Top 8 Must-Watch Shows Similar to ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’
The phenomenal appeal of The Lincoln Lawyer illustrates the widespread fascination with legal dramas. This series, anchored by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, debuted on Netflix in 2022 and recently wrapped up its third season, which comprises ten episodes released on October 17, 2024. The show, crafted by David E. Kelley, flourishes with its character-focused storytelling, originating from Michael Connelly’s expertise in crime narratives.
At the heart of The Lincoln Lawyer is Mickey Haller (played by Garcia-Rulfo), a talented defense lawyer operating out of Los Angeles. His unconventional choice to practice from the back of his Lincoln Navigator earns him the moniker “The Lincoln Lawyer.” The compelling mix of intriguing cases — both minor and major — alongside relatable characters, ensures that audiences remain captivated season after season.
Viewers enamored with The Lincoln Lawyer and seeking similar series to binge-watch can refer to the following curated list, featuring riveting legal-themed stories and characters.
Disclaimer: This guide is compiled from various sources.
Matlock, Injustice, and six more captivating shows akin to The Lincoln Lawyer that explore the nuances of law
1) Matlock (1986)
Much like Haller from The Lincoln Lawyer, this classic series highlights a sharp defense attorney. Ben Matlock, played by Andy Griffith, is so adept at his practice that clients willingly part with hefty fees of $100,000, though he often takes on pro bono assignments begrudgingly.
Matlock’s brilliance truly shines over nine seasons and 193 episodes, as he consistently uncovers crucial clues that pave the way for his clients’ innocence. The series deftly combines suspenseful twists with timely humor and an array of surprise guest appearances, enriching the viewing experience. Notably, a gender-swapped reboot starring Kathy Bates premiered on September 22, 2024.
Where to watch: Matlock can be streamed on Prime Video and Plex.
2) The Defenders (2010)
The Lincoln Lawyer delights its audience not only with intense legal battles but also by exposing Haller’s personal struggles. Similarly, The Defenders showcases the intertwining personal and professional lives of its prominent characters.
Jerry O’Connell and Jim Belushi take on the roles of Pete Kaczmarek and Nick Morelli, two defense lawyers based in Las Vegas. Like Haller, the duo encounters cases ranging from simple resolutions to high-stakes scandals.
One standout element of The Defenders is the camaraderie between Pete and Nick, whose witty repartee and impeccable comedic timing create memorable scenes perfect for binge-watching.
Where to watch: The Defenders, with 18 gripping episodes, can be found on Apple TV+ and Plex.
3) Injustice (2011)
While many associate defense lawyers with a lack of empathy, The Lincoln Lawyer reveals Haller’s discomfort in representing clients he believes to be guilty. This sentiment is echoed in Injustice, where criminal defense barrister William Travers, depicted by James Purefoy, grapples with this moral dilemma following a devastating incident.
After relocating from London due to his disillusionment with the legal system, Travers returns to confront a murder case involving a close friend, unraveling layers of lies and deceit.
The series effectively harnesses Travers’s past to enrich the narrative, introducing deeply drawn antagonists that viewers will love to hate. Though Injustice is a brief five episodes, it boasts several plot twists and dramatic turns that keep viewers enthralled.
Where to watch: Episodes of Injustice are available for streaming on Prime Video.
4) Perry Mason (2020)
Fans of The Lincoln Lawyer appreciate Haller’s meticulous research on each case, a trait shared by Perry Mason, who remains resolutely focused amid numerous hurdles.
Created by Erle Stanley Gardner, the character of Perry Mason, artistically portrayed by Matthew Rhys, has graced 82 novels. This adaptation follows Mason’s evolution from a struggling private investigator to an in-demand defense lawyer, with a pivotal moment revolving around a sensational child kidnapping trial.
With two seasons and 16 episodes, Perry Mason is both visually captivating and narratively engaging. While its tone may be darker compared to The Lincoln Lawyer, it still encapsulates the thrill of piecing together intricate plot lines.
Where to watch: Enthusiasts can stream episodes of Perry Mason on Max and Apple TV+.
5) So Help Me Todd (2022)
Although The Lincoln Lawyer tackles serious themes, it also offers moments of levity to balance the tone. So Help Me Todd, starring Marcia Gay Harden and Skylar Astin, provides a witty narrative that is both thrilling and lighthearted.
This series differs from The Lincoln Lawyer in that Todd, played by Astin, is not a lawyer but rather a private investigator. Labeled as the family’s black sheep, Todd uncovers his potential when he joins his mother’s law firm as an in-house investigator. With two seasons totaling 31 episodes, the series showcases Todd’s instincts akin to Haller’s, as both characters deftly navigate challenges.
Where to watch: So Help Me Todd can be accessed on Apple TV+.
6) One Dollar Lawyer (2022)
On the surface, Haller from The Lincoln Lawyer harbors a real empathy for those living on the fringes of society rather than the affluent. One Dollar Lawyer features protagonist Chun Ji-hoon, portrayed by Namkoong Min, who gains hero status among the needy when he charges only 1,000 South Korean won for legal services.
Beyond aiding clients, Chun Ji-hoon also seeks justice for his girlfriend’s tragic death. Similar to The Lincoln Lawyer, this series is driven by a charismatic lead who skillfully navigates dialogue.
Namkoong Min’s performance as Chun Ji-hoon oscillates between comical and serious, keeping viewers engaged with its unpredictable and clever twists. This heartwarming drama spans 12 episodes, interspersed with touching moments that resonate with the audience.
Where to watch: One Dollar Lawyer is available on Disney+ and Apple TV+.
7) Reasonable Doubt (2022)
Despite Haller’s court prowess, he struggles with personal dilemmas. Likewise, Emayatzy Corinealdi’s Jax Stewart in Reasonable Doubt excels professionally yet battles to maintain her personal life amid chaos.
Set in Los Angeles, Stewart is a formidable defense attorney whose unconventional strategies draw skepticism, yet she often emerges as her clients’ last resort.
Similar to The Lincoln Lawyer, this program features well-developed characters portrayed by a skilled ensemble cast, maintaining an engaging intensity throughout. With only two seasons and 19 episodes, it’s an ideal option for a weekend binge.
Where to watch: Reasonable Doubt is accessible on Hulu and Apple TV+.
8) May It Please the Court (2022)
While The Lincoln Lawyer conveys the imperfections of the legal system, May It Please the Court mirrors how loopholes can allow criminals to evade justice.
Inspired by real-life attorney Jeong Hye-jin’s book, the series centers on Noh Chak-Hee, brought to life by Jung Ryeo-won, who finds herself working at a public defender’s office in Seoul. Here, she partners with the unconventional public defender Jwa Si-Baek (played by Lee Kyu-hyung), who inspires her to view cases and life from different perspectives.
Much like The Lincoln Lawyer, May It Please the Court enthralls viewers with its clever storyline enhanced by authentic character developments. The dynamic exchange between Noh Chak-Hee and Jwa Si-Baek is consistently entertaining, complemented by beautifully scripted emotional moments.
Where to watch: All 12 episodes of May It Please the Court are available for streaming on Disney+.
These compelling series provide the ideal entertainment for fans of The Lincoln Lawyer, blending intricate cases with unforgettable characters.
Leave a Reply