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Numb3rs

Numb3rs

We all use Math every day.

2005–2010Ended6 seasons119 episodes~43 min/epTV-PGMidcredits score: 50th percentile of all shows

Inspired by actual cases and experiences, Numb3rs depicts the confluence of police work and mathematics in solving crime as an FBI agent recruits his mathematical genius brother to help solve a wide range of challenging crimes in Los Angeles from a very different perspective.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Numb3rs?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Numb3rs streaming on The Roku Channel (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Free

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Buy

Highlights

What stands out about Numb3rs?

Numb3rs earns 2 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Preferred by US Viewers.

Reception

Is Numb3rs worth watching?

Numb3rs' Midcredits score is the 50th percentile of all shows, from 49K ratings across 2 sources. 72% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

50th percentile

Better received than 50% of shows

43rd percentile among Crime43rd percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)47th
Approval (how many liked it)53rd

Acclaim

Crowd Pleaser: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

70 /100

47th percentile of all shows

44th percentile among Crime40th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.3 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

72% liked it

53rd percentile of all shows

42nd percentile among Crime47th percentile among 2000s
72% rated it 7–1028% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

97th percentile

48K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Crime94th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 26% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both fans and detractors agree the show uses math as a gimmick to differentiate itself from other police procedurals, but differ on whether that gimmick is engaging or insulting.

Fans praised

  • Unique concept making math cool and accessible
  • Strong chemistry among the Eppes family cast
  • Intelligent, non-gory alternative to typical crime procedurals

Detractors panned

  • Mathematics portrayed as pseudoscientific gibberish
  • Formulaic plots with contrived math applications
  • Shallow character writing outside the Eppes family

What stands out

ActingDivisive75

Strong ensemble chemistry especially Krumholtz, Morrow, Hirsch, MacNicol; detractors find some performances stiff

OriginalityDivisive70

Math-as-crime-solving gimmick seen as fresh by fans, derivative gimmick by detractors

CharactersDivisive65

Eppes family dynamics praised; side characters called cookie-cutter or underdeveloped

AtmosphereDivisive65

Warm family tone and cool FBI office aesthetic appreciated; music overuse criticized

Emotional impactDivisive60

Family bonding and brotherly conflict resonate; detractors find it soapy

Pacing60

Generally solid network procedural rhythm; some note rushed endings or slow patches

DialogueDivisive55

Exposition-heavy; some witty family banter but often clunky math explanations

Plot and storyDivisive50

Crime-of-the-week formula with mixed reviews on plausibility and freshness

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 18 points higher than non-US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users 8 points apart

Episodes

6 seasons

Season 6 · 2009 · 16 episodes

  • S6E1

    Hangman

    Sep 25, 200944 min
  • S6E2

    Friendly Fire

    Oct 2, 200941 min
  • S6E3

    7 Men Out

    Oct 9, 200941 min
  • S6E4

    Where Credit's Due

    Oct 16, 200944 min
  • S6E5

    Hydra

    Oct 23, 200943 min
  • S6E6

    Dreamland

    Oct 30, 200943 min

Watch experience

What is Numb3rs like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, serious and charged — an even-paced watch that leaves you thinking.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
ThrillingContemplative
Heaviest: throughout
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Warm
Told as
Case of the week plus an arcNew arc each season
ToneThe show treats its crime-solving and family drama with earnest seriousness, never winking at the audience despite the occasional stretch of the mathematics.
The rideEpisodes blend tense crime-solving with thoughtful mathematical explanations, maintaining a steady but not extreme emotional register.
StructureEpisodes follow a standard three-act procedural structure with no notable narrative devices outside the typical format.
Episode formatEach episode presents a self-contained crime case solved with mathematics, while personal and relationship arcs develop across the season.
Season formatCore cast remains the same; each season features a recurring villain or arc that threads through the case-of-the-week episodes.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Thought-provokingFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves you reflecting on the surprising real-world applications of math, while the positive family dynamic and resolved cases provide a warm, satisfying feeling.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18% (this title): Predator 7% (this title) · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

18% of shows fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA typical episode follows the FBI team, aided by mathematical analysis, tracking and apprehending a dangerous criminal. The recurring structure is a predator-and-prey chase where the 'monster' is a new perpetrator each week.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% (this title) · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsJustice · 14% of shows
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe core of the series is the working relationship and personal bond between two brothers, one an FBI agent and the other a mathematician, as they collaborate on cases.
StanceThe show presents crime-solving through a rational, scientific lens, observing the intersection of logic and human behavior without heavy moralizing.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score
SettingFBI field office and university in Los Angeles

Content guide

Is Numb3rs okay for kids?

TV-PG

Numb3rs is rated TV-PG. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (56/100), sexual content at mild (19/100), language at moderate (44/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (44/100) and frightening material at moderate (44/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 16 other countries
  • Canada14+
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France10
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Denmark11
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoAA
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway12
  • PhilippinesPG
  • Russia16+
  • SingaporePG
  • Spain12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for a TV-PG show
heavier than 22%
Profanity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (33 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Numb3rs have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Numb3rs?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

David Krumholtz
as Charlie Eppes
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Rob Morrow
as Don Eppes
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Judd Hirsch
as Alan Eppes
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Alimi Ballard
as David Sinclair
Navi Rawat
as Amita Ramanujan
Peter MacNicol
as Dr. Larry Fleinhardt
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Dylan Bruno
as Colby Granger
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Diane Farr
as Megan Reeves
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Aya Sumika
as Liz Warner
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Sophina Brown
as Nikki Betancourt
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

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