Is ‘Defending Jacob’ Canceled Or Renewed? Season 2 Update Before Finale

Apple TV+ has viewers on the edge of their seat as “Defending Jacob” comes to a close with Friday's finale. Some fans might be hoping the series gets renewed for Season 2, but they shouldn’t get their hopes up.

“Defending Jacob” isn’t being canceled, but it doesn’t seem as though it was intended to go beyond the first season. Apple bills it as a “limited series.” That means that it’s just the eight episodes and no more.

Of course, some limited series get renewed. HBO’s “Big Little Lies” went on to get renewed for a second season after it scooped up several Emmy awards. TNT’s “The Sinner” became an anthology series, following different characters each season, after it won critical acclaim.

“Defending Jacob” Season 2 just seems unlikely. It’s Chris Evans’ first TV series since his early days in Hollywood, and he most likely isn’t itching to attach himself to a longterm gig after putting down his Captain America shield. However, if Apple TV+ can figure out a way to make another compelling story about a different family, a “Defending” anthology might make for interesting TV.

The drama follows Andy Barber (Chris Evans), a district attorney whose teenage son (Jaeden Martell) is accused of brutally murdering a classmate. Michelle Dockery, J.K. Simmons, Cherry Jones, Betty Gabriel and Pablo Schreiber also star in the series.

At press time, there is no news of “Defending Jacob” continuing with a traditional Season 2 or as an anthology series. It appears the series is over.

It also seems like “Defending Jacob” might earn some awards acclaim. Gold Derby predicts that the series will get some nods and might even be Evans’ first big awards nomination in the best actor in a limited series category. However, there will be some serious competition for the limited series nominations. HBO’s “I Know This Much Is True” and “Watchmen” are thought to be contenders as are Hulu’s “Normal People,” “Mrs. America” and “Little Fires Everywhere.”

The “Defending Jacob” Season 1 finale will release Friday on Apple TV+.