Your Honor (2020) is an American drama television series that premiered on Showtime on December 6, 2020, and concluded on March 19, 2023.
The series stars Bryan Cranston as Michael Desiato, a respected judge in New Orleans whose life is dramatically altered when his teenage son, Adam, accidentally kills another teenager in a hit-and-run incident. The twist comes when Michael discovers that the victim is the son of a powerful mob boss, prompting him to make morally questionable decisions to protect his son, igniting a dangerous series of events filled with lies and ethical dilemmas.
The show was developed by Peter Moffat and is based on the Israeli series Kvodo. Initially conceived as a limited series, Your Honor was renewed for a second season due to its popularity, which peaked during its first season with about 700,000 weekly viewers. The first season consists of ten episodes, and the second season, which also has ten episodes, premiered on January 15, 2023. However, despite the initial success, the second season struggled with declining viewership, averaging only 250,000 viewers per week, which ultimately led to the show's cancellation after its second season.
The narrative of Your Honor explores complex themes of parental sacrifice, the impact of crime on families, and the moral compromises that individuals make in desperate situations. The first season focuses on Michael's attempts to shield his son from the consequences of his actions, while the second season delves into the aftermath of these choices, including Michael's early release from prison and his efforts to dismantle the criminal organization that has wreaked havoc on his life and the lives of others in New Orleans.
The series received mixed reviews throughout its run, with the first season holding a 50% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and the second season improving slightly to 67%. Critics praised Cranston's performance but noted the show's formulaic elements. Despite its cancellation, Your Honor remains a significant entry in the crime drama genre, illustrating the lengths a parent will go to protect their child, even at the cost of their own integrity and the law.