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The Rainmaker
Released

The Rainmaker

A Young Lawyer Takes on a Powerful Insurance Company in a High-Stakes Legal Battle

  • 2025
  • Crime, Drama
  • 10 episodes
TheNextHint Score
7.2 7.2 / 10

Overview

Rudy Baylor is a young attorney who recently graduated from law school and aspires to use the legal system to change the world. When he meets Leo F. Drummond, one of the most influential lawyers in his area, his aspirations instantly collide with the brutal world of business law.

Rudy joins Jocelyn "Bruiser" Stone, a more unusual attorney with a small personal-injury practice, after departing Drummond's firm. Rudy takes on a significant case involving the death of a young man and a strong medical system alongside Bruiser and Deck Shifflet. Rudy is pitted squarely against the legal system he once aspired to join as the case progressively exposes dubious ties.

Quick Verdict

If you like approachable legal dramas centered around courtroom conflicts, professional rivalries, and conspiracy-driven cases, you should watch The Rainmaker. Viewers seeking a gritty or extremely realistic legal drama may find it less enjoyable because it is more slick and uncomplicated rather than deeply nuanced. Its superb cast and Grisham source material are its main attractions.

Where to Watch The Rainmaker in the US

Subscription

Last checked: September 10, 2026

Based on John Grisham’s 1995 book, The Rainmaker is an American legal drama, crime, and mystery-thriller series. The show centers on Rudy Baylor, a recently licensed attorney with lofty goals who soon finds himself entangled in a hazardous plot, business interests, strong lawyers, and personal connections.

The 10-episode first season of the show debuted on USA Network on August 15, 2025. Grisham’s courtroom world is expanded into a longer television format by its plot, which combines romance, criminality, workplace rivalry, legal conflicts, and investigations into strange deaths.

Critics’ opinions of the first season were divided. The series is presently rated at 7.1/10 on IMDb, while Rotten Tomatoes has an audience score of 83% and a Tomatometer score of 54%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Rainmaker based on a book?

Yes. The series is based on John Grisham's 1995 novel The Rainmaker.

Is The Rainmaker a remake of the 1997 movie?

It is a new television adaptation of the same John Grisham novel, rather than a direct remake of the 1997 film. The earlier movie starred Matt Damon and was directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

How many episodes does The Rainmaker Season 1 have?

Season 1 has 10 episodes, released weekly from August 15 through October 17, 2025.

Is The Rainmaker getting Season 2?

Yes. USA Network has renewed the series for Season 2, with the new season scheduled to premiere on October 16, 2026.

Story — Spoiler Free

Rudy Baylor, who just graduated from law school, enters the legal field with the goal of developing a fulfilling career. Rudy's first significant encounter with influential lawyer Leo Drummond swiftly alters his course, ultimately leading him to collaborate with the unorthodox Jocelyn "Bruiser" Stone. Rudy learns that the case goes well beyond a typical litigation when he takes on a significant case concerning the strange death of a young guy. He is up against corporate interests, influential attorneys, and those with a lot to lose as a result of his probe.

7.2

TheNextHint Score

7.2 / 10

If you like approachable legal dramas centered around courtroom conflicts, professional rivalries, and conspiracy-driven cases, you should watch The Rainmaker. Viewers seeking a gritty or extremely realistic legal drama may find it less enjoyable because it is more slick and uncomplicated rather than deeply nuanced. Its superb cast and Grisham source material are its main attractions.

Rating breakdown

Story
7.0
Acting
8.0
Direction
7.0
Visuals
7.0
Sound
7.0
Entertainment
7.0

External Ratings

Scores from other sources, shown in their own scale. These are not TheNextHint's rating.

  • IMDb 7.1 / 10 6,200 ratings View source Checked September 10, 2026

Pros

  • Strong central legal conflict.
  • Milo Callaghan gives Rudy a determined but inexperienced personality.
  • Lana Parrilla adds energy and personality as Bruiser.
  • John Slattery makes Leo Drummond a memorable professional antagonist.
  • The 10-episode structure gives the legal case room to develop.
  • The story combines courtroom drama with crime and personal relationships.

Cons

  • Some critics find the dialogue overly obvious and melodramatic.
  • The storytelling can feel straightforward rather than layered.
  • Several reviews criticized the show's lack of nuance and depth.
  • Some character motivations are explained too directly.
  • Viewers looking for a highly realistic courtroom drama may find the style too glossy.

Who Should Watch

  • John Grisham Readers
  • Crime Thriller Fans
  • Mystery Fans
  • Character Drama Viewers

Who Should Skip

  • Slow-Burn Mystery Fans
  • Ultra-Realistic Legal Drama Fans
  • Fans of Complex Legal Shows
Release Date
2025-08-15
Runtime
135 minutes
Director
Russell Lee Fine, Randy Zisk, Michael Seitzman
Producer
Adrian Kelly, Dara McClatchie; executive producers include John Grisham, Jason Blum, Michael Seitzman
Writer
Michael Seitzman, Jason Richman, Julia Cohen, Johnny Richardson, Barbara Curry, Wendy Mericle
Cast
Milo Callaghan, Lana Parrilla, Madison Iseman, P.J. Byrne, Dan Fogler, Wade Briggs, Robyn Cara, John Slattery, Merle Dandridge
Music
Clinton Shorter
Cinematography
Russell Lee Fine, Tim Fleming
Studio
USA Network
Distributor
Lionsgate Television
Production Company
Lionsgate Television, Blumhouse Television, Maniac Productions, PKM Productions

Cast & Characters

  • Milo Callaghan

    as Milo Callaghan

    A newly qualified lawyer determined to establish himself while taking on powerful opponents.

  • Lana Parrilla

    as Jocelyn “Bruiser” Stone

    Rudy's unconventional and outspoken boss.

  • Madison Iseman

    as Sarah Plankmore

    Rudy's former law-school girlfriend whose professional loyalties become increasingly complicated.

  • P.J. Byrne

    as Deck Shifflet

    Bruiser's unconventional paralegal and Rudy's colleague.

  • John Slattery

    as Leo F. Drummond

    A powerful and intimidating attorney who becomes Rudy's principal professional adversary.

  • Dan Fogler

    as Melvin Pritcher

    A significant figure connected to Rudy's investigation.

  • Wade Briggs

    as Brad Noonan

    A lawyer connected to the larger professional conflict.

  • Robyn Cara

    as Kelly Riker

    A supporting character connected to Rudy's personal and legal world.

  • Merle Dandridge

    as Dot Black

    A key figure connected to Rudy's major case.

Seasons & Episodes

Season 1 10 episodes August 15, 2025 Completed
  1. 1 Another Rainy Day

    40 min August 15, 2025

    Fresh out of law school, Rudy confronts Leo Drummond in a medical malpractice case.

  2. 2 Nashville Hot

    40 min August 22, 2025

    Rudy and Deck face a tense witness encounter and make an important discovery.

  3. 3 The Rule Book

    40 min August 29, 2025

    Rudy and Deck search for a missing nurse as their investigation points toward a conspiracy.

  4. 4 Friendly Fire

    40 min September 5, 2025

    Sarah reveals information that forces Rudy to choose between his client and girlfriend.

  5. 5 What Life Was Like

    40 min September 12, 2025

    Rudy defies Bruiser after Melvin threatens the case and risks his career.

  6. 6 Episode 6

    40 min September 19, 2025

    Rudy continues defending his client while Sarah faces new temptations in London.

  7. 7 Episode 7

    40 min September 26, 2025

    Rudy is arrested for murder, leaving Bruiser to defend him.

  8. 8 Episode 8

    40 min October 3, 2025

    Rudy and Deck follow

  9. 9 Episode 9

    40 min October 10, 2025

    Rudy must choose between making a winning argument and exposing the truth.

  10. 10 Episode 10

    41 min October 17, 2025

    Rudy faces Sarah in court and questions whether she is still the person he once knew.

Trailer

Sources & References

Fact checked by Sakshi Purna Last fact checked: September 10, 2026

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