Defending Jacob

:

Season 1
  • Network: Apple TV+
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 24, 2020
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 48
  3. Negative: 6 out of 48
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User Reviews

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  1. Voodoo123
    May 29, 2020
    6
    Defending Jacob is a decent courtroom drama. The excellent cast and high production value shine throughout. The weakest area is the story. Some episodes feel 8/10 others 5/10 but there is nothing particular that stands out in the plot that you haven't seen countless times before. Looks great in 4k hdr. Engaging but uninspired material.
  2. misaluiz
    May 22, 2020
    9
    Even without the last episode out, I can say that the way they made the show and how Jaeden Martell acts is amazing. It is really a very nice thriller and enjoyful to watch.
  3. mohmdmarafi
    May 4, 2020
    10
    I really loved the show. It is one of the best crime thrillers I’ve seen for sure. The twists and turns are fantastic. The emotional weight and family aspects in this show are so well done. Chris Evans delivers a powerfully emotional role. One of his best performances so far. Michelle and Jaeden also star in this amazing series. Highly recommended!..
  4. SrGus
    Jun 30, 2020
    10
    I went to watch the series with the purpose of seeing Chris Evans act in something other than Marvel, and, I say with great pleasure, that I was very surprised. I was surprised by the performance of Chris (and the other actors) and the series itself. I haven't read the book on which the series is based (I intend to read), so what I'm going to say here is just about my view of the series.I went to watch the series with the purpose of seeing Chris Evans act in something other than Marvel, and, I say with great pleasure, that I was very surprised. I was surprised by the performance of Chris (and the other actors) and the series itself. I haven't read the book on which the series is based (I intend to read), so what I'm going to say here is just about my view of the series.
    We have a family of three here: Andy Barber, his wife Laurie and his son Jacob. Their lives change completely when a boy from school, where the couple's son studies, is murdered; and Jacob becomes the prime suspect.
    Chris Evans plays the character Andy Barber, who is a lawyer and father of Jacob. Throughout the series, we see the consequences of Jacob's accusation on his character and his battle to prove that his son is innocent, something that he does not allow to be shaken until the last moment. We were able to feel his concern and his incredulous look at the things that began to surround his son. He is a father who will do anything for him, until he visits his biggest traumas. We were able to feel it all thanks to the beautiful performance of Chris Evans.
    Michelle Dockery's character is named Laurie Barber, and she's my favorite. Her plot involves much more psychological drama, physical fatigue and isolation from society. The consequences of any case involving your child move a lot throughout your life. While, in the father's view, we have what happens in the investigation. In the mother's view, we have what happens in social life. We see throughout the series that the character is regressing physically and psychologically. We see in her vision how people treat her, how the media sees her and how her friends and family see her after what happened. It starts to wear out a lot, because of doubt, regret and worry. Michelle Dockery's interpretation is incredible, the various looks she gives in various scenes, says a lot about what she is feeling and thinking. All characters are well developed, well interpreted by their actors; but Laurie stands out a lot more for me.
    Jaeden Martell plays Jacob brilliantly. Your character walks between the strange and the normal. He makes us doubt our own thoughts without using too many lines, or expressions. While he appears to be just a normal boy, there are some dubious attitudes that make us question his innocence. A complex and layered character.
    Defending Jacob is a series of drama, suspense, full of wonderful performances and that makes us question the following: how far would you go for your family or someone you love?

    NOTE: The ending did not please many people, but if we think that the series focuses on the family and their relationships in such situations, the series is perfect.    … Expand
  5. 24gbenne02
    May 6, 2020
    10
    this show is very captivating and entertaining. it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through
  6. moizsg
    Apr 24, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved the acting and the dialogues of the show. You can feel the pain of both Laurie and Jacob through your screen.… Expand
  7. 21MJB24
    Jun 10, 2020
    8
    Good cast and great acting especially from Michelle Dockery. The story isn’t anything new, but still keeps you engaged.
  8. Darth_Kane
    Sep 30, 2020
    3
    Excellent cast and production value, but very lackluster storytelling. I was annoyed after 2 episodes, so I read the story on wikipedia, and based on that I’m glad I stopped watching. The ending is also very different from the book, and way less impactful. Should have been a movie instead of a series
  9. Murphydh1
    May 29, 2020
    4
    ichelle dockery is excellent , her character is believable and her performance is compelling. However, the story stretches out too long and strains to create tension "Meh it passed the time" says it all ...a solid 4/5
  10. miguelcisnerosp
    Sep 29, 2020
    9
    Beautiful work of art. At first I was skeptical and annoyed by what I thought was going to be so predictable. Cinematography at first is just meh but at the end everything comes together. I still think they should’ve stocked with the novels ending.
  11. Talesbrenoan
    Feb 22, 2023
    9
    Ótima mini série. Uma boa história sem a necessidade de lacração ou exposição sexual paea chamar a atenção
  12. geewah
    Jul 21, 2021
    8
    While there are a few flat spots, this series on the whole is a captivating drama led by some fantastic performances from it's lead actors. Another well made production from Apple TV.

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Most Discussed TV Season of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Colorado Springs Gazette
    Reviewed by: Terry Terrones
    Apr 28, 2020
    91
    This role puts all of Evans’ acting acumen on full display. Sensitive, thoughtful, yet oddly contradictory, Evans says just as much with Andy’s subtle facial movements than he does with any line of dialogue. It’s a masterful performance.
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  2. Decider
    Reviewed by: Lea Palmieri
    Apr 27, 2020
    70
    It’s a well-done drama that will keep you guessing and entertained and thinking about it even when you’re not watching it.
    Read full review
  3. Collider
    Reviewed by: Haleigh Foutch
    Apr 24, 2020
    60
    No small thanks to that knockout ensemble, Defending Jacob [is] absorbing for much of its run, though the compelling drama tends to come in fits, surrounded by lulls, side-tangents, and red herrings that too often seem to lead nowhere. In part, it’s obvious that’s because the material simply doesn’t fill an eight-episode run, at least not as it was adapted.
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