Explore the 2025 TV adaptation of John Grisham’s The Rainmaker, featuring Milo Callaghan and Lana Parrilla. Discover cast details, episode summaries, and behind-the-scenes insights.
In August 2025, USA Network premiered a new legal drama series, The Rainmaker, based on John Grisham’s 1995 novel. This adaptation brings a fresh perspective to the classic story, introducing new characters and dynamics while retaining the core themes of the original.
Plot Overview
The series follows Rudy Baylor (Milo Callaghan), a recent law school graduate who is fired on his first day at a prestigious firm. Undeterred, he joins a small-time personal injury law firm led by the tough and unconventional Jocelyn “Bruiser” Stone (Lana Parrilla). Together with paralegal Deck Shifflet (P.J. Byrne), they take on a wrongful death case involving a hospital’s negligence, setting the stage for a legal battle against a powerful adversary.
Main Cast
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Milo Callaghan as Rudy Baylor
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Lana Parrilla as Jocelyn “Bruiser” Stone
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Madison Iseman as Sarah Plankmore
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P.J. Byrne as Deck Shifflet
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John Slattery as Leo F. Drummond
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Dan Fogler as Melvin Pritcher
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Wade Briggs as Brad Noonan
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Robyn Cara as Kelly Riker
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Tommie Earl Jenkins as Prince Thomas (recurring)
Season 1 Episode Guide
| Episode | Title | Air Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Another Rainy Day | Aug 15, 2025 |
| 2 | Nashville Hot | Aug 22, 2025 |
| 3 | Episode #1.3 | Aug 29, 2025 |
| 4 | Episode #1.4 | Sep 5, 2025 |
| 5 | Episode #1.5 | Sep 12, 2025 |
| 6 | Episode #1.6 | Sep 19, 2025 |
| 7 | Episode #1.7 | Sep 26, 2025 |
| 8 | Episode #1.8 | Oct 3, 2025 |
| 9 | Episode #1.9 | Oct 10, 2025 |
| 10 | Episode #1.10 | Oct 17, 2025 |
Behind the Scenes
The series was developed by Michael Seitzman and Jason Richman, with Seitzman serving as the showrunner. Production companies include Maniac, PKM Productions, Blumhouse Television, and Lionsgate Television. The show marks USA Network’s return to scripted programming after a hiatus, signaling a shift back to original dramas.
Reception
The Rainmaker has received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an approval rating of 50% based on 12 critic reviews, indicating a divided reception. Metacritic gave the series a weighted average score of 57 out of 100 based on 8 critics, suggesting “mixed or average” reviews.
Where to Watch
The Rainmaker airs on USA Network on Fridays at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes are available to stream on Peacock one week after their initial broadcast.
The Rainmaker offers a contemporary take on John Grisham’s classic legal thriller, blending elements of courtroom drama with personal and professional conflicts. While the series has garnered mixed reviews, it provides a fresh perspective on themes of justice and ambition. Fans of legal dramas may find the series engaging, especially those interested in character-driven narratives.
