The 2011 film “The Lincoln Lawyer,” derived from Michael Connelly’s book series, featured Matthew McConaughey. In the year 2022, David E. Kelley transformed the novel for Netflix as a TV series, with Manuel Garcia-Rulfo portraying Mickey Haller – an LA attorney who operates primarily from and within his Lincoln Navigator, a distinctive feature of the character.
Mickey Haller, known as a tenacious advocate for the underdog, serves as both an investigator and a captivating, unrivaled lawyer. His unique blend of wit, style, and optimism has propelled “The Lincoln Lawyer” to Netflix’s most popular shows. However, he is not the only small-scale champion; he simply continues the legacy of televised do-gooders who tirelessly work towards ensuring justice for individuals often overlooked by the system.
Over many decades of television broadcasting, numerous series have been created that share a common theme: the story of a protagonist striving to aid the less fortunate, regardless if they are lawyers, sworn protectors, or everyday people with a heart for helping others. If you’ve savored “The Lincoln Lawyer” and are curious about more shows to watch, here are 15 recommendations for you.
Bosch
After finishing “The Lincoln Lawyer,” you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on “Bosch.” Although they have different tones and stories, both shows are set in the same fictional universe, making them appealing to fans of “The Lincoln Lawyer.” Similar to “The Lincoln Lawyer,” “Bosch” is adapted from Michael Connelly’s books. The main character, Bosch, is Harry Bosch, who shares a family connection with Mickey Haller, the protagonist in “The Lincoln Lawyer.
In the TV show, Titus Welliver portrays Bosch, a detective who’s grappling with challenges on both his work and personal fronts. He tends to bend or break rules, similar to his half-brother, but as a Los Angeles Police Department officer, this rule-breaking often lands him in hot water with his superiors for disobeying orders, especially when he feels it’s necessary to uphold justice. Despite not having a movie adaptation, the series spanned an impressive seven seasons and spawned a successor, “Bosch: Legacy,” as well as a spin-off show titled “Ballard.
Bull
Transitioning from police dramas to courtroom series, we strongly suggest you give “Bull” a try if you enjoy “The Lincoln Lawyer.” This top-notch show revolves around an adventurous main character and shares a similar style and atmosphere, with humor adding depth to its compelling legal stories. Starring Michael Weatherly from “NCIS,” the series finds him playing Dr. Jason Bull, who, though not a lawyer, heads a team of specialists in jury selection.
Using his team at Trial Analysis Corporation – comprised of lawyers, prosecutors, and specialists in behavioral psychology – Dr. Bull assists his clients by employing a novel branch of psychoanalysis that aids them in selecting the most advantageous jurors to boost their case’s chances of success. Interestingly, the show is inspired by the early professional life of Dr. Phil McGraw (the very same Dr. Phil), who established a comparable company named Courtroom Sciences, Inc., in the 1990s.
Goliath
Goliath,” like “The Lincoln Lawyer” and its sibling series “Bosch,” is another Amazon original from the creative mind of David E. Kelley. The show features Billy Bob Thornton as Billy McBride, a struggling attorney who finds himself on the brink of collapse: He was ousted from his profession after the man he successfully defended later committed another murder, his wife has left him, and he’s turned to alcohol for solace.
McBride, who finds himself residing in a hotel due to hard times, is summoned again for duty when a woman seeks assistance in uncovering evidence that a significant corporation was responsible for her husband’s demise. Notably, this corporation had been a client of his previous workplace. Determined to best McBride both within and outside the courtroom, his former superior, Donald Cooperman (portrayed by William Hurt), takes on this challenge.
McBride, unlike the charming Mickey Haller, comes across as gruff and disillusioned, eager to regain control of his life by choosing cases that resonate with his convictions, rather than solely focusing on those that offer financial gain.
Duster
In May of 2025, the latest addition to our list, titled “Duster,” debuted on HBO Max (renamed back to HBO Max), co-created by J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan, producer of “The Walking Dead.” The series stars Rachel Hilson from “The Good Wife” as Nina Hayes, a new FBI agent who is the first Black woman in the bureau, working alongside Josh Holloway, known for his role in “Lost,” portraying her civilian partner Jim Ellis.
The title of this show is inspired by its leading character’s distinctive vehicle, which happens to be a 1970 Plymouth Duster, similar to Matthew McConaughey’s iconic car in “The Lincoln Lawyer.” However, unlike the protagonist in that story who is a lawyer, our main character Ellis is a petty criminal and infamous getaway driver. Hayes, not a law enforcer, enlists Ellis in an audacious scheme to bring down the region’s most feared drug lord, Ezra Saxton, played by Keith David. Although the plot may appear unrelated to “The Lincoln Lawyer,” it is the show’s humorous and witty approach that will appeal to fans of the Michael Connelly series.
2025 saw “Duster” hailed as one of the year’s top new TV series due to its engaging period backdrop and captivating performances by its main actors. However, despite the accolades, the show was unfortunately discontinued after just one season.
Justified
If Mickey Haller had opted for a career in law enforcement rather than law, he might have joined the U.S. Marshal Service. In this role, he could resemble Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, the protagonist of “Justified.” With a comparable charisma and swagger, Givens battles murderers, drug lords, gun traffickers, and kidnappers.
At the outset, Givens is dispatched back to his native Kentucky town due to a contentious work-related shooting incident. Upon arrival, he encounters a locale marred by criminal activities, and an assortment of intriguing cases that demand more than brute force to unravel. With the spirit of a tenacious investigator, Givens carries a burdensome pride and a tongue sharp as a tack, reminiscent of Mickey Haller’s wit, but with a firearm at his side and a cowboy hat gracing his head.
The show boasts an impressive roster of memorable villains, spearheaded by Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins), a criminal mastermind who’s the son of a notorious drug lord. Initially, it followed a weekly format for solving crimes, but soon evolved into multi-episode arcs, presenting some of the most captivating mysteries and edge-of-your-seat crime dramas on television.
The Practice
If you’re a fan of “The Lincoln Lawyer” and seeking a top-notch legal drama with a humorous twist, delve into the work of David E. Kelley, the series creator, who has a rich history in this genre. Among his many masterpieces, “The Practice” stands out, featuring Dylan McDermott as Robert “Bobby” Donnell, a lawyer and head of the firm, Robert Donnell and Associates.
The team led by Donnell tackles cases that others find unappealing, either because they are thought to be impossible to win or due to financial constraints preventing clients from affording premium legal services. At the heart of this show lies the moral dilemmas that arise when lawyers defend accused individuals – dilemmas that Donnell and Associates grapple with in their work. Should it be considered ethical to safeguard someone known to have committed a horrific crime? Can justice prevail if we deny our clients a robust defense?
The show “The Practice” stands out due to its ability to infuse humor even in heavy topics. It aired for eight seasons before evolving into the follow-up series “Boston Legal,” featuring James Spader and William Shatner, a pairing that is greatly appreciated by viewers.
J.J. Starbuck
In 1987, a brief television series titled “J.J. Starbuck” bears some similarities to “The Lincoln Lawyer,” but it’s important to note that they are not connected. However, both share several common traits. The former features a charming protagonist who travels across the country in a 1961 Lincoln, adorned with antlers on the grille, and dedicates himself to assisting those in need.
As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share that instead of being a legal eagle, J.J. Starbuck (portrayed by Dale Robertson) is an affluent former oil tycoon, gleefully dispensing a torrent of quirky, seemingly timeless Southern phrases, some of which might border on improvisation. However, what makes him truly remarkable is his utilization of immense wealth to ensure justice prevails, particularly for the downtrodden who lack the means to fight their own battles.
If you’re not a fan of ’80s TV, “J.J. Starbuck” might feel a bit outdated, but it offers a delightful blend of legal drama and comedy, similar to “The Lincoln Lawyer.” It’s also perfect for those who enjoy diving into the rich history of charming, justice-seeking characters on prime time television.
Matlock
If “J.J. Starbuck” wasn’t the influence behind “The Lincoln Lawyer,” then perhaps “Matlock” could be considered an alternative source of inspiration. This popular 1980s series showcased Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock, a seasoned yet exceptional criminal defense attorney who specialized in legal dramas. Over nearly a decade, Matlock consistently faced underestimation due to his age and Southern charm, but he consistently outwitted more powerful adversaries time and again.
In the realm of ’80s television, “Matlock” became an iconic show that left a significant impact, leading to a surge of courtroom dramas. Many aspects of its design were emulated in later productions, from Matlock’s intense courtroom exchanges to his remarkable talent for outsmarting the cleverest criminals, often using sharp verbal tricks. For those who didn’t watch ’80s TV, don’t fret! The series was reimagined in 2024, featuring a gender-swapped version of the character played by the Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates.
Perry Mason (2020)
Prior to “Matlock”, the most popular courtroom drama on television was “Perry Mason”, a series that originally aired in the 1950s and ’60s, based on a radio play of the same name. Its star, Raymond Burr, reprised his role in a series of TV movies in the ’80s and ’90s, but for those who enjoy “The Lincoln Lawyer”, our preferred choice is the 2020 prequel series available on HBO Max.
In the 1930s, this fresh adaptation of “Perry Mason” delves into the lawyer’s life before he became a fully-fledged attorney. The show reveals that prior to his courtroom days, Perry Mason was a private investigator. In the first season, he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind a gruesome child abduction and murder case. The series has a more somber atmosphere compared to “The Lincoln Lawyer,” but the debonair leading character portrayed by Matthew Rhys is reminiscent of Mickey Haller, with an added layer of rugged determination that suits the period.
Tracker
One captivating aspect of “The Lincoln Lawyer” lies in its protagonist, Mickey Haller, who strives to assist the underprivileged who struggle against wealthier, more influential adversaries in court. On the other hand, Colter Shaw (played by Justin Hartley), found outside the courtroom, shares a similar mission as Haller: helping those in distress. Instead of relying on a law degree, Shaw employs his exceptional wilderness survival and tracking abilities to locate missing individuals.
In this instance, we’re discussing “Tracker,” a story derived from Jeffery Deaver’s novels. The narrative follows the adventures of Shaw as he navigates across the nation, hot on the trail of individuals that traditional law enforcement can’t locate. Unlike his usual ride, a Lincoln, Shaw drives a GMC pickup truck with an Airstream trailer attached, his favored means of transport. With courage, tenacity, and resoluteness, Shaw stops at nothing to find these missing persons, whether they are kidnap victims or runaway teenagers.
The Good Wife
In an unusual twist on traditional courtroom dramas, CBS’s legal series “The Good Wife” features its leading character, Alicia Florrick (played by Julianna Margulies), who had previously given up her law career to be a stay-at-home mom. This change was prompted by her husband Peter’s (portrayed by Chris Noth from “Sex and the City”) ascension to U.S. district attorney. However, when Peter is dismissed following a scandal, Alicia steps back into the courtroom after many years’ absence.
For seven thrilling seasons, I’ve been captivated by “The Good Wife,” a series that chronicles the relentless litigator’s journey to regain professional respect while juggling her roles as a wife and mother. Similar to other shows on this list, “The Good Wife” maintains its allure through its clever, sharp humor, a quality that carried over into its spin-off, “The Good Fight.” This spin-off, which ran for an additional six seasons, saw the character of Diane Lockhart (played brilliantly by Christine Baranski) move to a new law firm and delve into the world of politics, exclusively on Paramount+.
Picket Fences
David E. Kelley transitioned from creating “The Practice” to “L.A. Law,” and before that, he gave us some timeless legal dramas. Before “The Lincoln Lawyer,” in 1992, he introduced “Picket Fences,” a family drama with an ensemble cast. This series was set in a small Wisconsin town and focused on the everyday struggles and peculiarities of its residents, who often found themselves in court. The show explored the lives of these ordinary, yet sometimes quirky, townspeople.
In “Picket Fences”, numerous tales centered around law enforcement, with the vocal elderly lawyer Douglas Wambaugh (Fyvush Finkel) frequently presenting cases before the stern yet principled Judge Henry Bone (Ray Walston). The result is a collection of peculiar narratives that carry an unexpectedly innocent ambiance, given the show’s tendency to delve into sensitive and controversial themes such as sexual misconduct, LGBT rights, or genetic manipulation.
Despite running for just four seasons, the series “Picket Fences” gained a dedicated fanbase and surprisingly, included an episode that came close to being a cross-over with “The X-Files.
Sugar
In the 2024 Apple TV+ series “Sugar,” similar to “The Lincoln Lawyer,” the story unfolds in Los Angeles, where our protagonist, John Sugar (portrayed by Colin Farrell from “Gotham”), cruises the city in a stylish 1966 Chevy Stingray. This character shares the same charm and suaveness as Mickey Haller, perhaps even more so, making him an ideal private investigator near Hollywood. In this series, John Sugar tackles a kidnapping case involving a prominent figure in Tinseltown.
As a fan, I found myself drawn into a thrilling tale by a prominent Hollywood producer, whose child had mysteriously vanished. This case unexpectedly pits me, Sugar, against the ruthless Japanese mafia, the Yakuza. To rescue the girl and ensure my own survival, I’ll need to leverage every skill at my disposal. It’s a gripping blend of crime, mystery, and psychological drama that’s been masterfully crafted. The show has received an Emmy nomination for its exceptional cinematography and stylish neo-noir aesthetic. However, it might stir debate – especially among fans of “The Lincoln Lawyer” seeking a straightforward narrative. Yet, “Sugar” offers one of the most startling and unorthodox plot twists in contemporary TV storytelling.
Reacher
If you’re seeking a series similar to “The Lincoln Lawyer” but with an increased focus on action, I’d recommend checking out “Reacher.” This Amazon original shares the novel-based origin and features Alan Ritchson as a tough yet compassionate character. Known as a one-man force, Jack Reacher is a powerhouse with a heart of gold, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Formerly a military police officer, Reacher has taken up a nomadic lifestyle, using his travels to intervene whenever he encounters injustice.
Even though he’s built like a colossal mountain of muscle, Reacher generally avoids resorting to physical fights and instead chooses to talk his way out whenever possible. Essentially a detective, lawyer, and soldier rolled into one, he steps in to assist those with no other options, be it locating a missing relative, resolving legal predicaments, or safeguarding someone in distress. Driven by an unwavering commitment to justice, this ex-military cop frequently assists law enforcement in their most challenging cases that they’re unable to solve — even when they aren’t always eager for his assistance.
Reacher” seamlessly blends elements of a superior detective tale, captivating mystery, and exhilarating action saga. It transcends traditional genre boundaries, making it an ideal choice for those craving the heroic escapades reminiscent of “The Lincoln Lawyer.
Better Call Saul
Focusing on Saul Goodman, a beloved side character from “Breaking Bad” played by Bob Odenkirk, “Better Call Saul” tells the story of this unethical lawyer’s journey from obscurity to becoming one of Albuquerque’s most influential legal figures. As he navigates through petty scams and serious criminal activities, no line is drawn as he steps on both friends and family without remorse in his pursuit of power. It also reintroduces several characters from “Breaking Bad” while providing a deeper exploration of the Albuquerque underworld we were previously acquainted with. This spinoff not only succeeds but feels necessary, making it arguably the best prequel TV series ever created.
In addition to sharing critical praise and dry wit in their legal dramas, “The Lincoln Lawyer” and “Better Call Saul” have similarities in their leading characters. Although Mickey Haller may appear more morally questionable than Saul Goodman initially, both characters exhibit a casual, ethically ambiguous, quick-tempered attitude towards their work, setting them apart from typical legal dramas with a more serious or dry tone.
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2025-07-19 22:32