The popular limited thriller series Presumed Innocent became a big hit for Apple TV+, but if the streamer wished to continue the show with a second season, they would have to make some big changes. Star Jake Gyllenhaal likely signed on because of its “limited series” format, which allowed him to still work on other projects, so to keep the series going, Apple TV+ has decided to switch to a new story and a new lead.
Per Deadline, Apple TV+ and Warner Bros. TV, have secured the rights to an unpublished novel, Dissection of a Murder, a legal thriller novel by Jo Murray. The book will provide the story for Presumed Innocent Season 2 after using Scott Turrow’s novel of the same name to frame the story for Season 1. Murray’s debut legal thriller focuses on Leila Reynolds, a lawyer out of her league taking on her first murder case. However, the defendant in question only wants her, which is bound to put her at odds with her husband, who is the prosecutor in the case. In true thriller fashion, Leila has her own share of secrets, which will make Season 2 of Presumed Innocent every bit as compelling as its predecessor. Dissection of a Murder is expected to be published in spring 2026.
While Apple TV+ has a plan to use Dissection of a Murder as Presumed Innocent’s Season 2 inspiration, this is a clear indication that the plan is to deliver multiple seasons in an anthology format, similar to that of HBO’s incredibly popular True Detective. There was once an idea to carry over a couple of characters from Season 1 to have some continuity, but it seems that idea has been kicked to the curb.
Presumed Innocent Was a Big Hit For Apple TV+
Created by David E. Kelley and based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Turrow, which was also adapted as a film in 1990 starring Harrison Ford, Presumed Innocent follows a prosecutor named Rusty Sabich (Gyllenhaal), who becomes the main suspect in the murder of a colleague he was having an affair with. According to Apple TV+, the series became their number one most-viewed drama of all time on their platform, which makes wanting a second season logical. While Gyllenhaal won’t be back to star in Season 2, he’s still on board as an executive producer, alongside Kelley, J.J. Abrams, Dustin Thomason, Matt Tinker and Rachel Rusch Rich.
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At Least One Actor Isn’t Returning for Presumed Innocent Season 2
Presumed Innocent was recently renewed for a second season, but one actor has no plans to return.
In addition to high viewership for the platform, Presumed Innocent garnered solid reviews, registering a 76 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes with a consensus that reads, “Enlivened by an outstanding ensemble, Presumed Innocent isn’t guilty of upstaging the original movie but acquits itself well as an entertaining courtroom drama.” Earning particular praise for their performances from most critics were Gyllenhaal and Ruth Negga, who portrayed his wife Barbara Sabich.
It tells the story of a horrific murder that upends the Chicago Prosecuting Attorneys’ office when one of its own is suspected of the crime. The show stars Jake Gyllenhaal and is from legendary TV writer David E. Kelley.
- Release Date
- June 12, 2024
- Cast
- Jake Gyllenhaal , Ruth Negga , Bill Camp , Elizabeth Marvel , Renate Reinsve , Peter Sarsgaard , O-T Fagbenle , Chase Infiniti , Lily Rabe , Nana Mensah , Matthew Alan , Kingston Rumi Southwick
- Seasons
- 1
- Streaming Service(s)
- Apple TV+
- Directors
- Greg Yaitanes , Anne Sewitsky
- Where To Watch
- Apple TV+