Apple TV+ has officially ordered a second season of its legal thriller series, “Presumed Innocent.” The series, which stars Jake Gyllenhaal and features the creative talents of David E. Kelley and J.J. Abrams, has quickly become the streaming platform’s most-watched drama. Season one of the series is set to conclude with its final two episodes airing on July 17 and July 24.
The announcement comes amid the show’s successful first season run, with “Presumed Innocent” achieving the top spot as Apple TV+’s most viewed drama of all time. This success has paved the way for its transformation from a limited series to an ongoing drama.
While specific details about the upcoming season are scarce, it has been revealed that the new episodes will revolve around a “suspenseful, brand new case.” Fans of the show can expect a continuation that may include some familiar characters, though it remains unclear how the transition will be handled.
The original “Presumed Innocent” novel, penned by Scott Turow in 1987, was followed by the 1990 sequel, “The Burden of Proof.” However, the latter’s storyline, which focuses on a different character, has not been adapted into the TV series. Instead, the show introduced new characters, such as Gabby Beans’s Mya, who serves as a defense attorney.
Gyllenhaal’s character, Rusty Sabich, does not appear in Turow’s subsequent novels, leaving fans questioning whether Gyllenhaal will return as an actor in the second season. The sequel to “Presumed Innocent,” titled “Innocent,” sees Rusty and prosecutor Tommy Molto (portrayed by Peter Sarsgaard in the series) facing off once again after the mysterious death of Rusty’s wife, which could potentially serve as a plotline for the new season.
David E. Kelley, known for his unique twists on literary adaptations, will continue to steer the series’ creative direction. Alongside Kelley, Abrams and Gyllenhaal will also return as executive producers, joined by Dustin Thomason and Matt Tinker. The series is a collaboration between Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions and David E. Kelley Productions, in partnership with Warner Bros. Television.
“Presumed Innocent” marks another success for Apple TV+, following the achievements of series like “Ted Lasso” and “Hijack.” With its growing popularity, “Presumed Innocent” is expected to make a notable impact on Nielsen’s streaming rankings in the coming weeks.
The show’s executive production team includes Abrams and Rachel Rusch Rich for Bad Robot, Kelley and Tinker for David E. Kelley Productions, and Gyllenhaal under his Nine Stories banner. Additionally, Thomason and Sharr White executive produce, while Turow and Miki Johnson serve as co-executive producers. The first season was directed by Anne Sewitsky and Greg Yaitanes, who also served as executive producers.
As the first season nears its conclusion, fans eagerly await the developments in the finale that may hint at the direction for the series’ future.