Apple TV+, also known as Apple TV, has been churning out hit series like crazy over the last year. From dramas and period pieces, to mysteries and documentaries, the streaming service has become a hub for fan-favorite shows and films.
One example is their latest release, Defending Jacob, a crime miniseries based on the 2012 novel of the same name. Chris Evans leads a stellar cast, and the show has become so popular that it’s gained the #2 spot in Apple TV’s rankings. We’ve got a breakdown of the series for you below, so keep reading to find out everything you’ve wanted to know about Defending Jacob.
Should you watch Defending Jacob? What is it about, and who’s who in the cast?
If you’re a fan of true crime, mystery novels, or criminal procedurals of any kind, then Defending Jacob is right up your alley. The limited miniseries centers around a family, where the parents must grapple with their 14-year-old son potentially being a murderer.
Chris Evans of Captain America fame was cast in the lead of Andy Barber; Michelle Dockery of Downton Abbey stars alongside Evans as his wife, Laurie. Portraying Jacob is Jaeden Martell, who actually co-starred with Chris in the 2019 film Knives Out.
The show also stars: Pablo Schreiber (OITNB), Cherry Jones (Broadway fame), Betty Gabriel (various Blumhouse films), Sakina Jaffrey (Timeless), and Poorna Jagannathan (Netflix’s Never Have I Ever). In recurring roles are stars like J.K. Simmons and Patrick Fischler.
Any other details?
The series focuses on Andy, who is a well-known attorney in Massachusetts. He, his wife Laurie, and their son Jacob, are content with their suburban lifestyle. When Andy’s new case involves the murder of one of Jacob’s classmates, questions begin to arise of who really did it.
When evidence points to Jacob, Andy must get him a lawyer, as he could not represent his own child due to it being a conflict of interest. Andy and Laurie watch from the sidelines as their son is put through the legal system. Andy tries to get justice and find the real killer, while Laurie is barely holding on to her once-perfect life.
The eighth and final episode of the season aired on May 29, and shocked fans with its twist ending. Without spoiling it, we can say that it is in fact, different from the book. Therefore, you could either read the novel then watch the series, or vice versa, without spoiling it for yourself.
In addition to starring in the lead role, Chris Evans was also a producer on the miniseries. With how good the ratings are, not to mention the ending which leaves a little bit of room for interpretation, it begs the question: could there be a season 2 of Defending Jacob?
According to Bustle, it was a miracle that fans got an 8-episode miniseries out of it, as the writer and creator Mark Bomback had originally planned to do a “one off movie.”
Since there’s only the standalone novel by William Landay, there would not be any more content to draw from in that respect. Although it wouldn’t be the first time a TV series has gone off script from their book counterparts. Pretty Little Liars and 13 Reasons Why are just two examples of series that went farther out in terms of characters or additional plot lines for their shows.
In the meantime, if you have not gotten around to watching the series, be sure to get Apple TV+ so you can join in on the fun. We’ll leave the trailer for you below, so you can see for yourself why it’s been such an addictive series. If you already have Apple TV, then stream away, as all 8 episodes of the season are available.
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Kari Highman is a Beauty and Fashion Blogger at Feeling the Vibe Magazine. Otterbein Alum (2017) – English & Psychology. Always learning & creating. Avid fan of mid 2000’s TV & pop music. Comments or tips, email [email protected]
