Could The Lincoln Lawyer & Bosch Ever Cross Over? ‘Never Say Never’

Two of Michael Connelly’s most beloved characters have captured the attention of TV audiences in recent years, thanks to their respective series—The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix and Bosch on Prime Video. These characters, Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch, share a rich, interconnected history in Connelly’s novels, making fans wonder if the two could eventually meet on-screen. Both characters are central to Connelly’s crime universe, with Haller being a slick, charismatic defense attorney and Bosch being a determined, hard-nosed LAPD detective. While these two figures are related as half-brothers in the books, their crossover on TV has proven to be a challenge due to the distinct streaming platforms that house their respective shows. However, the idea of a Lincoln Lawyer and Bosch crossover has not been completely ruled out—could it ever happen?

A Rich Shared Universe

In the world of Michael Connelly’s novels, Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch have shared several storylines, though the characters take distinct approaches to justice. Haller, a savvy defense attorney, operates out of the backseat of his Lincoln Town Car, navigating the world of criminals and high-profile cases. Bosch, on the other hand, is an LAPD detective with a single-minded devotion to solving the cases that come his way, often standing in stark contrast to the morally gray world that Haller operates in.

While the two brothers do not always share scenes in the books, there are multiple points where their paths intersect, given their shared family background and the nature of their respective jobs. Their sibling dynamic is rich with complexity—Harry Bosch’s steadfast, unflinching approach to justice clashes with Mickey’s more flexible, strategic sense of right and wrong, making for compelling drama when their worlds collide. The idea of seeing these two characters interact on-screen has intrigued fans since both series started gaining traction.

The Television Adaptations

The television adaptations of both The Lincoln Lawyer and Bosch have been well-received by audiences, with the characters and stories staying largely faithful to Connelly’s books. The Lincoln Lawyer, which premiered its third season on Netflix on October 17, follows Mickey Haller as he grapples with his most personal case yet—the murder of his close friend, Gloria Dayton (played by Fiona Rene), a sex worker with a complicated history. As Mickey tries to defend his client, Julian La Cosse (Devon Graye), who insists he’s innocent, Haller’s own moral compass is thrown into question.

This season, according to co-showrunner Ted Humphrey, marks a moment of introspection for Mickey Haller, as he questions his place in the world: “Who am I? How did I get here? Who do I really want to be?” The shift in Mickey’s character presents a refreshing change from the first two seasons, with Haller grappling with deeper personal dilemmas rather than just focusing on solving cases.

Meanwhile, Bosch: Legacy continues the story of Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver), following his transition from LAPD detective to private investigator after his retirement. The show takes a closer look at Bosch’s personal and professional evolution, with Bosch tackling cases that allow him to stay involved in the system he once worked within. Bosch’s strong moral code and devotion to justice remain central to his character, making him one of the most compelling characters on television.

While both shows have garnered praise for their nuanced portrayal of their respective leads, it is clear that these two fictional worlds belong to different streaming platforms: The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix and Bosch on Prime Video. Unfortunately, this presents a major obstacle when it comes to the possibility of a crossover between the two series.

The Cross-Platform Dilemma

The idea of a Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer crossover has been a topic of conversation among fans for some time, with many eagerly wondering if the two half-brothers could ever meet on-screen. The challenge, however, lies in the fact that both series are housed on separate streaming platforms. The Lincoln Lawyer is a Netflix production, while Bosch resides on Amazon Prime Video, making a crossover between the two shows logistically difficult—if not outright impossible—under the current streaming landscape.

“It’s unfortunate,” said The Lincoln Lawyer co-showrunner Dailyn Rodriguez in a recent interview with TV Insider. “We really can’t use that character. They can’t use [Mickey]. It’s unfortunate. So we try and figure out ways to do those storylines with other characters.”

The reality is that Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer being on different platforms severely limits the possibility of the two characters interacting. Each streaming service has its own set of exclusive rights and intellectual property agreements, meaning it would be complicated to navigate the legal and financial hurdles of creating a crossover between two competing services. Additionally, both series have their own distinct storylines and character arcs, making it hard to create an organic and believable crossover that wouldn’t feel forced or disruptive to their respective narratives.

“Never Say Never”

Despite these logistical hurdles, the concept of a Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer crossover is not entirely off the table. In interviews, both co-showrunners have been careful not to close the door completely on the idea of a future crossover, leaving the door slightly ajar for a potential collaboration should the circumstances change. “Never say never,” said Connelly himself in a previous interview.

While it’s unlikely that the characters will cross paths in the immediate future, the idea of a crossover remains a tantalizing possibility for fans who have long hoped to see Haller and Bosch team up or clash on-screen. Given the mutual respect between the two characters, a crossover could offer a fascinating exploration of the differences in their methods of achieving justice, while also delving deeper into their shared family history.

The Future of the Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer Universe

For now, fans will have to be content with enjoying the respective journeys of Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch in their own worlds. Both The Lincoln Lawyer and Bosch: Legacy continue to captivate audiences with their compelling characters, complex plots, and intricate moral dilemmas. Each series is also paving the way for new stories within Michael Connelly’s universe, keeping viewers engaged with fresh, exciting narratives.

Whether or not a Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer crossover ever happens remains to be seen. For now, fans will have to settle for the promise of more thrilling cases, dramatic confrontations, and, of course, the ongoing evolution of these beloved characters in their own worlds. But as Connelly and the showrunners have hinted—never say never.