As a seasoned television enthusiast who’s spent countless hours immersed in the intricate worlds of crime dramas, I can wholeheartedly recommend “True Detective” as a must-watch for any fan of “Presumed Innocent“. This HBO gem, with its high-production value and star-studded cast, truly paved the way for the prestige TV era we now enjoy.
There’s nothing quite like diving into an engaging murder mystery! Whether it unfolds in a courtroom or on city streets, unraveling the intricate plot of a well-crafted suspense novel is always entertaining. This genre has seen a resurgence in recent years, especially on television. In fact, “Presumed Innocent,” Scott Turow’s 1987 legal thriller novel, was first adapted for the big screen in 1990 and then reimagined for small-screen viewing by Apple TV+ in 2024.
In the most recent rendition, Jake Gyllenhaal steps into Harrison Ford’s shoes, portraying Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor who finds himself embroiled in a complex case when a former lover, also a colleague, mysteriously passes away. As the investigation and trial unfold, they delve deep into the intricate workings of the legal system, ultimately exposing startling truths about the destructive power of hidden secrets.
If you found the series engaging and are searching for similar TV shows, you’re in for a treat! There are numerous excellent options available for streaming, catering to those who prefer the intrigue of murder investigations or the intensity of courtroom dramas. Here are seven shows that offer the same level of suspense and captivation as “Presumed Innocent” that you should definitely watch next.
The Killing
One of the shows on this list that started in 2011 and concluded in 2014 is “The Killing,” which initially aired on AMC but moved to Netflix after being canceled by its original network. This series, based on a Danish production, relocates the action to gloomy Seattle, where the murder of local teen Rosie Larsen (played by Katie Findlay) triggers an extensive probe into the city’s political sphere.
One distinctive aspect of “The Killing” lies in its approach to narrative, as it equally distributes screen time among multiple perspectives within the storyline. The viewers are granted insights into the fallout of Rosie’s murder from three vantage points: detectives Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman), who handle the case; Rosie’s family; and mayoral candidate Darren Richmond (Billy Campbell), whose political campaign gets entangled in the murder early on. These storylines intertwine at various junctures across the series’ first two seasons, while subsequent seasons delve into different matters beyond the Larsen case.
As a gamer, I can say that “The Killing” is like diving into a world where the intricate web of politics, law enforcement, and justice system can be as guilty as the criminals they pursue. Just like Rusty in “Presumed Innocent,” Linden isn’t without flaws. Her investigation into a murder intertwines with secrets from her own past, creating a complex narrative that seems to mirror the endless drizzle of Seattle. Even after a decade, it’s still as compelling as ever.
The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story
The initial season of Ryan Murphy’s “American Crime Story” effectively conveys the intensity of the O.J. Simpson case and trial, despite it being a story that many are already familiar with, due to its compelling narrative and an exceptional group of actors.
The story portrayed in the show is incredibly complex, mirroring the many facets of the actual case, which was the most publicized murder trial in recent history. While some creative liberties are taken, it’s not hard to imagine how such a compelling narrative could be adapted for television. The series is powered by outstanding performances from stars like Courtney B. Vance as Johnnie Cochran, Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark, Cuba Gooding Jr. as O.J. Simpson, and notably, Sterling K. Brown as Christopher Darden. Brown’s performance, which was recognized with an Emmy award, stands out as one of the best in the genre.
The narrative in this series is based on real events, yet it adheres to many familiar tropes common in legal dramas and murder mysteries. It’s engaging, thrilling, suspenseful, and never fails to keep you entertained. Though it may be the most realistic season he’s ever created, there are moments where Ryan Murphy’s distinctive, flamboyant style is evident, adding a touch of humor to the intense drama.
Under the Bridge
Hulu’s series “Under the Bridge” concluded its broadcast prior to “Presumed Innocent” debuting on Apple TV+ this year. Similar to “American Crime Story,” it’s a true crime television show. This drama is a portrayal of the murder of 14-year-old Canadian girl, Reena Virk, who was killed by a gang of other teenagers in 1997. Riley Keough takes on the role of Rebecca Godfrey, the author whose book inspired the series, while Lily Gladstone plays detective Cam Bentland.
The series is a raw portrayal of an unfortunate tale, unflinchingly exploring its bleakest elements – a heart-wrenching narrative filled with brutality, regret, and sorrow. Upon its release, this limited series garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and viewers, having debuted just under two years following Godfrey’s death due to lung cancer complications. It stands as an exceptional true crime series, boasting numerous impactful scenes, and is bolstered by Gladstone’s stellar portrayal of Cam, for which she was recognized with a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
The Lincoln Lawyer
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but sing praises for Michael Connelly’s “Lincoln Lawyer” novels. They’ve even made it onto Looper’s esteemed list of top lawyer movies ever made! However, when I’m in the mood for something more immersive, a show is just what I need. That’s where Netflix’s latest streaming adaptation comes into play. This captivating series stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as the titular Lincoln Lawyer, Mickey Haller, who skillfully navigates criminal defense cases in Los Angeles from within the comfort of his trusty Lincoln.
Though not as suspenseful as “Presumed Innocent” or certain series on this list, “The Lincoln Lawyer” offers a well-crafted legal drama. With two seasons under its belt and the third ready to premiere shortly at the time of writing, it stars Garcia-Rulfo delivering an impressive performance as Mickey. The character is skillfully portrayed with a mix of professional prowess and personal turmoil. Compared to other true crime serials, “The Lincoln Lawyer” concentrates more on its main narrative but still incorporates the enjoyable, binge-worthy elements typical of network TV procedurals.
The series doesn’t revolutionize the genre, but it’s well-made and delivers a fulfilling viewing experience. For those who appreciated “Presumed Innocent” primarily for its courtroom scenes, this show offers ample doses of traditional legal drama to engage with. Moreover, “The Lincoln Lawyer” is inspired by real-life legal cases, making it less fantastical compared to other shows in the list, although it remains a work of fiction.
Dark Winds
Taking place in the American Southwest during the 1970s, AMC’s “Dark Winds” showcases exceptional storytelling in contemporary Western television. Starring Zahn McClarnon, Jessica Matten, Deanna Allison, and Kiowa Gordon, this series presents a captivating portrayal of their characters. Particularly notable is the performance of Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn, a Navajo tribal police officer investigating two gruesome murders. This case eventually links to a significant bank robbery, forcing Joe to confront both a prejudiced FBI hierarchy and ominous forces within Navajo County in order to uncover the truth.
Although “Presumed Innocent” might seem the most dissimilar among the shows in this list, we’ve chosen to include it due to several factors. Similar to the Apple TV+ series, it offers a compelling murder mystery with protagonists who are intricately linked to the case. It also boasts stunning visuals that make it an exceptional show. Moreover, its best feature is that it’s still ongoing, allowing you to start with seasons 1 and 2 now and be prepared for Season 3 when it debuts on AMC.
The series blends elements of neo-noir, Western, and supernatural thriller genres rather than sticking strictly to a conventional crime drama format. This unique blend is what truly sets the show apart. While it shares key aspects such as intricate mysteries, deep characters, and ominous undercurrents with works like “Presumed Innocent,” the exceptional cast of “Dark Winds” is what really elevates the series.
Your Honor
As a game enthusiast, diving into “Your Honor” feels like stepping into an immersive narrative not too dissimilar from “Presumed Innocent.” Unlike the top-rated shows on this list by critics, its unique charm lies in its gripping tale. In this story, I find myself following Michael Desiato (played by Bryan Cranston), a judge from New Orleans who finds himself entangled in a web of deceit after his son Adam (Hunter Doohan) unintentionally takes the life of a local crime lord’s son in a hit-and-run incident.
Initially intended as a single season production, the Showtime series surprisingly returned for a second season in 2023. We won’t spoil any details from this season, as it continues the narrative following the events of the first one. Fans of Bryan Cranston’s previous dramatic roles are sure to be eager to see him tackle another complex, morally ambiguous character, and the ensemble cast also delivers compelling performances by Hope Davis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Sofia Black-D’Elia, and Carmen Ejogo.
Although the film has a moderate 49% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts a more favorable audience score of 67%. If you’re already fond of the genre and enjoyed “Presumed Innocent,” chances are good that you’ll find yourself on the positive side.
True Detective
Season 1 of ‘True Detective’ stands out as a significant milestone in contemporary television storytelling, exploring the boundaries of thriller genres in the era of streaming and premium television. Although it originally aired on HBO, its high-quality production, star performances, and intricate plotlines have influenced numerous other networks and streaming platforms. Moreover, it was one of the pioneers in adopting the modern anthology TV format that ‘American Horror Story’ popularized, which has since gained widespread acceptance.
Each season offers a fresh, standalone narrative with distinct characters, setting it apart from previous ones. Although the initial series featuring Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey is often praised as one of the best TV shows ever made, every subsequent installment introduces its own captivating themes and exceptional acting performances.
Although it’s titled “True Detective,” the series isn’t about real crimes. Instead, it delves into the complexities of the human mind within different fictional scenarios, typically framed around significant investigations. It may not be suitable for viewers with a weak stomach due to its dark and sometimes gruesome content. However, at its finest, “True Detective” immerses you in an intriguing mystery that’s hard to forget.
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2024-10-15 04:00