This fall, Netflix is set to ignite the screen with a groundbreaking crime drama that brings together two of Michael Connelly’s most beloved characters: Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller. Premiering in late 2025, Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer marks the first on-screen crossover of the half-brothers from Connelly’s bestselling novels, promising a thrilling blend of gritty detective work and sharp legal maneuvering. With a powerhouse cast, a high-stakes plot, and jaw-dropping twists, this series is poised to be a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers. Here’s an in-depth look at the cast, storyline, and the plot twists that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
A Stellar Cast Bringing Connelly’s Universe to Life
The series boasts a dynamic ensemble led by two actors who have become synonymous with their roles in Connelly’s universe, supported by a talented roster of familiar faces and new additions.
Titus Welliver as Harry Bosch: Welliver, who has portrayed the grizzled LAPD detective-turned-private investigator since the 2014 debut of Bosch on Prime Video, returns as Harry Bosch. His portrayal of the morally steadfast yet haunted detective has earned critical acclaim, with reviewers praising his ability to embody Bosch’s relentless pursuit of justice. Welliver’s rugged intensity is expected to anchor the series, bringing depth to Bosch’s complex relationship with his half-brother.
Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller: Garcia-Rulfo reprises his role as Mickey Haller, the charismatic defense attorney who operates out of his Lincoln Navigator, as seen in Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer since 2022. Known for his charm and unorthodox approach to law, Garcia-Rulfo’s Haller is a perfect counterpoint to Bosch’s no-nonsense demeanor, setting the stage for compelling sibling dynamics.
Supporting Cast: The series brings back key players from both Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer. Expect to see Becki Newton as Lorna Crane, Haller’s sharp-witted ex-wife and legal aide, and Angus Sampson as Dennis “Cisco” Wojciechowski, Haller’s trusted investigator. From the Bosch side, Madison Lintz returns as Maddie Bosch, Harry’s daughter and an LAPD officer, while Mimi Rogers reprises her role as Honey Chandler, a fierce attorney who often clashes with Bosch. New faces, including Cobie Smulders in a yet-to-be-revealed role, add fresh intrigue, with Smulders potentially appearing in the season finale and beyond.
Shared Universe Connections: The series also features actors who have crossed between the two franchises, such as Jamie McShane (Detective Lee Lankford in The Lincoln Lawyer and Francis Sheehan in Bosch) and Chris Browning (Teddy Vogel in The Lincoln Lawyer and Preston Borders in Bosch). These familiar faces reinforce the shared universe, even as they play different roles.
Directed by a team including Bosch veterans like Ernest R. Dickerson and new talents under the guidance of showrunners David E. Kelley (The Lincoln Lawyer) and Eric Overmyer (Bosch), the series promises a polished production. Michael Connelly serves as an executive producer, ensuring fidelity to his vision while allowing creative flexibility for this unprecedented crossover.
Plot: A High-Stakes Collision of Law and Justice
Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer draws inspiration from Connelly’s novels, particularly The Brass Verdict (2008) and The Law of Innocence (2020), where Bosch and Haller’s paths intersect. Set in the gritty, sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles, the series follows the half-brothers as they team up to tackle a complex web of crime, corruption, and personal stakes. The official synopsis teases a “high-octane legal and detective thriller” that tests their wits, morals, and drive for justice.
The story begins with Mickey Haller facing his most personal case yet: defending himself against a murder charge after being framed for the death of a former client, Sam Scales. This plotline, rooted in The Law of Innocence, sees Haller pulled over by police, only to discover Scales’ body in his trunk—a setup that threatens his career and freedom. Desperate to clear his name, Haller turns to his half-brother, Harry Bosch, now a private investigator after leaving the LAPD. Bosch, fresh off the events of Bosch: Legacy’s final season, brings his investigative prowess to uncover who framed Haller and why.
Together, the brothers navigate a labyrinth of suspects, from corrupt officials to shadowy figures tied to Haller’s past cases. Their investigation uncovers a conspiracy that intertwines their worlds, forcing Bosch to confront his rigid moral code and Haller to grapple with the ethical grayness of his legal practice. The series explores their strained sibling relationship, rooted in their shared father, J. Michael Haller Sr., a prominent attorney who was largely absent from their lives. Bosch, born to a sex worker, and Haller, raised by his actress mother, must reconcile their differences to solve the case.
The narrative blends Bosch’s noir-tinged police procedural with The Lincoln Lawyer’s courtroom drama, delivering intense legal battles and gritty street investigations. Supporting characters like Lorna, Cisco, Maddie, and Honey Chandler play pivotal roles, with Maddie’s LAPD connections and Cisco’s investigative skills complementing Bosch’s efforts. The series also introduces new characters, such as a ruthless prosecutor, Dana Berg, who challenges Haller in court, and a mysterious figure linked to the conspiracy.
Filming began in early 2025 in Los Angeles, with locations like Admiralty Way in Marina del Rey and Downtown’s Spring Street capturing the city’s dual nature—glamorous yet gritty. The series, expected to span 10 episodes, balances Connelly’s signature realism with heightened drama, making it accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Plot Twists: Unraveling a Web of Deception
Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer is packed with the kind of twists that have made Connelly’s novels and their adaptations must-see TV. While specific spoilers are avoided to preserve the viewing experience, here are the types of surprises audiences can expect, based on the source material and promotional hints:
The Setup’s True Mastermind: The framing of Mickey Haller for murder is the central mystery, and the series is likely to throw multiple red herrings at viewers. In The Law of Innocence, Bosch’s investigation uncovers unexpected connections to Haller’s past clients and enemies. Expect the series to reveal a surprising mastermind behind the frame-up, possibly someone from Haller’s legal world or Bosch’s detective past, turning the case upside down.
Sibling Revelations: The brothers’ relationship is fraught with tension, given their different upbringings and philosophies. A major twist may involve a revelation about their father, J. Michael Haller Sr., or a shared history that reshapes their dynamic. The novels hint at emotional baggage from their first meeting in The Brass Verdict, and the series could amplify this with a flashback or a hidden family secret.
Double-Crosses in the Courtroom: Haller’s legal battles are known for their twists, as seen in The Lincoln Lawyer’s earlier seasons. The series may introduce a betrayal within Haller’s inner circle—perhaps a trusted ally like Lorna or Cisco—or a shocking courtroom maneuver that flips the case. The presence of prosecutor Dana Berg suggests a fierce legal showdown with unexpected evidence or witnesses.
Conspiracy’s Wider Reach: The conspiracy framing Haller likely extends beyond a single murder, tying into larger themes of corruption in Los Angeles’ legal and law enforcement systems. A twist could reveal connections to Bosch’s past cases, such as those from Bosch: Legacy’s final season, which drew from Desert Star and The Black Ice. This could implicate high-profile figures, forcing Bosch and Haller to risk everything to expose the truth.
The series’ trailers, expected to drop closer to the fall 2025 premiere, will likely tease these twists without revealing too much, keeping viewers guessing. The combination of Bosch’s methodical investigations and Haller’s courtroom theatrics ensures a rollercoaster of surprises, with each episode peeling back layers of the mystery.
Overcoming the Crossover Challenge
The crossover is a significant milestone, given the rights issues that previously prevented Bosch and Haller from sharing the screen. Amazon holds the rights to Bosch, while Netflix owns Haller, leading to creative workarounds in past adaptations. For instance, in The Lincoln Lawyer’s first season, Bosch’s role in The Brass Verdict was split between Detective Raymond Griggs (Ntare Mwine) and Cisco. The new series suggests a collaboration between Netflix and Amazon, possibly facilitated by a deal to share the characters, allowing fans to finally see the brothers together.
Co-showrunner Ted Humphrey has hinted at the challenge of integrating Bosch’s role, noting the need to “backfill” their relationship creatively. The series may draw from multiple Connelly novels, blending elements from The Brass Verdict, The Law of Innocence, and others to craft a cohesive narrative. This approach ensures the crossover feels organic while staying true to the characters’ essence.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer is a landmark event for fans of Connelly’s universe, delivering the long-awaited on-screen meeting of Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller. Titus Welliver and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo’s chemistry promises to elevate the series, with their contrasting styles—Bosch’s stoic determination versus Haller’s slick charisma—creating a dynamic interplay. The supporting cast, from Madison Lintz to Becki Newton, adds depth, while the plot’s twists and high-stakes drama ensure a gripping experience.
The series also tackles timely themes of justice, corruption, and family, set against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles. With a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score for The Lincoln Lawyer and a 100% for Bosch: Legacy, expectations are sky-high for this crossover to blend the best of both worlds: Bosch’s gritty realism and The Lincoln Lawyer’s legal thrills.
Premiering in late 2025 on Netflix, with a potential theatrical run beforehand, Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer is poised to be one of the year’s biggest TV events. Whether you’re a fan of Connelly’s novels, the Bosch franchise, or The Lincoln Lawyer’s courtroom drama, this series promises an unforgettable ride. Clear your schedule, grab your popcorn, and get ready to dive into a crime saga that’s as thrilling as it is heartfelt.