According to TVLine, Apple TV+ is set to take its acclaimed legal thriller Presumed Innocent in a fresh direction for its highly anticipated second season. Originally a legal thriller centered on a male prosecutor, the series will switch gears, focusing instead on a female lead inspired by the upcoming novel Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray (Jackson Horn). The series’ shift toward an anthology format marks a notable change, allowing it to explore new narratives and characters each season.
The source material, Dissection of a Murder, scheduled for release in Spring 2026, introduces Leila Reynolds, a young defense attorney thrust into the high-stakes world of her first murder case. As mentioned by TVLine, the plot thickens as she discovers that her husband is the prosecutor on the very same case, setting up a tense battle both in and out of the courtroom. “Soon, Leila is fighting to keep her own secrets buried, too,” the book’s synopsis hints, suggesting a story rich with intrigue, conflict and the complicated dynamics of personal relationships intersecting with the law.
According to TVLine, Apple TV+ announced Presumed Innocent’s renewal for season two back in July, with the initial promise that it would “revolve around a new case,” thereby broadening the series into an anthology format. Season one of Presumed Innocent starred Jake Gyllenhaal (Brokeback Mountain, Prisoners, Nightcrawler) as Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor accused of murdering his colleague and lover. The season was adapted from Scott Turow’s (One L, Innocent, The Burden Of Truth) bestselling novel, which also inspired a 1990 film adaptation featuring Harrison Ford (Blade Runner, The Fugitive).
While no casting decisions for season two have been disclosed, some familiar faces from the first season might make a return, though their roles remain a mystery, as mentioned by TVLine. Gyllenhaal will continue his involvement in the series as an executive producer alongside other season one executive producers David E. Kelley (The Undoing, Ally McBeal, The Practice) and J.J. Abrams (Star Trek, Lost, Cloverfield). The show’s first season reportedly ranks as Apple TV+’s most-watched drama to date, building a solid fan base that eagerly awaits what the second season has in store.
As Presumed Innocent pivots to a new story and protagonist, fans can expect the series to delve into fresh themes and legal complexities, all while staying true to its suspenseful roots.