Legal drama fans, rejoice: USA Network has officially renewed The Rainmaker for a second season, with new episodes set to air in 2026. The announcement, made on October 23, 2025, arrives less than a week after the show’s first season wrapped up in dramatic fashion, and it signals a strong return to original scripted programming for the channel. As reported by Variety and Vital Thrills, the show’s renewal underscores both its popularity and USA Network’s shifting strategy as it transitions into Versant, a soon-to-be publicly traded media company spun off from NBCUniversal’s cable assets.
Based on John Grisham’s best-selling novel, The Rainmaker has struck a chord with viewers and critics alike. The first nine episodes of season one averaged 1.3 million viewers, a figure that demonstrates the show’s broad appeal in a crowded television landscape. The season finale, which aired on October 17, 2025, was the most-watched episode of the season on USA Network—a clear testament to the show’s growing momentum and the loyalty of its fanbase.
“The verdict is in — ‘The Rainmaker’ is returning for season two on USA Network,” said Val Boreland, president of entertainment at Versant, in a statement to Variety. “Along with our brilliant showrunner Michael Seitzman and our partners at Lionsgate and Blumhouse, we’re thrilled to build on the momentum and deliver another compelling chapter of this gripping legal drama for our viewers.”
The series, produced by Lionsgate Television and Blumhouse Television, features a star-studded cast. Milo Callaghan leads as Rudy Baylor, a fresh-faced law school graduate thrust into the high-stakes world of legal battles. John Slattery plays Leo Drummond, a seasoned courtroom lion and Baylor’s formidable adversary. The ensemble also includes Lana Parrilla as Bruiser, Rudy’s tough-as-nails boss; Madison Iseman as Sarah, Rudy’s law school girlfriend; P.J. Byrne as Deck, Bruiser’s disheveled paralegal; Dan Fogler, Wade Briggs, and Robyn Cara rounding out the cast. Under the creative leadership of showrunner and executive producer Michael Seitzman, the show has deftly balanced courtroom intrigue with personal drama, keeping viewers invested week after week.
The official logline, as shared by USA Network, sets the stage for the show’s narrative: “Rudy Baylor (Callaghan), who is fresh out of law school, goes head-to-head with courtroom lion Leo Drummond (Slattery) as well as his law school girlfriend, Sarah (Iseman). Rudy, along with his boss, Bruiser (Parrilla), and her disheveled paralegal, Deck (Byrne), uncover two connected conspiracies surrounding the mysterious death of their client’s son.” If that sounds like a recipe for high-stakes drama, it’s because it is—the show has delivered on those promises, weaving together tense legal showdowns with personal stakes that hit close to home for its characters.
The Rainmaker’s success is particularly noteworthy given the broader context of USA Network’s programming strategy. The renewal comes as the network, along with several others, is in the midst of a transformation. Versant, the soon-to-be publicly traded media company, is taking shape as a spinoff of many of NBCUniversal’s cable assets. This move marks a new era for USA Network, which is returning to its roots in original scripted programming after a period of shifting focus. The network is also prepping another drama series, Anna Pigeon, signaling its renewed commitment to compelling, character-driven storytelling.
For fans of John Grisham’s novels, the adaptation of The Rainmaker has been a long-awaited event. The original novel, published in 1995, is a classic of the legal thriller genre, and its themes of justice, corruption, and personal growth have translated well to the small screen. The show’s blend of legal maneuvering and emotional depth has drawn praise from both longtime Grisham readers and newcomers alike. It’s no small feat to adapt such a beloved book, but the creative team—led by Seitzman and backed by executive producers Grisham himself, Patrick Moran, Jason Richman, David Gernert, and Jason Blum—has managed to strike the right balance between fidelity to the source material and fresh storytelling.
The numbers speak for themselves. With an average of 1.3 million viewers tuning in for the first nine episodes, and a season finale that set a new high-water mark for viewership, The Rainmaker has proven it can compete with the best of today’s legal dramas. The show’s cross-platform performance has also been strong, reflecting the changing ways audiences consume television in 2025. Whether viewers are watching live, streaming on demand, or catching up via DVR, it’s clear that Rudy Baylor’s journey has struck a nerve.
Behind the scenes, the collaboration between Lionsgate Television and Blumhouse Television has brought together some of the industry’s top talent. The involvement of John Grisham as an executive producer has lent the project an air of authenticity and respect for the source material, while Jason Blum’s track record in producing gripping, character-driven stories is evident in every episode. Michael Seitzman’s vision as showrunner has been instrumental in shaping the show’s tone and pacing, ensuring that each episode delivers both legal fireworks and emotional resonance.
The renewal of The Rainmaker also reflects broader trends in television. As networks and streaming services compete for viewers’ attention, recognizable brands and proven source material have become increasingly valuable. Adaptations of popular novels, especially those with built-in fanbases, offer a level of security and excitement that original concepts sometimes struggle to match. In this landscape, The Rainmaker stands out not just for its pedigree, but for its execution—delivering on the promise of Grisham’s novel while carving out its own identity as a must-watch drama.
Looking ahead to season two, fans can expect more of the same high-stakes legal drama, character development, and plot twists that have made the show a hit. With the creative team and cast returning, and USA Network doubling down on original scripted content, the future looks bright for Rudy Baylor and company. As Val Boreland put it, “We’re thrilled to build on the momentum and deliver another compelling chapter of this gripping legal drama for our viewers.”
With its renewal, The Rainmaker not only cements its place in the current television lineup, but also signals a renewed commitment by USA Network—and Versant—to high-quality, character-driven storytelling. For fans and newcomers alike, the next chapter promises to be every bit as riveting as the first.
