Zachary Quinto Transform into an Oliver Sacks-Inspired Neurologist for NBC’s ‘Brilliant Minds’ — Watch Trailer

Zachary Quinto wants to change how people see the world . Or, at least his neurologist character for “Brilliant Minds” does.

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Quinto stars as a surrogate Oliver Sacks-esque physician in the upcoming NBC drama series from Greg Berlanti. The “American Horror Story” staple star plays a “a gifted neurologist who uses his unconventional approach to treat puzzling psychological cases,” per the official logline. The series centers on the exploration of the human mind, while each character in the ensemble cast grapples with their own relationships and mental health.

Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Teddy Sears, and Donna Murphy also star.

“Brilliant Minds” is written and executive produced by showrunner Michael Grassi. Executive producers also include Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Melissa Aouate, Henrik Bastin, Andy Serkis, Jonathan Cavendish, and Will Tennant.

The series is produced by Berlanti Productions, Fabel Entertainment, The Imaginarium, Grassi Productions, and Tavala, in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

The show is inspired by the life and work of late world-famous author and physician Sacks, who died in 2015. Sacks is best known for publishing “Awakenings” and “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat,” both of which redefined the public understanding of how the brain works over time. Sacks was at the center of 2019 documentary “Oliver Sacks: His Own Life,” which was directed by Ken Burns’s brother and collaborator Ric Burns.

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Lead star Quinto previously told The Independent that he did not want his orientation to dictate the kinds of roles being offered to him . Quinto came out as gay in 2011.

“There’s still a tremendous amount of fear around particularly openly gay men in our industry,” Quinto said. “There is this long-held and stubborn belief that to identify as an openly gay man on some level means you’re inherently less masculine, inherently less believable as a straight character.”

The “Star Trek” alum added, “There are still actors who believe their careers are better served by not acknowledging their authentic selves. That’s their prerogative, but I think we’re part of a movement that is unstoppable.”

“Brilliant Minds” premieres September 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Check out the trailer below.