The Lincoln Lawyer: Netflix’s Legal Drama That Blends Bosch & Suits

One of Netflix’s biggest hits in recent years is a four-part crime thriller show that’s a perfect combination of Bosch and Suits, and it definitely deserves its near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score. Thanks to its original content, Netflix has positioned itself as one of the strongest streaming platforms, with many of its original productions now ranking among the best TV shows of all time. Netflix has covered every genre with its TV shows so far, and some of its most popular titles come from the branch of crime thrillers.

TV shows like Mindhunter, Ozark, and Narcos have made Netflix stand out in the genre of crime thrillers, and the streamer continues to succeed in it. Among Netflix’s biggest and most recent hits, not just in the crime thriller genre, but in general, is The Lincoln Lawyer, based on Michael Connelly’s novel series following criminal-defense lawyer Mickey Haller (played by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo). The Lincoln Lawyer debuted on Netflix in 2022, and it has been a success since then.

The Lincoln Lawyer has increasingly succeeded with critics throughout its four seasons so far, currently holding an almost-perfect average critics’ score of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. The Lincoln Lawyer has been praised for its tone, performances, and take on Connelly’s novels, positioning itself among Netflix’s best TV shows of the decade.

The Lincoln Lawyer Is One Of The Best Legal Dramas Of The Decade

The Lincoln Lawyer arrived to take the spot left by Suits while carrying on with the legacy of Bosch, but in its own way. The Lincoln Lawyer is reminiscent of Suits in terms of being a legal drama, but with a tone more towards Bosch, thanks to being by the same author. Like Bosch, The Lincoln Lawyer has a gritty atmosphere and explores themes of corruption and justice through a main character who falls into a morally ambiguous area.

While a big part of the appeal of The Lincoln Lawyer is the cases Haller is assigned to, Haller himself is the biggest draw. Mickey Haller is a complex character fighting his own demons while doing his best to be a better person, and with a passion for defending the innocent. Haller is unlike most TV lawyers, with his unconventional practice from the backseat of his car, his interest in taking the clients everyone avoids, and his tendency to break the rules.

In addition to Haller, The Lincoln Lawyer has a strong ensemble cast that includes the talents of Neve Campbell and Becki Newton, among others, and helps carry the show while also pushing Haller’s story forward. The Lincoln Lawyer perfectly blends drama, mystery, suspense, and legal procedural elements with emotional depth, character development, and engaging stories in every season.

It’s not surprising, then, that The Lincoln Lawyer has maintained a high Rotten Tomatoes score since its release, becoming one of Netflix’s best TV shows to date and one of the best legal dramas in recent years.

What The Lincoln Lawyer Season 5 Could Be About

Courtesy of Netflix

Each season of The Lincoln Lawyer so far has been based on a different novel from Connelly’s series. Season 1 of The Lincoln Lawyer was based on The Brass Verdict, followed by The Fifth Witness in season 2, The Gods of Guilt in season 3, and The Law of Innocence in season 4. The Lincoln Lawyer was renewed for a fifth season in January 2026, and it will be based on the book Resurrection Walk.

The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 ended on a cliffhanger and a twist in Haller’s story, so season 5 will introduce a new, major character with a personal link to Haller. Of course, Haller will work on a new case while also addressing all those loose ends in his personal life left by the previous season. Despite The Lincoln Lawyer being based on a book series, it hasn’t been a carbon copy of them, so it’s hard to predict the story of season 5.

What’s for sure is that Haller is about to face bigger challenges and conflicts, with even more drama in his personal life and, perhaps, a couple of big reveals coming up as well. The Lincoln Lawyer will surely maintain its great Rotten Tomatoes streak and will continue to be one of the best legal dramas in recent years.

Release Date

May 13, 2022

Network

Netflix

Directors

David E. Kelley

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  Manuel Garcia-Rulfo

  Mickey Haller

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