Critic Reviews

Though the cases themselves are often convoluted beyond reason, the character stories outside the cases mesh together very well. It’s actually interesting to see how Lizzie and Dylan’s relationship might evolve, even and especially if there is no romantic undertone to it. Instinct isn’t exactly a reinvention of the form, but it’s solid, fun mystery storytelling.

The appeal of Instinct isn't so much in the predictable movements therein, but in Cumming himself. It's a winning combination, if you like these kinds of shows. ... It's helpful that Novakovic is also quite likable as the feisty dynamo detective.

If only Instinct had a little more going for itself, it might be worth making room on your DVR.

Cumming is believable as a college professor, but not so much as a spy.

The series, which is adapted from James Patterson’s book Murder Games, is an otherwise standard-issue CBS crime series, violent but not too gruesome, mildly eccentric but not too weird, about a charismatic, rule-breaking man solving crimes with his by-the-book female partner (Bojana Novakovic’s Detective Lizzie Needham).

In spite of its overall lack of imagination, Instinct has promise, but more important, it has Alan Cumming.

Mr. Cumming is not quite sure who his character is. Nor is he given a heartbeat to settle into something. ... Ms. Novakovic, it should be said, is wonderful. Lizzie is a fully formed entity.

By-the-numbers procedural with a pair of appealing leads. Otherwise, by-the-book bland.

The premise may not sound shopworn. But CBS’ Instinct otherwise is extraordinarily ordinary at best as a midseason replacement for the failed Wisdom of the Crowd.

If you’re looking for an update of “Murder, She Wrote,” then “Instinct” might be the show for you.