LOS ANGELES — If you’re still reeling from the twists, turns, and legal drama of Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer, there’s a new courtroom thriller headed your way — and this one’s coming straight from Prime Video. Set to dominate screens and streaming charts in the second half of 2024, Prime Video’s upcoming original crime series, The Defense, is already being called the “next great legal obsession.”
And yes, it’s based on a bestselling book series that crime fiction fans know well — meaning the source material is rich, gritty, and filled with exactly the kind of morally gray characters and razor-sharp dialogue The Lincoln Lawyer fans crave.
Introducing The Defense
The Defense, created by acclaimed showrunner Marla Kingston (Blood Ties, Silent Verdict), is adapted from the wildly popular Eddie Flynn novels by British author Steve Cavanagh. The series stars Oscar-nominee Lakeith Stanfield as Eddie Flynn, a former con artist turned hotshot defense attorney with a knack for courtroom theatrics and a serious aversion to authority.
Set in New York City, the show follows Eddie as he takes on high-profile clients no one else will defend — from tech billionaires to career criminals — while grappling with his own complicated past and deeply personal code of justice.
“He’s not squeaky clean. He bends the rules. But when it comes to his clients? He’s all in,” says Stanfield in a recent interview. “It’s the most layered role I’ve ever played.”
Gritty, Sharp, and Wildly Addictive
Early buzz for The Defense has been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising the pilot’s high-octane courtroom sequences, morally complex cases, and dark humor.
“It’s got the slick style of Suits, the tension of Your Honor, and the punchy pacing of The Lincoln Lawyer,” said TV critic Jenna Michaels. “Prime Video has a hit on their hands.”
The series reportedly mixes serialized arcs with standalone trials — a format that allows for intense case-of-the-week stories while slowly peeling back Eddie’s personal backstory, including his estranged daughter, his shady former contacts, and his rivalry with a ruthless Manhattan DA played by Maggie Q.
Why Lincoln Lawyer Fans Will Love It
Much like The Lincoln Lawyer, The Defense thrives in the morally gray. It’s about a defense attorney who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty — but who ultimately believes in the system, even if he has to trick it now and then.
Both series share:
🔹 Charismatic, flawed lead characters
🔹 Deep dives into courtroom strategy
🔹 Legal twists that turn on a dime
🔹 High-stakes cases pulled from real headlines
🔹 Slick visuals and killer soundtracks
“If you loved Mickey Haller’s blend of charm and chaos,” says series co-writer DeShawn Reid, “you’re going to be addicted to Eddie Flynn.”
Based on a Bestselling Series
The Eddie Flynn books have sold over 3 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 20+ languages. Author Steve Cavanagh has been closely involved with the adaptation as a creative consultant, helping the writers ensure legal accuracy and character authenticity.
“Eddie isn’t your average lawyer,” Cavanagh told The Streaming Times. “He used to be a con man — he still thinks like one. That makes him a unique threat in a courtroom, and a thrill to write… and now, to watch.”
When and Where to Watch
The Defense will premiere November 2024 on Prime Video, with a 10-episode first season available to stream all at once.
A teaser trailer dropped last month and has already racked up over 8 million views, with fans calling it “John Grisham meets Breaking Bad in a courtroom.”
Final Verdict: Add It to Your Watchlist
If you’re a fan of smart legal dramas with edge, emotion, and unpredictable twists, The Defense is going to be your next streaming obsession.
“The Lincoln Lawyer walked so The Defense could run,” one early viewer posted online. “This isn’t just another legal show. It’s a masterclass in courtroom chaos — and I am here for it.”
TRAILER NOW STREAMING
Watch the official The Defense teaser now on Prime Video’s YouTube channel.