Brilliant Minds S2E3 Finally Crowns Its New Chief

Brilliant Minds just hit one of those shake-up moments that can either juice a season or blow it up. We got our answer on who takes over the hospital after Muriel Wolf steps out, and it is not the pick most people had on their bingo card. Major spoilers ahead.

So, who is the new CMO?

Episode 3 confirms that Dr. Josh Nichols is stepping in as Bronx General's Chief Medical Officer after Muriel leaves. Yes, that Josh. Which immediately rewires the dynamic with Dr. Oliver Wolf, because their relationship is already prickly on a good day.

How we got here

Season 2 teed up the possibility of a new chief pretty fast. Last week, we learned Muriel (Oliver's mom) was officially moving on, and the hospital needed a new CMO. Carol even warned Oliver that while he might be relieved to see his mom go, the next person in charge could be worse. Cut to this week: she might have been onto something.

The actual reveal comes at the end of Episode 3. Muriel calls Oliver into her office and lets him know Josh is taking the job. Not exactly a warm, fuzzy moment. These two have been out of step since Oliver skipped a gala where Josh was being honored, and this promotion is only going to complicate things from here.

What the showrunner is saying

Showrunner Michael Grassi told TV Line that the Oliver-Josh situation will be a ride this season: complicated guys, lots to navigate, but respect and real affection under the mess. He also hinted they plan to explore that relationship in some surprising ways. And yes, he even shouted out the actors by first names — Zach and Teddy — which is a little inside baseball, but also tells you how central this duo is to the show.

'There is a really deep respect there and a love there.'

The fallout

Josh taking the CMO seat instantly raises the stakes for Oliver — personal, professional, all of it. If you like a workplace drama where the new boss is also the guy you’ve been low-key feuding with, buckle up. This is the show leaning into that tension.

Brilliant Minds Season 2 Episode 3 is now streaming on Peacock.