12 Shows like ‘Presumed Innocent’ That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat”
“Presumed Innocent” has quickly become the must-watch show of the summer, captivating audiences with its intricate plot and compelling characters. Each week, viewers are drawn deeper into its web of mystery, eagerly piecing together clues and anticipating the next twist. The show’s ability to blend legal drama with intense suspense keeps fans on the edge of their seats, making it a standout in this season’s lineup. As the series wraps up, the craving for more gripping tales persists. For those left wanting more, we’ve compiled a list of equally thrilling legal dramas and mysteries to dive into next.
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1. “Big Little Lies” (2017-Present)
“Big Little Lies,” written by David E. Kelley, the same writer as “Presumed Innocent” first aired in 2017. The show has left a large mark on the television landscape since . The show, with its all-star cast including Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Meryl Streep, delves into the seemingly perfect lives of Monterey mothers, unearthing dark secrets and complex relationships. Its masterful storytelling, paired with powerful performances, has sparked important conversations about domestic abuse, friendship, and female empowerment. Garnering critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, “Big Little Lies” has set a new standard for drama series, proving that TV can be both entertaining and profoundly impactful. “Big Little Lies” was originally conceived as a limited series in 2017 but was renewed following critical and commercial success. The second season aired in 2019 and the door was left open for a third season in the future. Over the last year, producers Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon have expressed that a third season is currently being written and they cannot wait to show people what they have been working on.
2. “Defending Jacob” (2020)
“Defending Jacob” is a gripping legal drama that follows assistant district attorney Andy Barber, played by Chris Evans, as his world is turned upside down when his son, Jacob, is accused of murder. Based on William Landay’s novel, the show delves into the complexities of parental love, guilt, and the pursuit of justice. With intense performances and a meticulously crafted narrative, “Defending Jacob” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, questioning the nature of truth and loyalty. Its exploration of familial bonds and moral dilemmas has resonated deeply with audiences, making it a standout in the genre. “Defending Jacob” is streaming on Apple TV+.
3. “The Lincoln Lawyer” (2022-Present)
“The Lincoln Lawyer,” written by David E. Kelley, follows the story of Mickey Haller, a charismatic defense attorney who runs his practice from the back of his Lincoln Town Car. Based on Michael Connelly’s bestselling novels, the show combines legal drama with a gritty, street-smart edge. As Mickey navigates the complexities of the legal system, he takes on high-stakes cases that often blur the lines between right and wrong. With Kelley’s signature knack for compelling storytelling and rich character development, “The Lincoln Lawyer” offers a thrilling, fast-paced look into the world of criminal defense. “The Lincoln Lawyer” is streaming on Netflix.
4. “The Staircase” (2022)
“The Staircase,” a Max series starring Colin Firth, is a gripping true-crime drama that explores the mysterious death of Kathleen Peterson. Firth portrays Michael Peterson, a novelist accused of murdering his wife, whose body was found at the bottom of a staircase in their home. The show delves into the intense legal battle and the complex dynamics of the Peterson family, weaving together courtroom drama with deep psychological insights. With a stellar cast and a compelling narrative based on real events, “The Staircase” keeps viewers engrossed as it examines themes of truth, justice, and the elusive nature of certainty. “The Staircase” is streaming on Max.
5. “Under the Bridge” (2024)
“Under the Bridge” on Hulu is a gripping drama series that delves into a sad and chilling true crime story. The show follows the investigation of a brutal murder that shakes a close-knit community to its core. As the mystery unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the impact of the crime ripples through the lives of everyone involved. With a strong cast and a compelling narrative, “Under the Bridge” offers a deep exploration of human nature, justice, and the complex web of relationships in the wake of a tragedy. “Under the Bridge” is streaming on Hulu.
6. “Anatomy of a Scandal” (2022)
“Anatomy of a Scandal,” written by David E. Kelley, is a riveting courtroom drama that delves into the personal and political fallout of a high-profile scandal. The series follows Sophie Whitehouse, whose husband James, a prominent politician, is accused of a shocking crime. As the trial unfolds, dark secrets and complex moral dilemmas come to light, challenging the characters’ perceptions of truth and justice. With its intricate storytelling and powerful performances, “Anatomy of a Scandal” offers a thought-provoking exploration of privilege, power, and the elusive nature of truth.
7. “The Night Manager” (2016)
“The Night Manager” is a thrilling espionage series based on John le Carré’s novel, starring Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie. The show follows Jonathan Pine, a former British soldier turned night manager at a luxury hotel, who is recruited by an intelligence operative to infiltrate the inner circle of international arms dealer Richard Roper. As Pine navigates this dangerous undercover mission, he becomes entangled in a world of deceit, corruption, and high-stakes intrigue. With its sleek production, stellar performances, and gripping narrative, “The Night Manager” delivers a sophisticated and intense spy drama. “The Night Manager” is streaming on Prime Video.
8. “The Last Thing He Told Me” (2023-Present)
“The Last Thing He Told Me” is a suspenseful drama series based on Laura Dave’s bestselling novel. It stars Jennifer Garner as Hannah, who discovers that her husband, Owen, has disappeared under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a cryptic note asking her to protect his teenage daughter, Bailey. As Hannah and Bailey try to uncover the truth behind Owen’s disappearance, they unravel a web of secrets that challenge everything they thought they knew about him. The series combines emotional depth with thrilling twists, creating a compelling narrative about trust, family, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. “The Last Thing He Told Me” is streaming on Apple TV+.
9. “Little Fires Everywhere” (2020)
“Little Fires Everywhere,” based on Celeste Ng’s novel, is a drama series that explores the intricate lives of two families in a wealthy suburb. Starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, the show centers on the Richardson family and the Warren family, whose lives collide when Mia Warren, an artist and single mother, and her daughter, Pearl, move into the Richardsons’ rental property. As tensions rise, a custody battle over a stolen baby ignites deep-seated secrets and conflicts, leading to dramatic consequences. The series examines themes of privilege, race, and family dynamics with a compelling narrative and strong performances.
10. “Sharp Objects” (2018)
“Sharp Objects,” based on Gillian Flynn’s novel, is a dark psychological thriller starring Amy Adams as Camille Preaker, a troubled journalist returning to her hometown to cover a series of brutal murders. As Camille investigates the crimes, she confronts her own traumatic past and the unsettling dynamics within her family, including her manipulative mother and estranged half-sister. The series, known for its intense atmosphere and complex characters, delves into themes of trauma, mental illness, and familial dysfunction, creating a gripping and haunting narrative. “Sharp Objects” is streaming on Max.
Credit: HBO
11. “Mare of Easttown” (2021)
“Mare of Easttown” is a gripping crime drama starring Kate Winslet as Mare Sheehan, a small-town detective in Pennsylvania grappling with the recent murder of a local girl while dealing with her own personal struggles. As Mare delves into the investigation, she uncovers a web of secrets that threatens to unravel her community and her own life. The series is praised for its strong performances, particularly Winslet’s, and its deep, nuanced exploration of grief, family dynamics, and the impact of crime on a tight-knit community. “Mare of Easttown” is streaming on Max.
12. “How To Get Away With Murder” (2014-2020)
“How to Get Away with Murder” is a gripping legal drama centered on Annalise Keating, a brilliant law professor played by Viola Davis, who teaches a class on criminal defense at a prestigious university. Her top students, who are eager to excel in the legal world, become entangled in a murder plot that leads to a series of shocking twists and revelations. As the narrative shifts between the present and past, the show explores complex legal cases, moral dilemmas, and the personal lives of its characters, creating a suspenseful and engaging storyline. “How To Get Away With Murder” is currently streaming on Netflix.
If you were captivated by “Presumed Innocent,” you’ll find plenty to enjoy in shows that offer similar blends of suspense, intricate plots, and psychological depth. “Big Little Lies” masterfully weaves a tale of dark secrets and complex relationships, while “Little Fires Everywhere” delves into the undercurrents of a seemingly perfect community with dramatic twists. For those intrigued by legal drama and moral ambiguity, “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Defending Jacob” offer intense, character-driven narratives that keep viewers guessing until the very end. These series promise to deliver the same level of engrossing storytelling and edge-of-your-seat thrills that made “Presumed Innocent” such a standout.
