‘Presumed Innocent’ Renewed for Season 2 on Apple TV+

Since its debut, Presumed Innocent has dominated Apple TV+, claiming the top spot as the platform’s most-watched drama ever. The crime drama, featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, has captivated audiences so much that the streaming service has announced the series will return for a second season. However, the continuation of Gyllenhaal’s involvement is uncertain, depending on the fate of his character as the current season unfolds.

Presumed Innocent is adapting into what appears to be a quasi-anthology format, meaning that while the second season will maintain continuity with some of the characters from the first, it will also introduce a new case. The fate of Gyllenhaal’s character, who is integral to the ongoing narrative, will likely influence whether he returns for the new season. Apple TV+ has not confirmed specifics about his involvement yet, but given the series’ record-breaking success, there’s strong incentive for Gyllenhaal to remain a central figure if possible. However, should his character’s circumstances preclude this, the show might evolve to focus on different aspects of the overarching story.

The series, based on Scott Turow’s 1987 legal thriller of the same name, was previously adapted into a successful 1990 film starring Harrison Ford. This new adaptation on Apple TV+ has garnered both commercial success and critical acclaim. The platform has not explicitly stated whether the second season will draw from Turow’s sequel, The Burden of Proof, but it is a likely candidate given its thematic and narrative connections to the original book.

Critics and viewers alike have praised Presumed Innocent. The show holds a commendable 76% rating from critics and an even higher 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The series has been particularly noted for Gyllenhaal’s intense and compelling performance, which has added a unique edge to the dramatic narrative. While some viewers might feel they can predict the story’s direction, the show’s creators may be intentionally leading audiences astray with subtle clues, adding to the suspense and intrigue.

Apple TV+ has a relatively small slate of original programming compared to its competitors, making Presumed Innocent‘s success even more notable. Shows like Ted Lasso, currently holding the #3 spot on the service, and Severance, which will return in January 2025 after a three-year hiatus, highlight the platform’s strategic focus on quality content. Meanwhile, Dark Matter, which recently concluded its run, has slipped to #6, with no confirmation yet on whether it will be renewed.

The extensive hiatus between seasons of Severance underscores the rarity of such long gaps in the streaming era. With a return scheduled for January 17, 2025, the show will likely need to remind audiences of its complex storyline, reflecting a broader trend in the industry of spaced-out release schedules for high-profile series.

In summary, the announcement of Presumed Innocent‘s second season promises to build on its remarkable first season, with intriguing possibilities for the future of its central characters. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the story will evolve, particularly with the potential for new twists and developments in the upcoming episodes. As the show continues to captivate and engage its audience, the anticipation for Season 2 remains high.