Production for the second season of Apple TV‘s hit legal drama Presumed Innocent is now officially underway. This new season will feature a completely new story and a new lead cast, moving the show into an anthology format similar to other successful series. The update comes after the show’s successful first season, which became a major hit for the streaming service upon its release in 2024.
New Cast Takes the Lead in Season 2
The new season introduces a group of new actors in lead roles, led by Rachel Brosnahan. Brosnahan, known for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, will play the central character, defense attorney Leila Reynolds. She is joined by Matthew Rhys (The Americans, Perry Mason) and Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve, Harry Potter), who have been cast as series regulars.
The full ensemble cast for the season also includes Jack Reynor, Courtney B. Vance, Lesley-Ann Brandt, John Magaro, and Michael Hsu Rosen. The production shared a behind-the-scenes clip featuring Brosnahan, Rhys, and Shaw to mark the start of filming in Los Angeles.
A Brand New Legal Case Based on a New Book
Unlike the first season, which adapted Scott Turow’s classic novel, the new story for Season 2 will be based on a different source. The plot will be inspired by the upcoming novel Dissection of a Murder by author Jo Murray, which is scheduled for publication in 2026.
The story centers on Brosnahan’s character, Leila Reynolds, a defense attorney handed her first major murder case. The situation is complicated by high personal stakes, as her husband, played by Matthew Rhys, is the prosecutor on the same case. Fiona Shaw will play a partner at the law firm who serves as Leila’s second chair.
According to the book’s description, “She’s way out of her depth, but the defendant only wants her – and to make matters worse, her husband is the prosecutor. Soon, Leila is fighting to keep her own secrets buried, too”.
Show’s Format Shifts to Anthology for New Seasons
The shift to a new story with a new cast confirms that Presumed Innocent is transitioning into an anthology series. This means each season will tell a complete, standalone story with different characters, similar to the structure of shows like The White Lotus. This creative decision allows the show to explore new legal and moral dilemmas beyond the story told in the first season.
The first season, which starred Jake Gyllenhaal as prosecutor Rusty Sabich, was a major success for Apple TV+. It was praised for Gyllenhaal’s performance and was called “one of the best legal thrillers to arrive on television in years”. The season received four Emmy Award nominations. While Gyllenhaal will not return as an actor for the second season, he will continue as an executive producer.
Returning Creative Team and Production Status
The creative team behind the series remains consistent. Multi-Emmy Award winners David E. Kelley and J.J. Abrams return as executive producers. Kelley will also serve as showrunner for the new season alongside Erica Lipez. Jake Gyllenhaal, Dustin Thomason, and Matthew Tinker also return as executive producers. Author Scott Turow, who wrote the original Presumed Innocent novel, will serve as a co-executive producer for the new season.
Filming for the season is currently active in Los Angeles. While an official release date has not been announced, the start of production suggests a potential premiere window in 2026. The first season of Presumed Innocent is available to stream in full on Apple TV+.
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