'' Maniac '' is an American psychological dark comedy-drama web television miniseries that premiered on September 21 , 2018 , on Netflix . It was created by Patrick Somerville and directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga based on the Norwegian television series of the same name by Espen PA Lervaag , Håakon Bast Mossige , Kjetil Indregard , and Ole Marius Araldsen . The series follows two strangers who connect during a mind-bending pharmaceutical trial and stars Emma Stone , Jonah Hill , Justin Theroux , Sonoya Mizuno , Gabriel Byrne , and Sally Field . The series was officially announced in March 2016 , with Netflix ordering the production straight-to-series that same month . Upon release , the series received positive reviews from critics , with many praising its visuals , direction and acting , particularly the performances of Stone and Hill . The series received multiple accolades including nominations for Stone 's performance , both at the 23rd Satellite Awards and the 25th Screen Actors Guild Awards , and for the series ' overall writing at the 71st Writers Guild of America Awards
25th Screen Actors Guild Awards
25th Screen Actors Guild Awards
Maniac (miniseries)