Defending Jacob - Apple TV+

Apple entered the streaming wars relatively late with the launch of Apple TV+. When the service was first announced in March 2019, giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video had already solidified their positions as market leaders. By the time Apple TV+ officially debuted in November 2019, it was clear that the company was opting for a “quality over quantity” strategy—focusing on producing original content rather than acquiring streaming rights to existing shows and films.

From the outset, Apple signaled its commitment to premium storytelling by partnering with top-tier talent, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite this high-profile approach, Apple TV+ has often felt like a more niche platform compared to its larger, more content-heavy competitors. With a modest 6% share of the streaming market, that impression isn’t entirely off base.

Still, what Apple TV+ may lack in sheer volume, it makes up for in curation. The platform boasts an impressive catalog of original programming—some of which can only be described as hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

There are shows on Apple TV+ that have already garnered widespread popularity and critical acclaim—Ted Lasso, or Severance, for instance, became a cultural phenomenon almost overnight. But tucked between these headline-makers are quieter, lesser-known series that didn’t receive nearly the attention they deserved.

In this series of reviews, I’ll be highlighting some of those hidden gems—starting with Defending Jacob.

Released in April 2020, in the early months of the pandemic, Defending Jacob is a limited crime drama that may have flown under the radar—but it absolutely shouldn’t have. Based on the best-selling novel by William Landay, this Apple TV+ original follows assistant district attorney Andy Barber (Chris Evans), whose life is turned upside down when his 14-year-old son Jacob (Jaeden Martell) is accused of murdering a classmate.

At first glance, it seems like a straightforward courtroom thriller, but Defending Jacob quickly reveals itself to be something more intimate and unsettling. It’s not a story about solving a crime—it’s about what happens to a family when their sense of security is shattered. It explores the emotional and psychological toll of having your child at the center of a horrific accusation—and the unbearable question of whether he might actually be guilty.

As the case unfolds, Andy and his wife Laurie (Michelle Dockery) try to hold their family together while dealing with the pressure of suspicion. What’s especially compelling is how differently they cope. Andy, grounded in his identity as both father and former prosecutor, is steadfast in his belief that Jacob is innocent. He doubles down on his loyalty, ready to defend his son at all costs. Laurie, on the other hand, slowly begins to unravel. As much as she wants to believe in her son, she finds herself haunted by past moments—times when Jacob seemed distant, angry, or just… off. Her anxiety only deepens when she learns about the existence of a so-called “murder gene” in Andy’s family history, which sends her spiraling into a place of self-doubt and fear.

This psychological split between the parents becomes one of the show’s most compelling dynamics. It’s not just about whether Jacob did it—it’s about whether a family can survive when doubt creeps in through the cracks.

The emotional slow burn is masterfully executed. Every scene is charged with subtext, every silence feels deafening. Chris Evans gives one of the most restrained and layered performances of his career, portraying a man caught between his role as protector and his growing internal conflict. Michelle Dockery is equally phenomenal as Laurie, though some of her breakdown moments occasionally feel a bit over the top. That said, her portrayal of a mother slowly fraying under pressure remains heartbreaking and real. Jaeden Martell strikes a delicate balance between vulnerability and ambiguity, keeping viewers constantly guessing about Jacob’s true nature.

An interesting tidbit: in interviews, Martell revealed that the creators told him to decide for himself whether Jacob was guilty or innocent—and not to share that decision with anyone. It’s a brilliant choice that adds an extra layer of mystery to his performance.

If you’re hoping for a clear resolution, though, you’re out of luck. Just like in the book, the show never definitively answers the central question: Did Jacob kill Ben? It’s left open to interpretation, and your answer is as good as mine.

The supporting cast also deserves recognition. Cherry Jones is excellent as the seasoned defense lawyer brought in to handle Jacob’s case—her presence is commanding and grounded. Sakina Jaffrey, whom fans may recognize from Timeless, brings her usual quiet authority to the role of lead investigator, elevating the procedural scenes with her calm intensity.

Visually, the series is rich with atmosphere—cold New England backdrops, dim interiors, and a muted color palette that mirrors the show’s heavy emotional tone. The pacing is slow and deliberate, which allows each scene to breathe—but admittedly, the story does drag at times. Some episodes could have benefited from tighter editing, especially in the second half of the series.

Still, Defending Jacob remains one of Apple TV+’s most emotionally resonant and morally complex offerings. It’s a show that trades in ambiguity and inner conflict, exploring what it means to love someone you may never fully understand.

If you’re drawn to slow-burning dramas that explore the fragility of trust, the weight of parental love, and the cost of silence, Defending Jacob is a hidden gem worth discovering.

So… what do you think? Did Jacob do it?