Stream ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Now: A Must-Watch for ‘Suits’ Fans!

A captivating attorney tirelessly fights to clear his clients’ names, often employing subtle tricks, maintaining a friendly demeanor, and using a touch of forcefulness. Among numerous legal-themed shows, it’s hard to deny that Suits is currently one of the most well-liked.

As a latecomer to the scene, I discovered the captivating allure of “Suits” when it found new life on Netflix and spun off into “Suits LA”. Though it first aired on USA Network in 2011, many missed out on its initial run. However, once I binge-watched all nine seasons, I found myself craving more of the same engaging drama. Enter “The Lincoln Lawyer“, which adapts the narrative presented in the movie of the same name, starring Matthew McConaughey, and transforms it into a series, with a surprising twist.

What Is ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ About?

According to the Michael Connelly novels, the film The Lincoln Lawyer introduces Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, a defense attorney in Los Angeles who’s also a recovering addict. When his friend and fellow lawyer is tragically killed and bequeaths his practice to Mickey, he finds a fresh sense of purpose and a second chance at life. Now, it falls upon Mickey to assume all his friend’s ongoing cases and unravel the mystery behind his murder.

Mickey is always busy and keeps moving, with the gears never stopping, so he usually conducts much of his business from the back seat of one of his numerous Lincoln vehicles. Following his help in clearing a young woman named Izzy (Jazz Raycole) of a minor theft charge, and discovering she is a recovering addict too, he proposes a solution for her compensation: work as his driver to repay her legal costs.

Mickey, accompanied by Izzy – his second ex-wife and sharp legal associate Lorna (played by Becki Newton), as well as his friend Dennis “Cisco” Wojciechowski, an investigator with a past in a motorcycle gang, embarks on a mission to aid those in need of legal defense, provided they can afford a generous fee. This team is one of the most intriguing aspects of the show.

Mickey’s willingness to represent any client and enjoy freeing those deemed guilty doesn’t automatically imply he’s without ethics. He was taught by a top-notch mentor that clients come first, regardless of their guilt or innocence. His role is to defend, which occasionally requires navigating ambiguous territories. However, Mickey is adept at hiding his steps and treading the thin line of lawfulness, feeling fulfilled by his achievements, even if some may disapprove of his profession.

It’s no surprise that the job frequently poses risks, causing concern for Mickey’s former wife Maggie (played by Neve Campbell), who he continues to have feelings for, as well as their teenage daughter Hayley (Krista Warner).

How Is ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Similar to ‘Suits’?

It’s quite apparent that the storylines of “The Lincoln Lawyer” and “Suits” share a resemblance, given their shared theme of showcasing exceptional lawyers who excel in their respective professions. Mickey, the protagonist of “The Lincoln Lawyer“, handles a diverse range of cases, from murder to financial crimes. On the other hand, the attorneys on “Suits” primarily serve corporate clients and address their financial troubles. However, the risks involved in both series can be equally significant.

Mickey and Gabriel Macht’s character, Harvey Specter, share striking similarities, almost as if they were cut from the same mold. It wouldn’t be surprising to witness a fusion of their professional worlds, whether it’s collaborating on a case or presenting a formidable challenge as adversaries. They both exhibit an unwavering commitment to their professions, harbor oversized egos, and exude an air of self-importance. However, beneath this facade lies a profound sense of loneliness, often finding solace in immersing themselves in work rather than confronting the emotional turmoil that haunts their personal lives.

In both shows, there’s a recurring idea about mentorship where a character helps another in need and develops a strong bond. For instance, Mickey aids Izzy in various situations, becoming her trusted friend, and she becomes indispensable to him by providing emotional support with his sobriety issues and assisting him in cases. Similarly, in Suits, the character Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), who doesn’t have a law degree, is taken under Harvey’s wing. Despite this, he proves himself to be an exceptional lawyer that Harvey considers among the best he has ever encountered.

In essence, both series share a similar atmosphere and theme, with each episode and season focusing on a serious legal predicament that the lawyers must navigate cleverly to help their clients escape trouble. While The Lincoln Lawyer delves into more hazardous situations, Suits presents its own set of perils as the specter of Mike’s exposure hangs over them throughout the initial seasons.

They may bend or disregard moral and ethical standards, but they defend their actions as necessary for their roles. They strive to perform their duties efficiently, provided no one is genuinely harmed during the process. However, some critics contend that this claim doesn’t always align with their real-world actions.

‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Has an Overwhelmingly Positive Reception

After running for three seasons and preparing for a fourth based on the Connelly book “The Law of Innocence”, The Lincoln Lawyer was warmly received from its debut. Following its premiere, it quickly climbed to become the second most-watched series weekly on Netflix. In just its first full week of streaming, it emerged as the most-viewed English-language series globally. Additionally, its viewing hours totaling 108 million were more than triple that of the show in second place, as reported by Deadline.

Boasting an average 90% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes’ critical reviews and a slightly lower yet still impressive 86% audience score, the series The Lincoln Lawyer has consistently been well-received since its debut. Intriguingly, it has even managed to improve over time. The third season, in particular, achieved an astounding and elusive 100% Rotten Tomatoes critics score. Graeme Blundell of The Australian praised the third season as a “dense, compelling narrative, brimming with Connelly’s signature twists, suspenseful moments, and sprinkled with some delightful comic relief.

According to Kelly Lawler from USA Today, the show’s charm lies in its familiarity, executed exceptionally well, and it’s a type of series that Netflix should consistently produce. Eric Deggans of NPR praises the show for its intricate crime stories, ideal for fans of the genre who crave more complex narratives than typical episodes of shows like NCIS or Chicago P.D. When discussing the second season, Greg Archer from MovieWeb appreciates the increased tension in the plot and the new characters and challenges it presents. He also mentions a pleasant ambiance to enjoy.

The Lincoln Lawyer” is a film that’ll captivate fans of the source material as well as newcomers. It serves as an ideal choice for viewing after finishing all nine seasons of “Suits“.

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2025-03-10 00:10