More than two decades after Michael Connelly introduced readers to Mickey Haller in The Lincoln Lawyer, the Los Angeles defense attorney remains one of crime fiction’s most compelling characters.
Originally created as a spin-off of Connelly’s bestselling Harry Bosch novels, Mickey first reached the screen in 2011 when Matthew McConaughey starred in the feature film adaptation. The story found new life in 2022 when Netflix launched The Lincoln Lawyer, with creator David E. Kelley bringing the legal drama to television and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo stepping into the role of the charismatic attorney who famously works from his Lincoln Navigator.
Since its debut, the series has become one of Netflix’s most successful legal dramas, generating more than 170 million views across its first three seasons. Season 4, released on February 5, adapted The Law of Innocence, the sixth novel in Connelly’s series, and pushed Mickey into his most personal battle yet.
Netflix Has Already Renewed Season 5
Fans won’t have to worry about the show’s future. Netflix officially renewed The Lincoln Lawyer for a fifth season in January 2025, just days before Season 4 premiered.
“We’re already hard at work on the next one,” executive producer Ted Humphrey said at the time. “Season four is the most challenging and intensely personal journey we’ve taken Mickey Haller on yet, and we’re thrilled to continue the ride in season five.”
What Will Season 5 Be About?
Season 5 will adapt Resurrection Walk, the seventh book in Michael Connelly’s series.
The story follows Mickey as he takes on a case involving a woman convicted of murdering her ex-husband. Convinced she may be innocent, Mickey begins digging into the case, only to discover powerful figures determined to keep the truth buried.
While Mickey cleared his own name at the end of Season 4 after being framed for the murder of former client Sam Scales, the fallout from that ordeal is far from over. His battles with the FBI and the Armenian mob are expected to continue playing a significant role in the next chapter.
According to Humphrey, Mickey’s experience as a wrongly accused defendant will permanently change him.
“Spending time in jail and fighting for your own freedom is fundamentally different from doing it for a client,” Humphrey explained. “What that experience does to Mickey and how it affects his future is something we’re excited to explore.”
The Shocking Cliffhanger Explained
The biggest question heading into Season 5 stems from the dramatic final moments of Season 4.
As Mickey leaves the courthouse, members of the Armenian mob attempt to assassinate him. Before they can succeed, a mysterious woman intervenes and claims to be his sister.
That woman is played by Cobie Smulders.
Her sudden appearance instantly became one of the season’s most talked-about twists.
“Is she telling the truth? Is she really his sister?” Humphrey teased. “Mickey has always believed he understood his past and who he is. What if there’s more to the story than he realizes?”
Who Is Returning for Season 5?
Although Netflix has not released a complete cast list, several key stars are confirmed to return.
Manuel Garcia-Rulfo will once again lead the series as Mickey Haller, alongside:
- Becki Newton as Lorna
- Jazz Raycole as Izzy
- Angus Sampson as Cisco
- Neve Campbell as Maggie McPherson
Maggie is expected to remain a major part of Mickey’s life after Season 4 explored the evolving dynamics of their relationship.
Cobie Smulders Joins the Story
The most significant addition to Season 5 is Cobie Smulders.
Best known for her roles as Robin Scherbatsky in How I Met Your Mother and Maria Hill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Smulders has remained secretive about her character’s true identity.
“She’s very unknown at the moment,” the actress recently said, while hinting that Season 5 will become “a family affair.”
Interestingly, Humphrey revealed that Smulders’ character may serve a role similar to Harry Bosch in the novels. Since Bosch cannot appear in the Netflix series due to rights issues, the creative team developed an entirely new character to fill a similar narrative function.
“The desire to expand Mickey’s family connections was always there,” Humphrey explained. “She may share certain qualities with someone from the books, but she’s a completely different character with a completely different history.”
How Many Episodes Will There Be?
Netflix has not yet confirmed the episode count for Season 5.
However, previous seasons have typically consisted of 10 episodes, making a similar order likely.
When Could Season 5 Be Released?
At the moment, Netflix has not announced an official release date.
Looking at the show’s production history, there has usually been about a 14-month gap between seasons. If that pattern continues, fans can likely expect The Lincoln Lawyer Season 5 to arrive sometime in spring 2027.
Until then, viewers will have plenty of time to speculate about Mickey’s newest case—and whether Cobie Smulders’ mysterious character is truly the sister she claims to be.