Netflix's crime drama empire enters its final chapter in 2027 as two of the streamer's flagship series prepare to wrap up. The Lincoln Lawyer and The Night Agent both plan to conclude their runs within the next couple of years, marking the end of a dominant cycle for the genre on the platform.
The Lincoln Lawyer, based on Michael Connelly's bestselling novels and starring Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as defense attorney Mickey Haller, has become Netflix's anchor crime series. The show has consistently delivered strong viewership numbers while maintaining critical credibility through its legal procedurals and character development. Meanwhile, The Night Agent, starring Gabriel Basso as Secret Service agent Peter Sutherland, emerged as a surprise breakout hit during its 2023 premiere, quickly becoming one of Netflix's most-watched series in its first season.
Both shows signal their intention to exit while still in audience favor rather than declining into irrelevance. This approach mirrors how prestige cable networks once operated, allowing series to end on their own terms rather than languishing through diminishing returns. It reflects a shift in Netflix's strategy toward narrative completion over endless content churn.
The departure of these two crime dramas leaves a notable void in Netflix's slate. The streamer built considerable momentum around the genre through strong casting, adaptation pedigree, and investment in serialized storytelling. Connelly's literary source material gave The Lincoln Lawyer legitimacy within the legal thriller space, while The Night Agent tapped into audiences' appetite for spy-adjacent thrillers with high production values.
Netflix has not announced clear replacements for these series, suggesting the platform may be reconsidering its crime drama strategy. The streamer faces competition from other services like Hulu, which hosts How to Get Away with Murder alumni, and Apple TV+, investing in prestige crime content. Whether Netflix doubles down on other crime properties, piv