What Is Ratched on Netflix
Ratched is a limited American psychological horror series that premiered on Netflix on September 18, 2020. The show is a prequel to the 1975 film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and follows the character Nurse Mildred Ratched, portrayed by Sarah Paulson. It was produced by Ryan Murphy Television and distributed by Netflix globally. The series was created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, with executive producers including Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, and Michael Douglas. It is a fictional drama set in the 1940s and 1960s and is not based on a true story, though it draws on the source novel and film history. Learn more about the series background on the Netflix official page for Ratched here.
The series consists of 8 episodes, each running between 44 and 63 minutes. It was filmed primarily in California and features a production design that recreates the 1940s and 1960s psychiatric hospital settings. The show was marketed as a limited series, and Netflix has not yet announced a second season as of the latest public updates. The series is rated TV-MA for mature content, including violence, sexual content, and strong language. According to Netflix's own content listings, Ratched remains available for streaming in most regions where Netflix operates, subject to local licensing agreements.
Cast and Characters in Ratched
Sarah Paulson stars as Mildred Ratched, the central character and a calculating psychiatric nurse. The cast includes Finn Wittrock as Edmund Tolleson, a convicted killer; Cynthia Nixon as Gwendolyn Briggs, a political figure; and Jon Jon Briones as Dr. Richard Hanover. Supporting roles feature actors such as Adina Porter, Lizzie Brocheré, and Charles Halton. The series features a large ensemble cast that portrays staff, patients, and political figures across multiple institutions.
The character of Mildred Ratched was originally portrayed by Louise Fletcher in the 1975 film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, which won multiple Academy Awards. The Netflix series reimagines the character's backstory and motivations. Sarah Paulson has discussed her approach to the role in interviews, emphasizing the character's control and emotional detachment. The casting process was led by the show's creators and Netflix's casting team, with the series drawing on Ryan Murphy's long-standing creative collaborators.
Streaming Availability and Production Details
Ratched is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix in most countries. The series is part of Netflix's original programming slate and is produced by Ryan Murphy Television and distributed through Netflix's global platform. Production was handled by multiple studios, with Netflix holding the primary distribution rights. The series was filmed in the United States, with principal photography taking place in California.
Netflix's official site lists Ratched under its original series catalog, and the show is accessible to standard Netflix subscribers without additional purchase. The series was produced in English and is available with subtitles and dubbing in multiple languages depending on region. For production and distribution details, see the official Netflix Ratched page here and for background on the original film, visit the relevant page on Forbes.