'Presumed Innocent' Is the Most Important Show in 2024 - Here's Why

'Presumed Innocent' Is the Most Important Show in 2024 - Here's Why

Let the record show: 'Presumed Innocent' is not the best show of the year so far. I won't argue it, and the jury won't buy it either; the Apple TV Plus show had some incredible moments, but it was far from perfect. Even the shocking finale was not a perfect episode.

No, I'm here to argue that “Presumed Innocent” is the most important show so far this year. This show proved beyond a reasonable doubt that conventional programming can still work.

Don't believe me? Just ask Apple; Bloomberg reported that the giant is cutting back on spending on shows and movies for its Apple TV Plus streaming service. Do you know which shows are not being cut financially? Presumed Innocent was just renewed for a second season before its season one finale.

The main reason Apple has not turned away from Presumed Innocent is simple. The show was Apple's most-watched drama even before the last two episodes were released (h/t Deadline).

To be fair, it helps that this courtroom drama is a good one. Jake Gyllenhaal's performance as Rusty Savich is a bit uneven, but Peter Sarsgaard is excellent as his brother-in-law, Tommy Molt. In the courtroom showdown in “The Witness,” the closing episode of season one, both actors shined in performances that are sure to get them noticed for Emmy nominations next year. The same goes for the supporting performances of Bill Camp as Raymond Hogan and O-T Fagbenle as Nico Della “Delay” Guardia.

But whether you like the show or not, it's hard to argue with this statistic, despite the tens of millions of dollars spent on the sci-fi epic “Foundation” and the reported $250 to $300 million spent on the World War II mini-series “Masters of the Air.” Despite this, it was the simple and satisfying legal drama that was the big hit for Apple.

Perhaps we should not have been surprised before we knew how good this show was. People have talked about comforting shows that don't require homework, huge CGI budgets, or reliance on popular IPs (although I admit that “Presumed Innocent” is a remake). Sure, the great performances by big-name actors and the prestigious drama atmosphere are still there, but you don't need to invest years of your life to enjoy this film. It can be enjoyed from the very beginning.

This is why the legal comedy-drama “Suits” was the No. 1 streaming show of the past decade on USA Network last year, and why “The Judge” tends to be the hit of the summer.SUITS/ SUITS/ That's also why “Suits” will be spun off in “Suits:” “Suits: LA” and “Your Honor! That's also why “How About Four Years in Prison Here?” is being talked about for a possible Season 3 despite its cancellation. This is the kind of television people want.

That's why “Presumed Innocent” is the most important show of the year so far. This show has not only proven that it is the type of television people want. It proved that even a new show on a small streaming service can be one of the biggest hits of the year if it has the charm and basic level of quality to attract viewers. After all, that's all television needs.

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