Presumed Innocent (TV series)
A legal thriller anthology based on Scott Turow's novel.
Jake Gyllenhaal stars in the legal thriller anthology Presumed Innocent, created by David E. Kelley and based on Scott Turow's 1987 novel. The Apple TV+ series debuted on June 12, 2024, and got a second season order that July. Its first season earned four acting Emmy nominations, for Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, Bill Camp, and Peter Sarsgaard.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Legal thriller
- Creator
- David E. Kelley
- Based on
- Presumed Innocent, Scott Turow
- Music
- Danny Bensi; Saunder Jurriaans
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Seasons
- 1
- Episodes
- 8
Facts from the source article.
Production
In February 2022, Apple TV+ ordered an eight-episode miniseries adaptation of Scott Turow's novel, created by David E. Kelley, who also executive produced alongside Dustin Thomason, J. J. Abrams, Rachel Rusch Rich, Ben Stephenson, and Matthew Tinker. Kelley served as showrunner. Jake Gyllenhaal entered negotiations to star and executive produce in December 2022, confirmed by January 2023, with Ruth Negga, Bill Camp, and Elizabeth Marvel joining the cast. Greg Yaitanes and Anne Sewitsky were hired to direct. Additional cast members announced in February 2023 included Renate Reinsve, Peter Sarsgaard, O-T Fagbenle, Lily Rabe, and Nana Mensah; Noma Dumezweni, Gabby Beans, and Sarunas J. Jackson joined in March. Filming began in February 2023 in Pasadena, California. The series was renewed for a second season on July 12, 2024. On October 29, 2024, it was reported that the upcoming novel Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray would serve as source material for the second season. Casting for the second season included Rachel Brosnahan in a lead role (June 10, 2025), Jack Reynor (July 29, 2025), Matthew Rhys in a main role (September 11, 2025), Fiona Shaw and Courtney B. Vance (October 2025), John Magaro and Michael Hsu Rosen in recurring capacities (October 2025), Lesley-Ann Brandt as a series regular (November 14, 2025), Ji-young Yoo in a recurring role (January 23, 2026), and Judith Light in a recurring capacity (March 20, 2026). Filming for the second season began on December 18, 2025, in Los Angeles, moving to Boston, Massachusetts in April 2026. Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre was set to direct the first episode of the second season.
Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season received a 76% approval rating with an average rating of 7/10 based on 68 critic reviews; the critics consensus described it as enlivened by an outstanding ensemble and an entertaining courtroom drama. Metacritic assigned a score of 64 out of 100 based on 33 critics, indicating generally favorable reviews. Variety's Aramide Tinubu called it one of the best legal thrillers on television in years, praising character development. Lucy Mangan of The Guardian gave 3 out of 5 stars, calling it an efficient tale with good performances but soullessly slick and failing to develop female characters. Mike Hale of The New York Times criticized the claustrophobic atmosphere, emphasis on psychology, trite family drama, and Gyllenhaal's performance as sweaty, jumpy, and over the top.
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