The Rainmaker ITV Release Date Confirmed for John Grisham Legal Thriller

ITV has acquired The Rainmaker, a new legal thriller based on John Grisham’s bestselling novel. The ten-part drama will begin on ITV1 on Friday 4 September, launching with a special double bill from 9pm.

The complete series will also be available to stream on ITVX immediately from the launch date. Further episodes will continue to air weekly on ITV1, giving viewers the choice of watching the story in full or following it on television.

Milo Callaghan leads the cast as Rudy Baylor, an ambitious young lawyer who has recently graduated from law school. Rudy soon finds himself confronting one of the most powerful legal figures in the courtroom when he takes on Leo Drummond, played by Mad Men star John Slattery.

The case also creates complications in Rudy’s personal life because his law school girlfriend, Sarah, is working on the opposing side. Madison Iseman plays Sarah, placing her directly between Rudy and the intimidating legal team he is preparing to challenge.

Rudy does not face the battle alone, as he works alongside Bruiser and the unconventional Deck. Lana Parrilla, known for her role as Regina Mills in Once Upon a Time, plays Bruiser, while The Boys actor P.J. Byrne takes on the role of Deck.

Together, the trio begin examining the mysterious death of a client’s son. Their investigation uncovers two connected conspiracies, turning what initially appears to be a single legal case into a much larger fight for the truth.

The cast also includes Dan Fogler, Wade Briggs and Robyn Cara. With a mixture of experienced American television stars and rising talent, the adaptation brings together a strong ensemble for its courtroom battles and wider conspiracy storyline.

John Grisham’s original novel was first published in 1995 and became one of the author’s most recognised legal thrillers. The story was previously adapted into a 1997 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, with Matt Damon playing Rudy Baylor and Jon Voight portraying Leo Drummond.

The new television version has been developed by Michael Seitzman and Jason Richman in partnership with Lionsgate Television and Blumhouse Television. Seitzman also serves as showrunner, with John Grisham among the drama’s executive producers.

Other executive producers include Patrick Moran, Jason Richman, David Gernert and Jason Blum. Lionsgate is distributing the series internationally, with ITV now bringing the full ten-episode drama to audiences across the UK.

The longer format will allow the adaptation to explore Rudy’s legal battle, his relationships and the conspiracies surrounding the case in greater depth. It also gives viewers more time with the characters as Rudy attempts to prove himself against a courtroom opponent with far greater experience and influence.

The Rainmaker begins with a special double bill at 9pm on Friday 4 September on ITV1.

All ten episodes will be available to stream on ITVX from the same date, with more television news available from SoapLandTV⁠.