Hartley to Play a Brilliant but Flawed Defense Attorney
Hollywood star Justin Hartley, best known for his emotionally complex roles in This Is Us and CBS’s hit show Tracker, is stepping into yet another transformative role—this time as a morally conflicted defense attorney in an upcoming Netflix original series titled Reasonable Doubt. The legal thriller is set to explore the dark underbelly of the justice system while allowing Hartley to tap into his range as an actor and producer.
Described as “intense, character-driven, and suspenseful,” Reasonable Doubt follows Hartley’s character, Miles Barrett, a high-powered Los Angeles defense attorney known for winning impossible cases—often by bending the law. Beneath his charm and courtroom dominance, however, lies a man struggling with a traumatic past, fractured relationships, and a secret that could destroy everything he’s built.
“This character is layered, damaged, and unapologetically complex,” Hartley shared during a Netflix preview event. “I’ve never played a lawyer before, but what drew me in was the psychological tension—he’s someone who’s brilliant but constantly walking a tightrope between justice and manipulation.”
Netflix Greenlights Full Season with Global Release Plans
Netflix has ordered a 10-episode first season of Reasonable Doubt, which is currently filming in Los Angeles and slated for a worldwide premiere in early 2026. The streaming giant is reportedly investing heavily in the project, positioning it as one of its flagship dramas for the new year.
Netflix’s VP of Original Content described the show as “a gripping mix of courtroom brilliance, personal demons, and moral ambiguity—all anchored by Hartley’s commanding performance.” International rollout is part of the plan, with multiple dubbing and subtitle options to reach a global audience.
Fans can expect high production values, top-tier writing, and a blend of legal intrigue with psychological drama—similar to hits like The Lincoln Lawyer and House of Cards, but with Hartley’s own charismatic spin.
A Deeper Dive into Justice, Morality, and Secrets
While courtroom dramas are nothing new, Reasonable Doubt promises to elevate the genre by focusing on the personal cost of defending the guilty and manipulating truth. The show’s writers—led by Emmy-nominated showrunner Caroline Myles—intend to use Hartley’s character as a lens to explore deeper societal issues.
“Miles Barrett isn’t your traditional legal hero,” Myles explained. “He’s charming but deceptive. He believes in the system, but he’s also been burned by it. The show forces the audience to ask: what is justice, really—and what are we willing to overlook to win?”
Each episode will revolve around a new case while gradually unraveling the threads of Miles’s personal and professional unraveling. His troubled family life, mysterious backstory, and questionable ethics add layers of suspense and unpredictability.
Justin Hartley Expands His Role as a Powerhouse Producer
In addition to starring, Justin Hartley is executive producing the series through his production company, ChangeUp Productions, in partnership with Netflix. This marks a significant step in Hartley’s career behind the camera, where he’s increasingly becoming a force in creative development.
“I’m no longer just choosing projects—I’m helping shape them,” Hartley said. “With Reasonable Doubt, I was involved from the concept stage, helping build a story world that feels authentic, thrilling, and emotionally resonant.”
ChangeUp Productions has already delivered several successful projects, including limited series and TV films, and this Netflix deal solidifies Hartley’s presence as a creative entrepreneur in the entertainment industry. By producing, acting, and sometimes even writing, he’s establishing a brand rooted in smart storytelling and meaningful characters.
First Trailer Sparks Major Buzz Across Social Media
When Netflix released a short teaser for Reasonable Doubt on YouTube and Instagram, the fan response was immediate. In just 48 hours, the trailer racked up over 3 million views and trended across multiple countries. Viewers praised the dark tone, sharp writing, and Hartley’s new gritty look—complete with designer suits, a perpetual five o’clock shadow, and a stare that says “I’ll win, even if I lose.”
“Justin Hartley in a legal thriller? Say less,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), while another commented, “I’ve never been this excited to root for a morally gray character.”
Critics are also taking notice. Early press buzz describes the show as “slick, cerebral, and dangerously addictive.” Several entertainment outlets are already predicting awards nominations in the upcoming TV season.
Hartley’s Career Arc Proves Strategic and Purposeful
This new role is just the latest chapter in Justin Hartley’s carefully curated journey from daytime soap opera actor to primetime television A-lister and now a bonafide producer-creator. Each move in his career—from Smallville to This Is Us to Tracker—has reflected both versatility and strategic foresight.
Where many actors chase roles based on visibility or paycheck, Hartley chooses projects that challenge him. Reasonable Doubt offers not only a rich character but also a platform to influence storytelling in deeper ways.
“I never wanted to play the same character over and over,” he explained. “What excites me is growth—and this show is all about transformation, for the character and for me.”
What to Expect When the Series Debuts in 2026
When Reasonable Doubt premieres, audiences can expect a weekly drop format rather than a full-season binge—an intentional move by Netflix to build suspense and create week-to-week buzz. The series will also feature an ensemble cast including:
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Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Miles’s estranged wife, a successful prosecutor with secrets of her own
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Giancarlo Esposito as the law firm’s ruthless founder
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Jacob Elordi as a young associate entangled in a dangerous conspiracy
Each episode will delve into a new case, but overarching themes of guilt, betrayal, and legal manipulation will carry throughout the season. Complex character arcs, emotionally charged confrontations, and shocking twists are expected.
Justin Hartley’s Netflix Era Begins
As Justin Hartley gears up to promote Reasonable Doubt, it’s clear this marks a new phase in his already impressive career. He’s no longer just the heartthrob or the tragic son—he’s a dramatic lead, a creator, and a businessman with a clear vision for the kind of stories he wants to tell.
“Netflix allows us to reach the world,” Hartley said. “And with Reasonable Doubt, we’re telling a story that’s not just entertaining—but also asks tough questions about morality, truth, and redemption.”
