Netflix undoubtedly has another hit on its hands with The Lincoln Lawyer, which wrapped its 10-episode second season on August 3. The new installment of the hit legal drama, which stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Magnificent Seven) as hotshot L.A. attorney Mickey Haller, debuted at #1 on Netflix's Top 10 list, topping 23 million total views for Season 2. While Netflix has not yet renewed the series for a third season, we have reason to believe there's plenty of runway left for The Lincoln Lawyer — soaring ratings and recent comments from the showrunner about two more seasons being signs of hope for the future of the show. So before you go banging that gavel for more Mickey Haller, here's everything we know about the potential for a Lincoln Lawyer Season 3, plus when we can expect a renewal announcement.
Will Netflix Renew The Lincoln Lawyer for Season 3?
Odds are Mickey Haller will have his day in court, again. While Netflix has not issued a Season 3 renewal since The Lincoln Lawyer dropped its final few episodes on Aug. 3, the series is a bonafide hit. (And it's worth noting that the ongoing Writers and Actors strikes have effectively ground Hollywood to a halt, leading to renewal delays.) Both halves of Season 2, which debuted in two parts, topped Netflix's most-watched list. And Season 1 of the series even made it back onto the streamer's Top 10, buoyed by the sophomore outing's spectacular run.
Plus, there's plenty of story left to tell: Showrunner Ted Humphrey told TV Insider on Aug. 3 that he has plans for at least four seasons:
"We do have a plan through four seasons so far, and we have plans for more than that if we are so fortunate to be able to continue to do the show," Humphrey told the outlet. "We have plans for more than that, but we particularly have the next two seasons planned out that hopefully we'll get a chance to do, and we know what books those will be based on."
The Lincoln Lawyer is based on Michael Connelly's best-selling novels of the same name. There are six novels in the series, and Season 2 covered the third book, The Fifth Witness. Humphrey confirmed that fans can count on a potential Season 3 to dive into book four, The Gods of Guilt, which finds Mickey grappling with whether or not his own actions caused the death of his former client.
When Can Fans Expect The Lincoln Lawyer Renewal News?
Netflix renewed The Lincoln Lawyer for a second season about a month after the first season wrapped. If history is any guide, fans can expect Season 3 renewal news sometime in early September.
What Would Happen in The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3?
Without giving too much away, Season 3 is poised to be the darkest hour yet for Micky Haller. Assuming the show will pick up with book 4 in the series as planned, Season 3 will open with the titular defense attorney receiving an ominous text message from a past client reading, "Call me ASAP — 187." Yeah, 187 is the California penal code for murder. The book's official synopsis ends with this description of what's at stake:
"Haunted by the ghosts of his past, Mickey must work tirelessly and bring all his skill to bear on a case that could mean his ultimate redemption or proof of his ultimate guilt."
Would the Cast Return for The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3?
Key cast members who would likely return for The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3 include series star Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, Jazz Raycole as Izzy, Fargo alum Angus Sampson as Cisco, Scream queen Neve Campbell as Maggie and Becki Newton as Lorna.
When Would The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3 Air?
Even if The Lincoln Lawyer scores a third season, hold off on donning your celebratory judge's robe for a while. With the strikes roiling productions across Hollywood, the customary one-year-and-change waiting period between seasons is out of the question. Don't expect to see The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3 until 2025.
The Lincoln Lawyer Seasons 1-2 are now streaming on Netflix.
