Lincoln Lawyer Season 3 Ending: Who Was in the Trunk?

Few TV finales leave viewers with more questions than answers, but The Lincoln Lawyer season 3 manages exactly that. The season wraps up one murder case while dropping a cliffhanger that flips the show’s premise on its head, and here’s what actually happened in those final minutes, who ended up in Mickey Haller’s trunk, and what Netflix has confirmed about season 4.

Season 3 premiere date: October 17, 2024 ·
Season 3 episodes: 10 ·
Based on novel: The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly ·
Lead actor: Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller ·
Season 4 premiere date: February 2026 (announced)

Here are key facts about the series:

How did season 3 of The Lincoln Lawyer end?

What happened to Gloria Dayton?

Gloria Dayton, known as Glory Days, is murdered early in season 3. Mickey Haller is hired to defend Julian La Cosse, the man accused of killing her. The case becomes a personal crusade for Mickey because Gloria was a former client and friend. (Esquire)

Who killed Glory Days?

A trial twist reveals that DEA agent James DeMarco is the real murderer. Former LAPD detective Neil Bishop testifies that DeMarco killed Gloria to cover up his illegal dealings with drug boss Hector Moya. Bishop then commits suicide on the witness stand. (Den of Geek)

What is the verdict in Julian’s case?

Julian La Cosse is exonerated and receives a settlement. The case appears closed — until the final scene. (TV Insider)

The takeaway: The season ends with Mickey’s victory overshadowed by a new threat, setting up a dramatic role reversal.

Who was in the trunk at the end of Lincoln Lawyer season 3?

Is the trunk victim a new character?

The victim is Sam Scales, a recurring conman client from season 2. He’s not a brand-new face — Mickey has tangled with him before. The body is placed in the trunk of Mickey’s Lincoln Continental while he is on a road trip. (Den of Geek)

Does the trunk victim connect to season 4?

Yes. The finale ends with Mickey being pulled over and arrested after police discover the body. Showrunners have confirmed that season 4 will explore how the body got there and who framed Mickey. (Esquire) Co-showrunner Ted Humphrey described the trunk reveal as “a curveball” designed to set up the next season. (TV Insider)

The consequence: Mickey’s arrest flips the show’s premise, making him the accused in season 4.

Is there a Lincoln Lawyer season 4 coming?

When was season 4 announced?

Netflix confirmed season 4 alongside the February 2026 premiere window. The renewal was widely reported in early 2025, shortly after season 3’s strong performance. (Netflix Tudum)

How many episodes will season 4 have?

While not officially confirmed, the show has followed a 10-episode pattern for all three seasons. Season 4 is expected to continue that format. (TV Insider)

The pattern: Netflix is investing in The Lincoln Lawyer as a long-running franchise, with back-to-back renewals signalling confidence in the series.

What date is season 4 coming out?

Is the release date confirmed?

Netflix has announced a February 2026 premiere window, but an exact date has not been released. Given the show’s history of mid-month releases, expect a precise date announcement a few months before. (Netflix Tudum)

Will season 4 premiere in February 2026?

All signs point to yes. The February window is confirmed by Netflix, making it the earliest reliable date fans have. (TV Insider)

The catch: Until a specific day is named, the wait is a four-month window of uncertainty for viewers planning their binge.

Is Lincoln Lawyer season 4 the final season?

Will there be a season 5?

Yes. Netflix has ordered a fifth season, which will be the final season of the series. The announcement came with news that six new cast members have joined the show. (Den of Geek)

Has Netflix confirmed season 5?

Netflix has not issued a formal press release, but multiple entertainment outlets report that season 5 is greenlit as the concluding chapter. (TV Insider)

The trade-off: Fans get two more seasons to follow Mickey’s story, but the end is now in sight — the series will wrap after season 5, possibly in 2027.

Timeline: Key dates for The Lincoln Lawyer

• May 2022: Season 1 premieres on Netflix (Netflix Tudum)
• July 2023: Season 2 premieres (TV Insider)
• October 17, 2024: Season 3 released (Netflix Tudum)
• February 2026: Season 4 premiere window (Netflix Tudum)
• 2027 (projected): Season 5 expected as final season (Den of Geek)

Final thought: The series has been renewed through season 5, ensuring a complete arc for Mickey Haller.

Quotes from the cast and creators

“Season 3 is about Mickey defending an innocent man and avenging the death of Gloria Dayton.”

— Netflix Tudum (official description)

“The finale needed a curveball.”

— Ted Humphrey, co-showrunner (TV Insider)

For fans of legal dramas on Netflix, His and Hers Netflix offers another gripping story in a similar vein. And for updates on other series, check out The Last of Us Series: Season 2 Wraps, Season 3 Updates.

For Netflix subscribers, the wait for season 4 is the real cliffhanger. Mickey Haller will have to prove his own innocence when the show returns in February 2026 — and the final season after that will determine whether he can ever go back to being just a lawyer. The stakes have never been higher for the man in the Lincoln.

For those who need to revisit the details before diving into season 4, full recap of the season 3 finale provides a thorough breakdown of the trunk reveal and what it means for Mickey Haller.

Frequently asked questions