Cobie Smulders to Lead ‘Lincoln Lawyer’ Spinoff at Netflix
Netflix Plans "The Lincoln Lawyer" Spinoff Starring Cobie Smulders as Mickey Haller’s Half-Sister
What’s Happening in Simple Terms
Imagine your favorite TV show is ending, but one of the most interesting new characters gets their very own show. That’s exactly what’s happening with The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix!
The big news: Netflix is developing a brand-new series starring Cobie Smulders (who you might know as Robin from How I Met Your Mother or Maria Hill from the Marvel movies). She’ll play Artemisia "Emi" Finch, the half-sister of the main character Mickey Haller.
IMPORTANT POINT
This isn’t just a rumor – Netflix has already bought the project and commissioned a script to be written quickly. The show comes from the same team that makes The Lincoln Lawyer, and it’s being produced by A+E Studios.
What Is "The Lincoln Lawyer" Anyway?
If you’re new to this world, here’s the quick version:
- Based on books by famous crime writer Michael Connelly
- Stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, a clever defense attorney who works out of the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car (hence the name!)
- Currently in its final season – Season 5 will be the last for the main show
- Huge hit for Netflix – over 171 million views since 2023, and Season 4 actually got more viewers in its first weekend than Season 3 did
Meet Emi Finch: The Star of the New Show
Who Is She?
- Mickey Haller’s half-sister (they didn’t know each other existed!)
- First appeared at the end of Season 4
- Becomes a series regular in Season 5
- Original character – not in Michael Connelly’s books, created especially for the TV show
Why Does She Exist?
Here’s the interesting backstory: In the books, Mickey has a half-brother named Harry Bosch (a famous detective who got his own show on Amazon Prime Video). But because Amazon owns the rights to Harry Bosch, Netflix couldn’t use him. So they created Emi Finch to fill that family-shaped hole in Mickey’s life.
IMPORTANT POINT
It’s only fair! Harry Bosch got his own show on Amazon, so now Mickey’s sister gets her own show on Netflix.
What Will the Spinoff Be About?
Season 5 Sets the Stage
In the upcoming final season of The Lincoln Lawyer:
- Emi shows up asking Mickey for help
- She wants to free a woman who was wrongly convicted
- Mickey takes the case, determined to fix a huge injustice
- Their relationship develops – setting up perfect material for her own series
The Spinoff Concept
The executive producers (Ted Humphrey, Dailyn Rodriguez, and Matthew J. Lieberman) spent time developing the idea and pitched it directly to Netflix. The streamer loved it so much they "bought it in the room" – industry talk for "approved it immediately during the pitch meeting."
How a Show Gets Made: The Steps So Far
- Idea conceived by the show’s executive producers
- Character introduced in Season 4 to test audience reaction
- Concept refined over several months
- Formal pitch made to Netflix executives
- Immediate approval – Netflix commissioned a script "in the room"
- Script being written right now (quick turnaround requested)
- Deals being negotiated with all key players (ongoing)
- California tax credit application – hoping to film in LA like the main show
- Official green light – pending completion of all deals
IMPORTANT POINT
The show isn’t officially ordered to series yet. It’s "contingent on closing deals with all key auspices" – meaning everyone needs to sign their contracts before Netflix gives the final "go."
Why This Makes Smart Business Sense
Proven Track Record
- $425+ million contributed to California economy (first 4 seasons)
- 4,300+ cast and crew members employed
- 50+ Los Angeles locations used for filming
- 29 weeks on Netflix Global Top 10 charts
- 171 million views since 2023
- Season 4 premiere: 9 million views opening weekend (up from Season 3’s 7 million)
Built-In Audience
Fans already know and like Emi from Season 5, so the spinoff starts with a ready-made fanbase – much safer than launching a completely new show with unknown characters.
Cobie Smulders: Perfect for the Role
Her Resume
- Robin Scherbatsky – How I Met Your Mother (9 seasons)
- Maria Hill – Marvel Cinematic Universe (multiple movies & shows)
- Dr. Julie Warner – Shrinking (Apple TV+, recurring role)
- Represented by top agencies UTA and Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman
She’s a proven TV star who can carry a series, and she’s already familiar with the character and production team.
Summary
Netflix is moving forward with a spinoff of The Lincoln Lawyer starring Cobie Smulders as Mickey Haller’s half-sister Emi Finch. The project has been pitched, approved, and a script is being written. While not officially greenlit yet (final contracts are being negotiated), all signs point to this becoming a real series. It makes creative sense (filling the void left by not being able to use Harry Bosch) and business sense (leveraging a hugely successful franchise with a beloved new character).
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
When would this spinoff air?
No date yet. The script is being written now, then deals must be finalized, then production would need to happen. Realistically, if everything moves fast, late 2025 or 2026 at the earliest.
Do I need to watch The Lincoln Lawyer to understand the spinoff?
Probably not entirely, but it would help! Emi is introduced in Season 4 and becomes central in Season 5. Watching those episodes would give you her backstory and relationship with Mickey.
Will Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (Mickey) appear in the spinoff?
Likely yes, at least occasionally. They’re half-siblings with a developing relationship, so crossover appearances would make sense – similar to how characters appear across the Chicago Fire/PD/Med shows.
Is this definitely happening?
Very likely, but not 100% guaranteed. Industry term: "contingent on closing deals." Netflix bought the pitch and commissioned the script, which are huge steps, but final contracts for actors, writers, and producers must be signed.
Why can’t they use Harry Bosch instead?
Rights issues. Amazon owns the TV rights to Harry Bosch (who stars in Bosch and Bosch: Legacy on Prime Video). Michael Connelly’s books feature both characters as half-siblings, but different studios own the adaptation rights for each.