The first season of The Mentalist premiered on September 23, 2008 and concluded on May 19, 2009. It consisted of 23 episodes.

Cast and characters

Main cast

Recurring cast

Notable guest cast

Episodes

International reception

In the UK, the first season aired on FIVE, on Thursdays at 9pm. The series premiered on March 26, 2009 and concluded on August 20, 2009, with a double-bill. Over the 23 episodes, the season averaged 2.84 million viewers, with the pilot being the most watched episode (4.21 million viewers), and "Red Brick and Ivy" being the least watched episode with 2.08 million viewers.

DVD release

All 23 episodes of the season were included on the six disc complete first season set. It was released on September 22, 2009 in Region 1, March 8, 2010 in Region 2, and September 23, 2009 in Region 4. Special features included the featurettes "Evidence of a Hit Series" and "Cracking the Crystal Ball: Mentalist Vs. Psychic". "Cracking the Crystal Ball: Mentalist Vs. Psychic", was produced by Martin Fisher at DG Entertainment for CBS Television. This short film explored the use of psychics in law enforcement by interviewing former FBI, parapsychologist Dr. Barry E. Taff, and psychic detective Jack Rourke. Other cast members include Mark Llewellyn, Karl Sonnenberg, Jon Armstrong.