Chris Evans-led 'Defending Jacob' looks like an Apple TV+ breakout

Chris Evans' first limited series after his Marvel Cinematic Universe run seems to be doing really well. While Apple—like other streaming services—hasn't divulged viewership data, sources claim that Defending Jacob is Apple TV+ service's biggest debut since its launch in November 2019. Deadline reports that it's one of the top three series premieres for the service, with a big opening weekend and viewership numbers that continued growing by five times in its first 10 days. If this is true, it'll rank Defending Jacob among the two fastest-growing series premieres on Apple TV+.

The show is also reportedly setting Apple TV+ records for viewer engagement. A substantial number of the viewers watching the first three episodes that were released on April 24 went on to watch the fourth episode released on May 1. The show just dropped Episode 5 this weekend, with J.K. Simmons' making his appearance as Billy Barber, the estranged father of Evans' Andy Barber. Defending Jacob also stars Michelle Dockery as Andy's wife, Laurie, and Jaeden Martell, as Andy's 14-year-old son Jacob, who is accused of murdering his classmate.

Chris Evans' post-Avengers show 'Defending Jacob' releases first trailer

He might not be wearing Cap's suit, but Chris Evans is keen on protecting someone. This time around, Captain America is taking up the shield to protect his son in the upcoming Apple TV+ series, Defending Jacob. The eight-episode show is based on the 2012 novel with the same title by William Landay. It follows the story of assistant district attorney Andy Barber (Evans), whose 14-year-old son Jacob (Jaeden Martell) is accused of murder. Evans and Martell are joined by Michelle Dockery, who plays Andy's wife Laurie, as well as Cherry Jones, J.K. Simmons, and Pablo Schreiber. 

The trailer gives us a peek at the lengths Andy and Laurie go to try and clear their son's name. Defending Jacob was created and written by Mark Bomback with director and executive producer Morten Tyldum. The show debuts on Apple TV+ this April 24.