Malcolm confirms to Gil that they have a copycat on their hands, they know it’s only a matter of time before the killer strikes again.

With lives at stake, Malcolm makes a life-altering decision to visit his father at Claremont Psychiatric Facility, where he’s been imprisoned, for the first time in 10 years. But when Malcolm finally comes face-to-face with the source of his PTSD, will he be able to keep his cool long enough to extract useful information? Or will he fall right back into his father’s web of manipulation and lies?

Main characters and cast

Alongside Payne (The Walking Dead) and Sheen (Apostle), Prodigal Son stars Bellamy Young (Scandal), Halston Sage (You Get Me), Lou Diamond Phillips (Trese), Aurora Perrineau (Kaos), Frank Harts (The Leftovers), and Keiko Agena (Gilmore Girls).

There are also quite a few notable recurring stars, including Catherine Zeta-Jones (Wednesday), Christian Borle (Smash), Dermot Mulroney (The Hunting Wives), and Charlayne Woodard (Pose).

Production information

Both seasons of Prodigal Son are now streaming on Netflix.

Season 2 and the series finale

In the series finale, they’re both on the run, with Martin enjoying his taste of freedom, exulting over nougat and pancakes while Malcolm is horrified to be seen as his escaped father’s accomplice.

When they cross paths in Vermont with another serial killer known as “The Woodsman,” Martin sees an opportunity for redemption. But this over-the-top series has other plans.

And back home, gird yourself for a major catfight when Malcolm’s mom, Jessica (Bellamy Young), welcomes deranged Dr. Vivian Capshaw (Catherine Zeta-Jones) into her posh lair.

I’m really going to miss this wacky show.

Cancellation and unresolved storylines

The series was canceled after its second season. The cancellation generated continued discussion about unresolved plotlines, the fate of the characters, and the possibility of the show receiving a second life elsewhere.

Rotten Tomatoes coverage included articles about the cancellation, the cast and crew’s reactions, the series finale ending, Malcolm and Dani’s relationship, Martin’s cliffhanger, and the unresolved threads that remained after the final episode.

• “Prodigal Son” Canceled After 2 Seasons: Cast and Crew React
• “Prodigal Son” Bosses Break Down the Series Finale Ending & Tease What Could Be Next
• Why We Need “Prodigal Son” to Be Saved: 8 Unresolved Threads
• “Prodigal Son’s” Tom Payne Teases a “Shocking” Finale, But Will It Tie Up All Loose Ends?
• “Prodigal Son’s” Tom Payne on That Martin Cliffhanger, Malcolm & Dani’s Horrible Timing & More

Rotten Tomatoes trailers and featurettes

Rotten Tomatoes lists promotional videos for both seasons, including trailers, teasers, first-look material, and featurettes focused on Malcolm Bright, Martin Whitly, and the series’ central psychological conflict.

• Prodigal Son: Season 2 Trailer - Catching Killers Keeps Him Sane
• Prodigal Son: Season 2 Teaser - Hold On To Your Heads
• Prodigal Son: Season 2 Teaser - A Psycho Rollercoaster
• Prodigal Son: Season 2 First Look
• Prodigal Son: Season 1 Featurette - Control: A Need For A Serial Killer
• Prodigal Son: Season 1 Featurette - Tom Payne is Malcolm Bright
• Prodigal Son: Season 1 Teaser - A Look At The Surgeon
• Prodigal Son: Season 1 Trailer - Every Killer Has Their Signature
• Prodigal Son: Season 1 Teaser - Father & Son Solving Crimes
• Prodigal Son: Season 1 Trailer - He Will Destroy You

Rotten Tomatoes reviews and related coverage

Rotten Tomatoes describes the series as a crime drama centered on a criminal psychologist, a manipulative family, and a serial-killer father who wants to reconnect with his son.

The show’s premise combines a police procedural with psychological family drama. Malcolm’s professional ability to understand killers is inseparable from his personal history, and his investigations repeatedly force him back toward the trauma associated with Martin Whitly.

Rotten Tomatoes coverage of the series includes recaps, interviews, previews, spoiler articles, cancellation news, finale discussions, ratings coverage, and recommendations for viewers looking for similarly intense crime dramas.

Selected Rotten Tomatoes coverage

• 10 Shows to Watch if You Miss “The Mentalist”
• The 11 Most Gripping Serial Killer TV Shows
• 10 Canceled Shows Fans Still Want Saved: “Shadow & Bone,” “Mindhunter” & More
• 9 Best Villains From TV Procedural Dramas Through the Years
• “Prodigal Son” Puts the Focus on Relationships - Plus, What’s Next?
• “Prodigal Son”: How to Get Away With Murder?
• “Prodigal Son” Bosses Preview Profiler vs. Profiler & Martin Meeting His Match
• “Prodigal Son” star Frank Harts on JT’s Challenge
• “Prodigal Son” Guest Star Alan Cumming on Malcolm vs. the MindSleuth
• “Prodigal Son” Keeps It in the Family for the Whitlys & Tom Payne

Additional Rotten Tomatoes recommendations connect the series with titles such as APB, Gang Related, Rosewood, Alcatraz, and Gracepoint.

Other films titled The Prodigal Son

The television series is not the only Rotten Tomatoes entry associated with the phrase “Prodigal Son.” Several films use the same title or a close variation, but they tell entirely different stories.

The Prodigal Son (1981)

The Prodigal Son is a classic martial-arts film directed by Sammo Hung Kam-Bo. Its story follows a kung-fu student who asks an expert to teach him after he learns his opponents were paid to lose.

Leung Chang (Biao Yuen) believes that he is a kung-fu master because his friends pay people to take his beatings. When he finally comes across someone who is not willing to fall down, he realises that his skills aren't that great and his friends tell him about what they have been doing behind his back.

He then seeks training from his opponent, who is reluctant on taking him on as his apprentice. After much persuasion, he finally teaches him Wing Chun, along with his brother who has a different style.

When he returns home after some intense training, his master gets murdered by a man who wants to challenge all of the Kung Fu masters, so he steps up to revenge his teacher and friend.

Despite the impressive kung fu techniques on display, the extremely over-the-top and cartoonish tone and styling of the film detracts from the amusement of the action.

The film is an impressive film that benefits the most from its action scenes and cinematography, but could feature a little more action.

One viewer described it as a classic, old school Kung Fu movie with a lot of silly jokes but a dramatic ending. Another review called it an all time classic with a decent story and amazing action scenes.

For the most part it's a training movie with terrible attempts at humor. The nomination for best direction makes sense, but I was wondering how it won the best choreography award until the finale, which is worth slogging through the slow parts.

Critical and audience response

• “The performances are solid with a good connection between the acting and the fights.”
• “The film looks great, is shot and edited in a manner to allow the viewer to see all the fights, and the fight sequences are highly entertaining.”
• “Amazing movie with exceptional Kung Fu and a nice storyline.”
• “This is a classic, old school Kung Fu movie with a lot of silly jokes but a dramatic ending.”
• “This film is one of my favourite Martial Art Films of all time, it has a decent story and amazing action scenes.”

The Prodigal Son (1934)

The Prodigal Son (1934) is a drama directed and written by Luis Trenker.

A Rotten Tomatoes user described the film as a great film of its kind and time, politically and ideologically critical, with criticism of the United States that remains reflective even today.

Wayward: The Prodigal Son (2014)

Wayward: The Prodigal Son is a drama about a dying father who brings his rebellious son home to reunite their family before he dies.

One review called it a great story but said the acting needs more work. Another viewer described it as carrying a great redemptive message.

A negative review characterized the film as a dull rehash of the parable with lots of drinking and preaching. Another viewer wrote that the movie spoke to their family, friends, and classmates, particularly those seeking forgiveness for past mistakes and those nearing the end of high school or currently in college.

Confessions of a Prodigal Son (2015)

Confessions of a Prodigal Son is a drama about a young man who examines his life choices after leaving home.

The film focuses on the Biblical parable of the prodigal son who is welcomed back home with open arms after the mistakes he's made in his life.

Return of the Prodigal Son (1976)

Return of the Prodigal Son is a drama and musical directed by Youssef Chahine. Freed after spending 12 years in jail, a man's homecoming turns into a dark affair as his disillusion clashes with his family's expectations.

How to distinguish the Rotten Tomatoes entries

The title alone is not enough to identify the correct Rotten Tomatoes page. The 2019 television series is a modern crime drama featuring Tom Payne and Michael Sheen, while the 1981 film is a Chinese-language martial-arts production directed by Sammo Hung Kam-Bo.

The 1934 title is an English-language drama directed by Luis Trenker. Wayward: The Prodigal Son and Confessions of a Prodigal Son are English-language dramas built around family conflict, homecoming, moral choices, and redemption. Return of the Prodigal Son is an Arabic-language drama and musical directed by Youssef Chahine.

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