Lawyer TV Series To See Now
Ben Borman – Mention of the best lawyer tv series will invariably see The Lincoln Lawyer and Suits being mentioned in quick succession, but we took a look at some of the law-based TV dramas that some overlook and which deserve a high rating – the lawyer shows you need to see.
Shows like Suits and The Lincoln Lawyer have become particularly notable for their dynamic representation of the legal world, engaging audiences with their clever writing and strong performances.
Top legal shows like these two will highlight the ethical and other conflicts that emerge from many law stories, providing a multifaceted courtroom drama, or showing the office politics that can provide equally dramatic results.
Great lawyer TV shows provide a window into the strategic nuances of legal practice, where protagonists often balance personal ethics with the letter of the law. From the shrewd negotiation tactics in a corporate law firm to the high-stakes environment of criminal defense, these legal TV series capture the intensity and unpredictability that legal professionals often face.
The law TV genre offers a diverse lineup, from classics that have shaped television to modern takes that reflect the evolving landscape of legal practice.
Various websites and others offer some indication of the lawyer TV shows that remain popular, such as the IMDB website, but often they are way outdated and the recently updated list of shows from Screenrant, provides a handy look at some of the best shows. Our own look at the Netflix law TV dramas also takes a dive into the top shows on that streaming service.
We’ve looked at some of the shows that
Latest Best Lawyer TV Shows
All-Time Best Lawyer TV Series Classics
The landscape of legal dramas has been indelibly shaped by series that set the standard for the genre. These classic shows resonate through their iconic characters, landmark cases, and the ways they encapsulated the legal zeitgeist of their eras.
Perry Mason
Perry Mason is a cornerstone of the legal drama genre, known for its depiction of courtroom drama and the unwavering defense attorney played by Raymond Burr. The show’s formula, featuring often seemingly hopeless cases with dramatic last-minute revelations, established many of the hallmarks of legal dramas that would follow.
Perry Mason (2022 -)
Rotten Tomatoes Ranking – 79%
However there is a rebooted Perry Mason too, which deserves watching and, set in the 1930s and based upon the short stories written by Erle Stanley Gardner it has generated a strong following and good ratings.
The Practice (1997 – 2994)
The Practice, created by leading TV legal drama guru David E. Kelley, showcased the less glamorous side of law, focusing on the moral dilemmas and the gritty realities of practicing defense law. The series was celebrated for its complex characters, ethical quandaries, and strong performances, notably by Dylan McDermott as lawyer Bobby Donnell.
LA Law (1986 – 1984)
Rotten Tomatoes Ranking – 85%
A personal favorite from Steve Bochco whose ability to weave great storytelling into equally great and shifting storylines provided an ensemble cast of memorable characters from the LA law firm that gave the series its title.
LA Law ran for eight seasons and that says it all. With its parallel storylines and social observations and out of the park humor the series captured the essence of great fun drama – in a legal setting.
Contemporary Favorites
The landscape of legal dramas has thrived with series that blend clever storytelling and complex characters.
Suits (2011 – 2019)
Rotten Tomatoes Ranking – 85%
Set in the high-stakes legal world of New York City, Suits follows savvy lawyer Harvey Specter and his prodigious but fraudulent associate Mike Ross.
They tackle cases while maintaining Mike’s secret. The dynamic between characters and legal battles keeps viewers hooked, excellently capturing the tension and drama of a top-tier law firm.
A tale of raw talent and photographic memory, “Suits” has become synonymous with legal drama. While its viewership stats are impressive, what’s often overlooked is its impact on legal fashion and office culture, inspiring a generation of lawyers to ‘dress the part.’ So – go Harvey Specter (at your risk).
Better Call Saul (2015 – 2022)
Rotten Tomatoes Ranking – 85%
A prequel to the critically acclaimed “Breaking Bad”, Better Call Saul chronicles the transformation of the small-time lawyer and con man Jimmy McGill into the morally ambivalent legal persona Saul Goodman.
Praised for its character development and moral complexity, the show delves into the legal and personal challenges Jimmy faces as he descends into the criminal world.
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The Lincoln Lawyer (2022 -)
Rotten Tomatoes Ranking – 85%
The current top favorite for many and based on the Michael Connelly character Mickey Haller from his best selling books about the idealistic LA-based lawyer working from the back of his Lincoln, taking on cases – big and small – that help create a compelling story line with court and office twists.
Legal Dramas With a Twist
Exploring the landscape of legal dramas, two series stand out for their unique narrative styles and complex storytelling that diverge from the traditional courtroom procedurals. “Damages” and “How to Get Away with Murder” both offer viewers intricate plots with ample suspense and moral ambiguity.
The Good Wife (2009 – 2016)
Rotten Tomatoes Rank – 91%
The highly rated legal-political drama based on real events and involving a very public sex and political-corruption scandal that sees Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies) taking responsibility for her family and resuming her career as a defense attorney.
This is a lawyer tv show that captured a large and enthusiastic audience watching the attorney subsequently become the first lady of Illinois.
Damages (1990 – 2010 & 2021 –)
Rotten Tomatoes Rank – 91%
In “Damages”, viewers are introduced to the formidable Patty Hewes (played by Glenn Close), a high-stakes litigator with questionable ethics. The show is often overshadowed by other, mainstream law dramas but is well worth the watch.
The series employs a non-linear narrative, revealing outcomes at the start of each season and then working backwards to fill in the events that lead up to those moments. Known for its layered storytelling and Glenn Close’s powerful performance, “Damages” thrives on keeping its audience guessing about motives and alliances. It has successfully achieved four series and we recommend it for law drama afionados.
How to Get Away with Murder (2014-2020)
Rotten Tomatoes Ranking – 88%
Shonda Rhimes’ “How to Get Away with Murder” is another standout legal drama, starring Viola Davis as Professor Annalise Keating who takes her brightest students into the criminal defense world.
Her character exemplifies complexity, often blurring the lines between legality and criminality. Utilizing flash-forward sequences, the show teases crucial plot points, creating an engaging hook for viewers. This series is celebrated for Viola Davis’s dynamic performance, which earned her an Emmy, and its aptitude for weaving personal dramas into legal intrigue.
Goliath (2016 -)
Rotten Tomatoes Ranking – 88%
Another top legal TV show from the legal TV legend David E Kelley. Goliath involves a washed up lawyer involved in a big law conspiracy. What cold be better?
Billy McBride is played superbly by Billy Bob Thornton who is up against the firm he helped create and while it is part revenge-drama and part legal thriller it has all the gripping character and legal ins-and-outs to make it a must-watch legal drama.
Acclaimed Anthologies
Anthology series have become a notable trend in the television landscape, offering viewers in-depth dramatizations of complex, real-life events.
Lawyer-themed anthologies often stand out for their compelling narratives, dedicated performances, and meticulous attention to legal detail.
The People v. O.J. Simpson (2016)
The People v. O.J. Simpson is the first installment of the American Crime Story series. It masterfully recounts the infamous murder trial of O.J. Simpson, which transfixed America with its long-running trial involving some of the ‘dream team’ lawyers.
The series won critical acclaim for its portrayal of the complex legal proceedings and the societal issues that the trial highlighted. Key cast members delivered Emmy Award-winning performances that brought the trial’s pivotal figures to life with profound depth.
American Crime Story (2016 -)
Rotten Tomatoes Ranking – 84%
Each season of American Crime Story is a standalone narrative focusing on a high-profile legal case that had a significant impact on American culture.
Beyond the O.J. Simpson case, the series has tackled other notable events, such as the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. Its capacity to provide a detailed look into the legal strategies and media frenzy surrounding these cases makes it an exemplar of the legal anthology genre.
Reasonable Doubt (2022 -)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating – 100%
With a top rating from Rotten Tomatoes Reasonable Doubt must be one of the top lawyer TV shows about, covering the exploits of relentless and determined LA attorney Jax Stewart who may be ethically compromised at times and who uses the justice system to achieve the results she seeks for her clients.
Reasonable Doubt (2017 -)
Here’s the ‘second’ ‘Reasonable Doubt’ legal show that is underrated yet high-performing and worthy of a binge-watching law TV addiction that will pay dividends in terms of appreciation and quality.
The show is somewhat unusual in that there are not name actors and it follows investigators following up on so-called ‘open-and-shut’ cases but where ‘reasonable doubt’ exists. The scenario sees the protagonists
International Acclaim
The television landscape is rich with legal dramas that have achieved international acclaim, resonating with audiences beyond their countries of origin. The intricacy of their plotlines and the depth of their character development transform these shows into universal narratives of justice and the legal process.
Silk (2011 – 2014)
“Silk” is a top quality BBC series that has garnered attention for its realistic portrayal of the British legal system, in particular life at the Bar.
The show focuses on the lives of barristers who are navigating the competitive nature of their field to attain the prestigious rank of Queen’s Counsel, (now King’s Counsel) known as “taking silk.” Its reception has praised the series for a high level of authentic detail and compelling story arcs.
Rake
Rotten Tomatoes Rating – 100%
On the other side of the globe, the Australian show “Rake” has made an impact impact with its irreverant and incisive wit and the charm of its lead character, criminal defense barrister Cleaver Greene. Comedy, farce and irony all play in this drama, along with the traditional legal drama of an on-the-edge criminal lawyer.
Renowned for its sharp humor and complex cases, the show’s successful blend of personal drama with legal proceedings has struck a chord with international audiences, leading to multiple seasons and a U.S. adaptation.
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