A Gifted Man

Lore & Background

The series centers on Dr. Michael Holt (Patrick Wilson), a brilliant neurosurgeon at an upscale New York City clinic who lives a comfortable but materialistic life. His world is disrupted when the ghost of his ex-wife Anna Paul (Jennifer Ehle), recently killed in a car crash, asks him to help run the free clinic she previously directed. This leads Michael to treat poorer patients and confront his own discontent. His sister Christina (Julie Benz), a single mother who believes in the supernatural, supports the idea that Anna's return can improve Michael's character.

The main cast includes Margo Martindale as Michael's loyal assistant Rita Perkins-Hall, Pablo Schreiber as shaman Anton Little Creek, and Rachelle Lefevre as Dr. Kate Sykora, who takes over as clinic director after Anna's death. Recurring characters include Rhys Coiro as Dr. Zeke Barnes, Afton Williamson as social worker Autumn, and Eriq La Salle as Michael's friend Evan Morris. The series was produced by CBS Television Studios and Timberman-Beverly Productions, with executive producers including Jonathan Demme, who directed the pilot.

The first thirteen episodes aired in the Friday 8:00 p.m. timeslot from September 23, 2011 to February 10, 2012. The final three episodes aired in the Friday 9:00 p.m. timeslot from February 17, 2012 to March 2, 2012. On November 14, 2011, CBS ordered three additional episodes, bringing the total to 16 for the season.

Reader's Guide

A Gifted Man occupies a brief footnote in television history as a fantasy medical drama that blended supernatural elements with medical ethics. Its cancellation after one season reflects the challenges of sustaining a premise centered on a ghostly visitation. The series received generally favorable reviews, scoring 65 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics praised the cast, particularly Patrick Wilson and Margo Martindale, but some expressed concerns about predictability and the show's ability to transcend its central conceit. The series is notable for its unique episode title convention, with every episode after the pilot beginning with 'In Case of...'. While it did not achieve lasting cultural impact, it remains an example of early 2010s network television experimenting with genre hybridity.

Did You Know?

• Every episode title after the pilot begins with the words 'In Case of...'.
• The series was canceled on May 10, 2012, after one season of 16 episodes.
• Jonathan Demme directed the pilot episode.
• The show aired in two different Friday timeslots: 8:00 p.m. for the first 13 episodes and 9:00 p.m. for the final three.