Apple TV+’s Presumed Innocent will depart from the Scott Turow source material that inspired its first season. Season two, slated for 2026, will draw inspiration from Jo Murray’s novel Dissection of a Murder, shifting the focus to a female protagonist facing her first homicide case.
The initial season, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, and an impressive supporting cast, centered on a prosecuting attorney entangled in a murder investigation in which he became prime suspect. This shift to a new novel and a fresh storyline signals a move towards a true anthology format for the series. While there were apparently early discussions about retaining some characters from the first season, much like HBO’s The White Lotus, it seems those plans may have been scrapped.
The second season will follow Leila Reynolds, a lawyer thrown into the deep end with a challenging murder case. The defendant’s insistence on having Reynolds as her attorney adds an intriguing wrinkle to the premise. This focus on a less experienced protagonist offers a different perspective from the first season’s seasoned prosecutor, potentially opening up new narrative avenues.
Presumed Innocent’s shift to an anthology format isn’t entirely surprising in today’s television landscape. Anthologies offer flexibility and the opportunity to attract new viewers with each installment. Whether this change will resonate with audiences who tuned in for the star power and legal thriller aspects of the first season is another matter.
