Full Breakdown
Netflix Mulls “The Lincoln Lawyer” Spinoff Centered on Cobie Smulders’ Emi Finch
8/13/2026, 12:33:54 AM
Spinoff Development
Netflix is evaluating a spin-off series that would place Cobie Smulders in the lead role of Artemisia “Emi” Finch, the half-sister of series protagonist Mickey Haller. The concept, first discussed before Netflix confirmed that Season 5 of *The Lincoln Lawyer* will be the series’ final installment, has been pitched by executive producers Ted Humphrey, Dailyn Rodriguez and Matthew J. Lieberman. Sources say the pitch was well received, prompting Netflix to commission a script and begin a rapid development track. A green light remains contingent on finalizing agreements with all key parties, and a Netflix spokesperson declined to comment further.
Series Background and Creative Team
*The Lincoln Lawyer* adapts Michael Connelly’s novels and is produced by A+E Studios under creator David E. Kelley. The show introduced Emi at the close of Season 4, promoting Smulders to series regular for Season 5, where her character seeks Haller’s help to free a wrongfully convicted woman. Emi is an original addition not found in Connelly’s books, designed to fill a familial gap left by Haller’s half-brother Harry Bosch, whose rights belong to Amazon. The spinoff would likely be filmed in Los Angeles to qualify for California tax incentives, mirroring the production model of the parent series.
Economic and Audience Impact
According to Netflix, the first four seasons of *The Lincoln Lawyer* have contributed over $425 million to the California economy, employed more than 4,300 cast and crew members, and utilized over 50 Los Angeles locations. The series has logged 29 weeks on Netflix’s Global Top 10 chart and amassed 171 million views since 2023. The most recent fourth season opened with 9 million views, surpassing the third season’s 7 million-view debut.
Future Outlook
The spinoff’s progression hinges on closing outstanding deals with producers, talent representatives, and the streaming platform. While the script is under development, no official commitment has been announced, and Netflix has not provided additional remarks. Should the project receive approval, it would extend the franchise’s narrative universe while continuing to generate significant economic activity for California’s entertainment sector.
