With the saturation of compelling legal dramas on television today, dedicated viewers might just feel like seasoned attorneys after countless hours immersed in the best lawyer shows. While some series gloss over the intricacies of law, others meticulously research and collaborate with real-life defense attorneys to ensure authenticity. The most exceptional legal dramas transcend the typical procedural format, daring to explore complex narratives and ethical dilemmas.
The fascination with lawyer shows on TV isn’t a recent phenomenon; it stretches back to the medium’s early days. In 1957, Perry Mason debuted, starring Raymond Burr, who embodied the role for a decade. Matlock followed suit in the 1980s, enjoying a similarly long run. The landscape then shifted to ensemble casts in lawyer shows, focusing on collaborative efforts between law enforcement and legal teams in investigation and defense. Today, virtually every network and streaming platform contributes to the lawyer show genre, though quality varies significantly.
30. Accused (2023-)
Court Cases From The Accused’s Point Of View
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Accused TV Poster
Accused
Release Date: January 22, 2023
Cast
See All
Headshot Of Abigail Breslin Abigail Breslin- Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Headshot Of Jason Ritter Jason Ritter
Headshot Of Keith Carradine In The premiere of Keith Carradine
Accused is a compelling legal anthology drama series that dives deep into the complexities of criminal cases, presenting narratives from both the accused and accusers’ perspectives. Each episode stands alone, introducing a new case and exploring the intricate moral and ethical challenges faced by the characters. The series endeavors to provide a nuanced depiction of the criminal justice system, emphasizing the inherent intricacies and difficulties within each legal scenario.
Howard Gordon, known for Homeland, adapted the British legal drama series Accused for American audiences on Fox in 2023. The original UK series spanned two seasons from 2010 to 2012. This show centers on individuals charged with crimes, unraveling the stories behind their alleged offenses and the circumstances leading up to their accusations, all while depicting various facets of the trial process. Mirroring its British counterpart, the American version features a stellar cast in its anthology format.
Related: 9 Best Hulu True Crime Drama Shows, Ranked
The initial seasons showcased notable talents including Michael Chiklis, Megan Boone, Aaron Ashmore, Rachel Bilson, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Whitney Cummings, Rhea Perlman, Jason Ritter, Abigail Breslin, Meaghan Rath, and Felicity Huffman. What distinguishes this courtroom drama is its exploration of the accused’s backstories, revealing that not all are guilty, and often, extenuating circumstances drive the crimes, propelling narratives in unexpected directions.
29. All Rise (2019-2023)
A Courtroom Drama In Los Angeles
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All Rise (2019)
All Rise
Release Date: 2019 – 2022
Showrunner: Greg Spottiswood (Seasons 1-2), Dee Harris-Lawrence (Season 3)
Writers: Greg Spottiswood
Cast
Headshot Of Simone Missick In The Altered Carbon Season 2 Simone Missick as Lola Carmichael- Wilson Bethel as Mark Callan
- Jessica Camacho as Emily Lopez
- J. Alex Brinson as Luke Watkins
This engaging legal drama delves into the intertwined personal and professional lives of judges, lawyers, clerks, bailiffs, and police officers within a Los Angeles County courthouse. The series underscores the challenges they encounter as they strive for justice amidst the complexities of the legal system and their own personal struggles.
All Rise premiered on CBS in 2019 and quickly garnered critical acclaim. While featuring compelling court cases, its primary focus was the personal journeys of judges, prosecutors, and public defenders in the Los Angeles courthouse. Simone Missick stars as Lola Carmichael, a former prosecutor who assumes the bench as a newly appointed judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. She leverages her new position to challenge norms and redefine judicial expectations.
Despite its initial cancellation by CBS after two seasons, All Rise found a new home on OWN, allowing it to conclude with a third and final season in 2022 and 2023. Although critical reception remained mixed, the series cultivated a dedicated fanbase, evidenced by OWN’s decision to revive it. All Rise received an ASCAP Screen Music Award in 2020 for Joey Newman’s score and earned several nominations at the Black Reel Awards and NAACP Awards in 2020 and 2021.
28. Murder One (1995-1997)
A High Profile Defense Attorney In Action
Murder One
Release Date: 1995 – 1996
Network: ABC
Directors: Marc Buckland, Donna Deitch, Randall Zisk, Elodie Keene, Rick Wallace, William M. Finkelstein, Adam Nimoy, Charles Haid, Jim Charleston
Writers: Ann Donahue
Cast
Headshot of Mary McCormack Mary McCormack as Justine Appleton- Michael Hayden as Chris Docknovich
- J.C. MacKenzie as Arnold Spivak
- Barbara Bosson as Deputy D.A. Miriam Grasso
Murder One, a groundbreaking legal drama from 1995, was conceptually ahead of its time. While contemporary shows often feature season-long, overarching cases, this ABC series broke the mold of episodic legal dramas, which typically resolved cases weekly with minimal character development. Murder One innovated by dedicating its entire first season to a single case, led by protagonist attorney Theodore Hoffman (Daniel Benzali). While weekly cases appeared, they were relegated to the supporting cast.
The second season maintained this format, with Anthony LaPaglia taking the lead as Jimmy Wyler, who assumes control of Hoffman’s firm. Produced by Steven Bochco (L.A. Law), the series spanned two seasons and 41 episodes, consistently earning critical acclaim. Despite its brief run, Murder One was highly successful, garnering two Golden Globe nominations and eight Primetime Emmy nominations, ultimately winning three.
27. Silk (2011-2014)
A TV Series In The British Court System
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Silk
Release Date: 2011 – 2013
Network: BBC One
Directors: Alice Troughton
Writers: Peter Moffat
Cast
- Aden Gillett as HHJ Donovan
- Maxine Peake as Martha Costello
Headshot Of Rupert Penry-Jones In The Specsavers Crime Thriller Awards Rupert Penry-Jones as Clive Reader- Neil Stuke as Billy Lamb
The cast of Silk in a promo photo
Silk offers a captivating legal drama set within the British court system, presenting a distinct perspective compared to American counterparts. Created by Peter Moffat (Your Honor), the series explores the daily operations of Shoe Lane Chambers and its criminal law barristers. Drawing from Moffat’s own experience as a barrister before transitioning to playwriting, Silk strives for authenticity. Moffat aimed to depict the multifaceted reality of the legal profession (via The Guardian):
“I want to tell it as it really is. The extreme pressure, the hard choices, the ethical dilemmas, the overlap between the personal and the professional, principles fought for and principles sacrificed, the Machiavellian politics, the sex, the drinking, the whole story—life at the bar is the richest possible drama territory.”
Spanning three seasons, each consisting of six episodes, Silk stars Maxine Peake as Martha Costello, the central barrister of the series, handling diverse criminal cases. The show garnered largely positive reviews, praised for its performances and its realistic portrayal of the competitive dynamics within law firms and the intense courtroom battles.
26. She-Hulk: Attorney At Law (2022)
A Marvel Superhero Attorney Series
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She-Hulk TV Show Poster
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
5/10
Release Date: 2022 – 2021
Showrunner: Jessica Gao
Directors: Kat Coiro
Writers: Jessica Gao, Dana Schwartz, Cody Ziglar, John Buscema, Kara Brown, Francesca Gailes, Jacqueline Gailes, Melissa Hunter, Zeb Wells
Franchise(s): Hulk, Marvel Cinematic Universe
Cast
Tatiana Maslany stars as Jennifer Walters, also known as She-Hulk, in Marvel’s Disney+ TV series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. This half-hour comedy series centers on Jennifer Walters, cousin to Bruce Banner/Hulk. Jennifer, an attorney, must balance her professional life with her newfound identity as a 6-foot-7-inch Hulk. Unlike her cousin, Jennifer maintains control over her transformations. Utilizing her powers, Jennifer leads a superhero law division at a rival firm while navigating the complexities of heroism. The cast also includes Mark Ruffalo reprising his role as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, and Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky/Abomination, a villain from The Incredible Hulk film. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is part of MCU’s Phase 4 and premiered in August 2022.
In 2022, the MCU introduced a unique attorney series on Disney+ with She-Hulk: Attorney At Law. Created by Stan Lee in 1979, Jennifer Walters, Bruce Banner’s cousin, gains her powers through a blood transfusion. The Disney+ series also depicts her as Bruce’s cousin, acquiring powers post-accident. Jennifer, unlike Bruce, faces no mental instability and retains full control when transformed into She-Hulk. Crucially, she is also a practicing attorney.
This series shares similarities with Deadpool, as She-Hulk frequently breaks the fourth wall to address the audience, a trait predating Deadpool in her comic origins. In the show, she specializes in representing superpowered individuals and becomes a target of Abomination, who is cultivating a cult. The series also critically examines toxic masculinity, particularly within comic fandom, with sharp wit. Though divisive, She-Hulk stands out as one of the MCU’s most innovative and creatively daring streaming ventures.
25. The Lincoln Lawyer (2022 – )
The Adaptation of Michael Connelly’s Novels
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The Lincoln Lawyer – Season 2 | Season Poster
The Lincoln Lawyer
TV-MA, Drama
8/10
Release Date: May 13, 2022
Network: Netflix
Directors: David E. Kelley
Writers: David E. Kelley
Cast
See All
Headshot Of Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller
Headshot Of Becki Newton Becki Newton as Lorna Crane
The Lincoln Lawyer is a captivating legal drama that follows Mickey Haller, a Los Angeles defense attorney renowned for operating his practice from his Lincoln Town Car. The series begins as Haller revitalizes his career post-accident by undertaking a high-profile murder case. It delves into the intricacies of the justice system and Haller’s relentless pursuit of truth.
The Lincoln Lawyer has emerged as a standout hit on Netflix, acclaimed for its dynamic approach to the legal drama genre. Based on Michael Connelly’s novels, the series stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, a charismatic defense lawyer who manages his law firm from his signature Lincoln Towncar. The premise may sound familiar due to the Matthew McConaughey film adaptation, but Garcia-Rulfo embodies the role uniquely, leading viewers through engaging cases and the action-packed intrigue of Mickey’s world, where moral boundaries are often blurred.
Related: 15 Best TV Shows Like The Lincoln Lawyer
Although critics favored the first season over the second, The Lincoln Lawyer continues to draw a large audience on Netflix. Its rapid ascent in popularity ensures considerable anticipation for The Lincoln Lawyer season 3, which commenced filming in early 2024.
24. Rake (2010 – 2018)
An Australian Legal Drama
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Rake (2010) – Poster
Rake
Cast
- Richard Roxburgh
- Matt Day
- Adrienne Pickering
- Caroline Brazier
Rake (2010) centers on Cleaver Greene, portrayed by Richard Roxburgh, a brilliant yet self-destructive criminal defense barrister whose life is marked by chaos. Greene navigates the Australian legal system, tackling a spectrum of cases from the peculiar to the seemingly hopeless, all while managing a tumultuous personal life. The series masterfully blends legal drama with dark humor, delivering a raw portrayal of the complexities encountered by its flawed protagonist.
Venturing beyond US-centric productions can reveal exceptional legal dramas, and Rake, an Australian series, stands as a prime example, focusing on a defense lawyer lead. Protagonists who are defense lawyers can be challenging, as their role in potentially defending guilty clients might diminish their heroic appeal. Rake adeptly sidesteps this issue by establishing Cleaver Greene (Richard Roxburgh) as decidedly unheroic. However, he is an incredibly engaging character who relishes defending the guilty, sometimes including notable guest stars such as Sam Neil, Hugo Weaving, and Toni Collette.
Throughout its run, Rake consistently received nominations from various Australian award bodies, with Roxburgh winning an Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award for his performance. The popularity of Rake led to an American remake in 2014, though it failed to resonate with audiences as effectively as the original.
23. Perry Mason (2020 – 2023)
The Remake Of The Classic Lawyer Series
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Perry Mason TV Poster
perry mason
Release Date: 2020 – 2022
Network: HBO Max
Showrunner: Jack Amiel
Directors: Matthew Rhys
Writers: Jack Amiel
Cast
Headshot Of Matthew Rhys Matthew Rhys- Juliet Rylance
Perry Mason, a crime drama created by Ron Fitzgerald and Rolin Jones, features Matthew Rhys in the title role. This series reimagines Perry Mason, the famed defense attorney, in 1932 Los Angeles. HBO’s Perry Mason is a reboot of the original series starring Raymond Burr, which captivated audiences for nine seasons from 1957 to 1966, making it one of the most iconic lawyer TV shows of its time.
Rebooting a beloved legal drama like the original Perry Mason is a formidable challenge, yet the latest iteration successfully honors its legacy. Matthew Rhys embodies the lead role in this period piece, set in 1930s Los Angeles, portraying Mason as a struggling attorney seeking to rebuild his career amidst a backdrop of murder, corruption, and scandal. Rhys delivers a compelling lead performance, and the show’s noir aesthetic distinguishes it from contemporary legal procedurals.
Despite being recognized as one of the best Max original shows, Perry Mason faced cancellation after its second season. The series garnered multiple Critics Choice, Golden Globe, and Emmy nominations during its run, though it did not secure any wins. However, Tatiana Maslany received the Hollywood Critics Association Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in the show.
22. American Crime Story (2016 – )
Ryan Murphy’s True-Crime Retellings
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American Crime Story TV Poster
American Crime Story
TV-MA, Biography, Crime, Drama
6/10
Release Date: February 2, 2016
Network: FX
Showrunner: Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski, Tom Rob Smith, Sarah Burgess
Writers: Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski, Tom Rob Smith, Sarah Burgess
Cast
Headshot Of Sterling K. Brown In The Los Angeles premiere of Sterling K. Brown
Headshot Of Kenneth Choi Kenneth Choi
Created for FX, American Crime Story is an anthology true crime series with a rotating cast each season. Each season is a self-contained exploration of significant true crime court cases in American history. The debut season reenacts the 1990s murder trial of O.J. Simpson, adopting multiple perspectives to provide a comprehensive view of each case.
Television visionary Ryan Murphy, known for the anthology series American Horror Story, launched a spin-off that delves into real high-profile trials and criminal cases that captivated the public, shifting focus from the supernatural to real-world drama. To date, spanning three seasons, the series has examined both murder and political scandals, establishing itself as a prominent entry in the realm of Best Lawyer Tv Shows due to its legal focus in many seasons.
The show has garnered significant accolades, including four Golden Globes and eight Emmys.
For newcomers, the electrifying first season, subtitled The People vs. OJ Simpson, is the recommended starting point. While it incorporates a degree of camp in recreating the trial’s more sensational aspects, it is anchored by a stellar ensemble cast featuring Sarah Paulson, Courtney B. Vance, Sterling K. Brown, and John Travolta. This season is widely regarded as the anthology’s strongest to date.
21. Eli Stone (2008 – 2009)
A Fantastical Legal Comedy-Drama
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Eli Stone
Release Date: 2008 – 2008
Cast
- Jonny Lee Miller as Eli Stone
Headshot Of Natasha Henstridge Natasha Henstridge as Taylor Wethersby- Loretta Devine as Patti Dellacroix
- Matt Letscher as Nathan Stone
Eli Stone is a unique legal comedy-drama series that follows Eli Stone (Jonny Lee Miller), a San Francisco lawyer who begins experiencing hallucinations that lead him to question his life’s direction and embark on a mission to assist others.
Eli Stone distinguishes itself as one of the few best lawyer shows that infuses humor into its narratives. Most legal dramas lean towards procedural and dramatic tones, making Eli Stone‘s comedic approach stand out in the crowded television landscape.
This comedy-drama centers on the titular San Francisco-based lawyer as he tackles cases that are morally fulfilling but financially unrewarding. The show ventures into surreal territory, as Stone (Jonny Lee Miller) frequently hallucinates and makes remarkably accurate predictions, such as forecasting an earthquake in the city.
Despite its unique premise, Eli Stone was prematurely canceled after just two seasons, leaving plot threads unresolved and fans without a satisfying conclusion. Julie Gonzalo did receive an ALMA Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her performance on the show.
20. Fearless (2017)
A London-Based Legal Drama Miniseries
Fearless
TV-MA, Crime, Drama, Mystery, War & Politics, Thriller
Release Date: 2017 – 2016
Network: ITV1
Directors: Pete Travis
Cast
Headshot Of Helen McCrory Helen McCrory as Emma Banville- Jemima Rooper as Maggie Berman
- Jonathan Forbes as Dominic Truelove
- Rebecca Callard as Annie Peterson
Fearless is a drama series starring Helen McCrory as Emma Banville, a dedicated human rights lawyer. Premiering in 2017, the series follows Emma’s determined effort to exonerate Kevin Russell, convicted 14 years prior for the murder of a schoolgirl.
While many best lawyer shows are set in the U.S., Fearless shines a light on the U.K. legal system. This six-part limited series, set in London, follows a human rights lawyer who endeavors to prove the innocence of a convicted murderer, 14 years after his trial and conviction for killing a schoolgirl. Featuring a distinguished cast, including Michael Gambon and other prominent British actors, the miniseries delivers a dramatic impact that few can match.
The show possesses a cinematic quality, directed by Pete Travis, known for films like Karl Urban’s Dredd (known for movies like Karl Urban’s Dredd). Although it may not have garnered awards attention, critics lauded Helen McCrory’s lead performance throughout the series’ limited run. Despite hopes for expansion beyond the initial limited series, it remained a standalone piece.
19. Matlock (1986 – 1995)
One of The Original Legal Dramas
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Matlock
Release Date: 1986 – 1994
Cast
- Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock
Headshot Of Linda Purl In The 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival – Nominees Party Linda Purl as Charlene Matlock- Kene Holiday as Tyler Hudson
- Nancy Stafford as Michelle Thomas
Matlock (1986) stars Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock, a shrewd yet somewhat cantankerous attorney who solves criminal cases. The show blends courtroom drama with elements of detective procedurals, as each episode follows Matlock’s efforts to clear his clients’ names. As one of the best lawyer TV shows from the late 80s and early 90s, it set a standard for many that followed.
Ben Matlock, arriving on television in 1986, was a distinctive character. Portrayed by the beloved Andy Griffith, Matlock was a folksy attorney who also functioned as a detective in his cases, often with assistance. Comparable to Columbo, if the detective were also a lawyer, the result was one of the best lawyer TV shows of its time. Matlock transitioned from NBC to ABC and eventually into syndication, spanning nine seasons and 193 episodes.
Related: Matlock Reboot: Release Date, Cast, Story, Trailer & Everything We Know
The original series received four Emmy nominations during its run, securing one win. It also spawned several spin-off shows centered on other characters. While it may not reach the acclaim of the absolute best lawyer TV shows, Kathy Bates is set to star in a contemporary reboot of the series, indicating its enduring appeal.
18. Bull (2016 – 2022)
Based On The Career Of Dr. Phil McGraw
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Bull (2016) TV Show Poster
Bull
Release Date: 2016 – 2021
Cast
- Michael Weatherly as Jason Bull
- Geneva Carr as Marissa Morgan
- Jaime Lee Kirchner as Danny James
- Chris Jackson as Chunk Palmer
Bull (2016) stars Michael Weatherly as Dr. Jason Bull, a psychologist and trial-science expert who heads a consulting firm. This firm utilizes psychology, human intuition, and advanced data analytics to influence trial outcomes. The series explores the dynamics of courtrooms and the strategies employed in jury selection, argument crafting, and verdict prediction, offering a unique perspective on lawyer TV shows.
Bull arrived on CBS with a prominent lead, Michael Weatherly, who drew a loyal viewership across six seasons. Michael Weatherly departed NCIS to take on the lead role in Bull, portraying the head of a jury consulting firm that assists clients in selecting optimal jurors for their cases. He also strategizes arguments to enhance lawyers’ chances of winning, loosely inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw.
The series offered legal drama enthusiasts a novel perspective on courtroom proceedings. Unlike most legal dramas focusing on investigations and trial verdicts, Bull highlighted the significant influence juries can have on courtroom narratives. This distinctive viewpoint, combined with Weatherly’s established fanbase from NCIS, attracted a substantial audience.
17. Ally McBeal (1997 – 2002)
A Whimsical Fantasy Legal Drama
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Ally McBeal TV Show Poster
Ally McBeal
Release Date: 1997 – 2001
Network: FOX
Showrunner: David E. Kelley
Directors: David E. Kelley
Writers: David E. Kelley
Cast
- Calista Flockhart
- Greg Germann
The legal comedy-drama Ally McBeal, which aired from 1997 to 2002, chronicles the personal and professional life of a young lawyer, Ally McBeal (Calista Flockhart), as she navigates the complexities of relationships and career at a Boston law firm. The series features a strong supporting cast, including Greg Germann, Jane Krakowski, Lucy Liu, and Robert Downey Jr. Ally McBeal remains a notable example of creatively blending genres within lawyer TV shows.
Ally McBeal made a unique impact when it premiered on Fox in 1997. Created by David E. Kelley (Boston Legal), this comedy-drama revolved around a law firm and its titular character, Ally McBeal, played by Calista Flockhart. The ensemble cast was exceptional, featuring Robert Downey Jr., Courtney Thorne-Smith, Jane Krakowski, Lucy Liu, and Hayden Panettiere in co-starring roles.
While the show is also remembered for the “Dancing Baby” internet meme, its fantasy sequences set it apart from other lawyer TV shows. It successfully balanced humor and drama through legal proceedings and musical numbers. During its run, the series won seven Emmys and four Golden Globes, cementing its place in television history.
16. Reasonable Doubt (2017 – )
A True-Crime Legal Series
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Reasonable Doubt 2017 TV Show Poster
Reasonable Doubt
Release Date: April 26, 2017
Network: Investigation Discovery
Cast
- Chris Anderson as Self – Host
- Fatima Silva as Host
Two investigators, a retired homicide detective and a criminal defense attorney, re-examine controversial murder cases in Reasonable Doubt. They investigate new evidence, interview witnesses, and uncover hidden details to assess if reasonable doubt exists regarding the convicted individual’s guilt. This process potentially reveals wrongful convictions and offers a chance for justice, making it a unique entry among lawyer TV shows as a reality series.
Numerous shows titled Reasonable Doubt, many of them lawyer TV shows, have come and gone, but the 2017 series stands out as one of the most compelling and recent. Unlike the fictional dramas listed here, Reasonable Doubt is a true crime series.
Reasonable Doubt adopts a unique concept, distinct from other shows, as it follows two investigators—a former homicide detective and a criminal defense attorney—who revisit seemingly closed murder cases to determine if families of convicted individuals should appeal their verdicts. It can be challenging for families to accept the investigators’ findings when they confirm the guilt of their loved ones, but this is part of the show’s raw honesty. Though it may be less known, Reasonable Doubt is a hidden gem. With five seasons available, it is also highly binge-worthy for true crime and legal show enthusiasts.
15. Your Honor (2020-2022)
A Judge Goes Corrupt To Save His Son
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Your Honor TV Show Poster
Your Honor
Release Date: 2020 – 2022
Cast
Bryan Profile Picture Bryan Cranston- Hope Davis
Your Honor is a gripping legal drama series starring Bryan Cranston as a respected judge whose son is involved in a hit-and-run accident. This incident triggers a perilous sequence of events, forcing the judge to confront his own ethical boundaries and navigate the moral ambiguities of the law. The series explores themes of justice, loyalty, and ethics, presenting a compelling narrative of a father’s desperate measures to protect his son, making it a standout among lawyer TV shows for its intense moral dilemmas.
Bryan Cranston returned to television post-movie stardom to play a judge in Your Honor whose son commits a fatal hit-and-run. The series is distinctive for its serialized format, unlike many procedural case-of-the-week legal dramas. Initially planned as a miniseries, Your Honor was renewed for a second season due to high acclaim.
Critics noted the trend of shows focusing on flawed protagonists, similar to House and Breaking Bad.
Audiences, however, found Your Honor to be uniquely compelling and distinct within the legal drama genre. Michael Desiato (Cranston) is a character as morally complex as Walter White from Breaking Bad. While popular with viewers, its thematic similarities to previous shows led some critics to view it as part of an existing trend of dramas centered on morally compromised men.
14. How To Get Away With Murder (2014 – 2020)
An Instructor Teaching Law Students Is Involved In A Murder
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How to get away with murder tv poster
How to Get Away With Murder
7/10
Release Date: 2014 – 2019
Network: ABC
Showrunner: Shonda Rhimes
Directors: Shonda Rhimes
Writers: Angela Robinson
Cast
Headshot Of Viola Davis In The Literacy Partners Evening of Readings & Gala Dinner at Pier Sixty Viola Davis
Headshot Of Aja Naomi King Aja Naomi King
How to Get Away With Murder, a Shonda Rhimes production, is a crime drama series created for ABC and starring Viola Davis. Law professor Annalise Keating (Davis) and her interns become entangled in a murder that impacts both the university and her law firm. The group finds themselves in a spiraling web of lies, deceit, and intrigue. The show format gradually reveals truths behind murders, while the law firm handles complex clients and cases, making it a captivating addition to lawyer TV shows with a focus on suspense and mystery.
In the vein of mentorship-driven occupational shows, such as medical dramas like House or detective series like Lie To Me, How To Get Away With Murder is the legal drama counterpart. However, it introduces a twist: the mentor is repeatedly involved in covering up murders with her students.
The series follows Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), a law professor and criminal defense attorney who mentors five students. It is a compelling drama where these students become deeply implicated in a murder plot. Their deceptions escalate, making each season more dramatically intense than the last. The show’s high rating is largely attributed to Davis’s exceptional portrayal of Keating, for which she became the first Black woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
13. L.A. Law (1986 – 1994)
A Los Angeles Law Firm
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L.A. Law TV Show Poster
L.A. Law
Release Date: 1986 – 1993
Cast
- Corbin Bernsen as Arnie Becker
- Jill Eikenberry as Ann Kelsey
- Alan Rachins as Douglas Brackman
- Michael Tucker as Jr.
L.A. Law is a legal drama series that aired from 1986 to 1994, focusing on the professional and personal lives of attorneys at the prestigious Los Angeles firm, McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney, and Kuzak. Featuring an ensemble cast led by Harry Hamlin and Jimmy Smits, the show addressed contemporary social and legal issues, balancing courtroom battles with office politics and interpersonal relationships. L.A. Law is often cited as one of the foundational lawyer TV shows that paved the way for the genre’s popularity.
Preceding Law & Order, L.A. Law provided an in-depth look inside a prominent Los Angeles law firm. Created by Steven Bochco (NYPD Blue), it featured a large ensemble cast navigating parallel storylines with a strong focus on social drama. Similar to Law & Order, it explored cases often inspired by current headlines. However, L.A. Law concentrated less on police procedure and more on the lawyers managing the cases. The cast included Harry Hamlin, Corbin Bernsen, Jimmy Smits, Blair Underwood, and many others.
The series won 15 Emmys out of 69 nominations and five Golden Globes from 30 nominations throughout its run. A sequel series was planned in 2020, but was canceled in 2022 after casting and a pilot order, leaving fans wanting more from this classic legal universe.
12. Suits (2011 – 2019)
A Law Firm Brings In An Unlicensed Attorney
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Suits TV Show Poster
Suits
7/10
Release Date: 2011 – 2018
Network: USA
Showrunner: Aaron Korsh
Writers: Aaron Korsh
Cast
Headshot Of Patrick J. Adams Patrick J. Adams
Headshot Of Sarah Rafferty Sarah Rafferty
Suits follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), who, despite lacking a law degree, uses his photographic memory to become a lawyer. This legal drama aired from 2011 to 2019 for nine seasons and starred Gabriel Macht, Meghan Markle, Sarah Rafferty, and Rick Hoffman. Suits is a modern favorite among lawyer TV shows for its sharp writing and compelling characters.
Suits is particularly engaging because it prioritizes the internal dynamics of the law firm over the specifics of the cases it handles. The series centers on Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a law associate who never attended law school. Suits cleverly portrays his efforts to manage cases while concealing his secret. The show is characterized by its fast-paced dialogue and often features intense lawyer interactions and complex legal jargon.
A composite image of Stephen Amell looking on with Josh McDermitt looking toward the camera
Related: Suits L.A.: Release Date, Cast, Story, Trailer & Everything We Know About The Suits Spinoff
Although Suits received several award nominations, Gina Torres was the primary recipient of accolades for her performance, winning an NHMC Award and an Imagen Impact Award. Torres also starred in a spin-off series. Recently, Suits has broken Netflix viewership records, highlighting its renewed popularity and prompting the development of another spin-off series, indicating its lasting appeal as one of the best lawyer TV shows.
11. Goliath (2016 – 2021)
A Down On His Luck Attorney
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Goliath TV Show Poster
Goliath
Release Date: 2016 – 2020
Network: Prime Video
Directors: Dennie Gordon, Alik Sakharov, Anthony Hemingway, Bill D’Elia
Writers: David E. Kelley, Jonathan Shapiro, Andrew Matisziw
Cast
Headshot Of Billy Bob Thornton In The Netflix`s LA World Premiere Of `The Gray Man`. Billy Bob Thornton as Billy McBride- Dominic Hoffman as Judge Walter Strauss
- Ever Carradine as Rachel Kennedy
- Haley Joel Osment as Dylan Zax
Goliath tells the story of Billy McBride, once a formidable lawyer, now down on his luck, who becomes involved in a wrongful death lawsuit against a powerful corporate adversary. As he and his team investigate, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy, leading to a high-stakes courtroom confrontation. Goliath is a gritty and compelling addition to the list of best lawyer TV shows on streaming platforms.
Goliath was a Prime Video original series starring Billy Bob Thornton. Running for four seasons before its conclusion in 2021, the series follows a disgraced lawyer seeking redemption. A key aspect of Goliath is its depiction of systemic corruption within the legal system, particularly how it favors the wealthy and powerful. Thornton’s compelling performance as Billy McBride, a formerly brilliant lawyer haunted by past choices, was central to Goliath’s success.
Thornton won a Golden Globe for the show’s first season. The series also received four Satellite Award nominations but did not secure further wins. All four seasons of Goliath received “fresh” ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting consistently positive critical reception, solidifying its reputation as a high-quality legal drama among lawyer TV shows.
This curated list showcases some of the best lawyer TV shows available, spanning decades and genres. From classic courtroom dramas to modern, character-driven series, these shows offer a fascinating glimpse into the legal world, filled with compelling stories, complex characters, and thought-provoking ethical dilemmas. Whether you’re a long-time fan of legal dramas or new to the genre, there’s a show on this list to captivate and entertain.
