With the rise of complex Lawyer Television Shows, viewers are increasingly drawn into the intricate world of legal dramas. After immersing themselves in some of the best series, many long-time fans might even feel like they could argue a case themselves. While some lawyer TV shows prioritize dramatic storylines over legal accuracy, others invest heavily in research and consult with real defense attorneys to ensure authenticity. Many of these lawyer television shows adopt a procedural format, presenting a new case each week. However, the most compelling legal dramas transcend this episodic structure, taking creative risks and delving deeper into the characters and the legal system itself.
The concept of lawyer television shows is far from new, dating back to the early days of television. In 1957, Perry Mason debuted, starring Raymond Burr in a role he would embody for a decade. Matlock followed in the 1980s, also enjoying a long run. The landscape of lawyer television shows then evolved to feature ensembles, focusing on groups of attorneys, police, and investigators working together. Today, almost every network and streaming platform offers its own take on the lawyer show genre, though the quality varies significantly.
30. Accused (2023-Present)
Court Cases From the Accused’s Perspective
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Accused TV Poster
Accused, an American adaptation of a British legal drama, premiered on Fox in 2023, courtesy of Howard Gordon (Homeland). The original UK series aired for two seasons between 2010 and 2012. This anthology series explores criminal cases from a unique angle: the perspective of the accused. Each episode is a self-contained story, revealing the events leading up to the crime and the subsequent trial. Star-studded casts, a hallmark of both the British and American versions, feature prominent actors in each episode.
Featured across the initial seasons are notable names like Michael Chiklis, Megan Boone, Aaron Ashmore, Rachel Bilson, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Whitney Cummings, Rhea Perlman, Jason Ritter, Abigail Breslin, Meaghan Rath, and Felicity Huffman. Accused distinguishes itself in the courtroom drama landscape by delving into the backstories of those on trial. It reveals nuanced narratives where guilt isn’t always clear-cut, and extenuating circumstances often propel the story in unexpected directions, offering fresh perspectives within the lawyer television show format.
29. All Rise (2019-2023)
A Courtroom Drama Set in Los Angeles
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All Rise (2019)
All Rise, which premiered on CBS in 2019, quickly became a critical darling. While incorporating compelling court cases, the series primarily focuses on the personal and professional lives of judges, prosecutors, and public defenders within the Los Angeles court system. Simone Missick stars as Lola Carmichael, a former prosecutor who transitions into a newly appointed judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Carmichael uses her new position to challenge norms and expectations associated with judges, bringing a fresh perspective to the lawyer television show genre.
Despite average critical reception in later seasons, All Rise cultivated a dedicated fanbase. After CBS canceled the show after two seasons, OWN revived it for a third and final season, concluding in 2023. The series received an ASCAP Screen Music Award in 2020 for composer Joey Newman and garnered nominations at the Black Reel Awards and NAACP Awards in 2020 and 2021, highlighting its impact within lawyer television shows.
28. Murder One (1995-1997)
High-Profile Defense Attorney in Action
Murder One, a legal drama series that debuted in 1995, was notably ahead of its time. In an era when most lawyer television shows presented self-contained, weekly cases with minimal character development, Murder One broke the mold. It centered its entire first season on a single, overarching case led by defense attorney Theodore Hoffman (Daniel Benzali). While the series also featured smaller, weekly cases handled by supporting characters, the primary focus on a season-long narrative was groundbreaking for lawyer television shows of that period.
The second season adopted the same format, with Anthony LaPaglia taking over as Jimmy Wyler, who assumes leadership of Hoffman’s firm. Produced by Steven Bochco (L.A. Law), the series garnered critical acclaim from its inception, despite lasting only two seasons and 41 episodes. Murder One received two Golden Globe nominations and eight Primetime Emmy nominations, winning three, solidifying its place as an innovative entry in lawyer television shows.
27. Silk (2011-2014)
A TV Series Set in the British Court System
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Silk provides a distinctive viewing experience by immersing audiences in the British court system, a departure from the predominantly American settings of most lawyer television shows. Created by Peter Moffat (Your Honor), the series delves into the daily operations of Shoe Lane Chambers, a set of criminal law barristers. Drawing from Moffat’s own background as a barrister before becoming a playwright, Silk aims for authenticity in its portrayal of the legal profession.
“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.” – Peter Moffat via The Guardian
Running for three seasons, each consisting of six episodes, Silk stars Maxine Peake as Martha Costello, the central barrister. Costello tackles a range of criminal cases, offering viewers a glimpse into the nuances of the UK legal system. Silk garnered largely positive reviews, praised for its performances and its depiction of the competitive dynamics within law firms and the intense courtroom battles, making it a standout example of lawyer television shows from across the pond.
The cast of Silk in a promo photo
26. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)
A Marvel Superhero Attorney Series
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She-Hulk TV Poster
Marvel entered the lawyer television show arena with the quirky Disney+ series, She-Hulk: Attorney At Law, in 2022. Jennifer Walters, created by Stan Lee in 1979 and cousin to Bruce Banner, gains her powers through a blood transfusion in the comics and an accident in the Disney+ series. Unlike Bruce, Jennifer maintains complete control over her transformations into She-Hulk and her mental state remains stable. Professionally, she is an attorney, adding a unique superhero twist to the lawyer television show format.
Similar to Deadpool, She-Hulk frequently breaks the fourth wall, directly addressing the audience – a characteristic true to her comic book origins predating Deadpool’s creation. In the series, she specializes in representing superpowered individuals and becomes a target of Abomination, who is cultivating a cult following. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law also tackles themes of toxic masculinity, particularly within comic book fandom, with sharp wit and intelligence. While reactions were divided, it stands as one of the MCU’s most innovative and creatively daring streaming releases within the lawyer television shows category.
25. The Lincoln Lawyer (2022-Present)
An Adaptation of Michael Connelly’s Novels
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The Lincoln Lawyer – Season 2 Poster
The Lincoln Lawyer has rapidly become a popular lawyer television show on Netflix, known for its fast-paced approach to the legal drama genre. Based on Michael Connelly’s novels, the series stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, a charismatic defense attorney who operates his practice from his Lincoln Town Car. This premise might sound familiar due to the Matthew McConaughey film adaptation, but Garcia-Rulfo makes the role distinctly his own. He leads viewers through engaging cases filled with action and intrigue, navigating a world where Mickey’s morality can sometimes be ambiguous.
Although critics favored the first season over the second, The Lincoln Lawyer has maintained a strong streaming audience on Netflix. Its popularity ensures anticipation for The Lincoln Lawyer season 3, which began filming in early 2024, cementing its status as a successful modern lawyer television show.
24. Rake (2010-2018)
An Australian Legal Drama
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Rake (2010) Poster
Venturing beyond US productions can lead to discovering exceptional lawyer television shows, and Rake, an Australian series, is a prime example. This show centers on a defense lawyer, a type of protagonist that can be challenging to make sympathetic due to the nature of their work. Rake skillfully addresses this by presenting Cleaver Greene (Richard Roxburgh) not as a hero, but as a deeply flawed yet captivating character. Greene derives pleasure from defending guilty clients, sometimes including high-profile guest stars like Sam Neill, Hugo Weaving, and Toni Collette.
Rake consistently received nominations from various Australian award bodies throughout its run. Roxburgh won an Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award for his performance. The original series’ popularity led to an American remake in 2014; however, it did not resonate with audiences as strongly as the Australian version, underscoring the original Rake‘s unique appeal within lawyer television shows.
23. Perry Mason (2020-2023)
Remake of a Classic Lawyer Series
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Perry Mason TV Poster
Reimagining a beloved classic lawyer television show is a significant undertaking, but the recent Perry Mason series successfully accomplished this. Matthew Rhys takes on the lead role, portraying Mason in a 1930s setting as a struggling attorney seeking to rebuild his career amidst a backdrop of murder, corruption, and scandal. Rhys delivers a powerful performance, and the show’s noir aesthetic distinguishes it from contemporary legal procedurals, creating a unique entry in lawyer television shows.
Despite being recognized as one of the best Max original shows, Perry Mason was canceled after its second season. The series earned Critics Choice, Golden Globe, and Emmy nominations during its run, though it did not secure any wins. Tatiana Maslany did, however, receive the Hollywood Critics Association Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role.
22. American Crime Story (2016-Present)
Ryan Murphy’s True-Crime Retellings
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American Crime Story TV Poster
Ryan Murphy, known for the anthology series American Horror Story, expanded his anthology format into true crime with American Crime Story. This lawyer television show spinoff delves into real, high-profile trials and criminal cases that have captivated public attention, moving away from the supernatural themes of American Horror Story. With three seasons to date, the series has examined both murder cases and political scandals.
American Crime Story has garnered significant accolades, including four Golden Globes and eight Emmys. New viewers are recommended to start with the first season, subtitled The People vs. OJ Simpson. This season recreates some of the most sensational aspects of the trial with a degree of camp, yet remains grounded by a stellar ensemble cast including Sarah Paulson, Courtney B. Vance, Sterling K. Brown, and John Travolta. It’s widely regarded as the strongest season of this acclaimed anthology series within lawyer television shows.
21. Eli Stone (2008-2009)
A Fantastical Legal Comedy-Drama
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Eli Stone stands out as one of the few lawyer television shows that effectively integrates humor into its episodes. While most legal dramas adhere to procedural or purely dramatic tones, Eli Stone‘s comedic elements differentiate it in a crowded television landscape.
This comedy-drama follows Eli Stone (Jonny Lee Miller), a San Francisco lawyer who begins to experience hallucinations that lead him to re-evaluate his life’s direction and focus on helping others in morally significant cases, often with little financial reward. The show incorporates surreal elements, as Stone frequently hallucinates and makes remarkably accurate predictions, such as an impending earthquake.
Unfortunately, Eli Stone was canceled prematurely after just two seasons, leaving storylines 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, recognizing the show’s quality despite its short run among lawyer television shows.
20. Fearless (2017)
A London-Based Legal Drama Miniseries
Fearless distinguishes itself by shifting the focus to UK law, setting it apart from the many lawyer television shows based in the U.S. This six-part limited series, set in London, follows human rights lawyer Emma Banville as she strives to prove the innocence of a convicted murderer, 14 years after his initial trial and conviction. Featuring a strong British cast, including Michael Gambon, the series delivers a powerful dramatic impact.
Directed by Pete Travis, known for films like Dredd, Fearless possesses a cinematic quality. While it may not have received major award recognition, critics lauded Helen McCrory’s lead performance throughout the limited series. Despite hopes for further seasons, Fearless remained a compelling, self-contained miniseries within the realm of lawyer television shows.
19. Matlock (1986-1995)
One of the Original Legal Dramas
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Ben Matlock, portrayed by Andy Griffith, was a unique character when he arrived on television in 1986. Matlock, a folksy yet brilliant attorney, also functioned as a detective in his cases, often with assistance. Comparable to Columbo but as a lawyer rather than solely a detective, Matlock became one of the most successful lawyer television shows. It transitioned from NBC to ABC and later into syndication, running for nine seasons and 193 episodes.
The original series received four Emmy nominations, winning one. It also spawned several spin-off shows centered on other characters. While perhaps not reaching the critical heights of some lawyer television shows, Matlock remains a classic. Kathy Bates is set to star in a contemporary reboot of the show, demonstrating the lasting appeal of the Matlock concept.
18. Bull (2016-2022)
Based on the Career of Dr. Phil McGraw
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Bull (2016) TV Poster
Bull premiered on CBS with Michael Weatherly in the lead role, attracting a dedicated audience over its six seasons. Weatherly, known for NCIS, starred as Dr. Jason Bull, head of a jury consulting firm. Bull and his team used psychology and data to help clients select ideal jurors and craft arguments to win cases. Loosely based on the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw, Bull offered a different perspective within lawyer television shows.
Bull distinguished itself by focusing on the often-overlooked aspect of jury influence in courtroom proceedings. While most legal dramas emphasize investigations and trial outcomes, Bull explored the strategic importance of jury selection and persuasion. This unique angle, combined with Weatherly’s star power, contributed to its viewership and its place among lawyer television shows.
17. Ally McBeal (1997-2002)
A Whimsical Fantasy Legal Drama
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Ally McBeal TV Poster
Ally McBeal was an unconventional and distinctive lawyer television show when it debuted on Fox in 1997. Created by David E. Kelley (Boston Legal), this comedy-drama revolved around a Boston law firm and its titular character, Ally McBeal, played by Calista Flockhart. The show featured a remarkable cast, including Robert Downey Jr., Courtney Thorne-Smith, Jane Krakowski, Lucy Liu, and Hayden Panettiere.
While becoming known for the “Dancing Baby” internet meme, Ally McBeal‘s fantasy sequences set it apart from other lawyer television shows. It successfully balanced humor and drama through legal cases and musical numbers. The series received seven Emmys and four Golden Globes during its run, highlighting its impact and originality.
16. Reasonable Doubt (2017-Present)
A True-Crime Legal Series
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Reasonable Doubt 2017 TV Show Poster
Numerous shows titled Reasonable Doubt, often lawyer television shows, have emerged over the years, but the Reasonable Doubt series that began in 2017 stands out. Unlike fictional legal dramas, this Reasonable Doubt is a true crime series, offering a unique approach among lawyer television shows.
Reasonable Doubt follows two investigators – a retired homicide detective and a criminal defense attorney – as they re-examine seemingly clear-cut murder cases. They investigate whether families of convicted individuals should appeal verdicts by exploring new evidence and interviewing witnesses. While less widely known, Reasonable Doubt is a compelling true-crime gem. With five seasons, it offers significant binge-watching potential within the lawyer television show genre.
15. Your Honor (2020-2022)
A Judge Goes Corrupt to Save His Son
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Your Honor TV Show Poster
Bryan Cranston returned to television after his film success to star in Your Honor, playing a judge whose son is involved in a fatal hit-and-run. This series distinguishes itself from many lawyer television shows by being a serialized legal drama rather than a procedural, case-of-the-week format. Initially conceived as a miniseries, Your Honor was renewed for a second season that was also critically well-received.
Your Honor offers a unique and intense narrative within the legal drama genre. Michael Desiato (Cranston) is a complex character, morally ambiguous in ways that draw comparisons to Walter White from Breaking Bad. While critically debated for focusing on flawed male protagonists, Your Honor resonated strongly with audiences, providing a distinctive and gripping entry in lawyer television shows.
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
In the tradition of mentor-driven occupational dramas, How to Get Away With Murder is the legal drama equivalent, similar to medical shows like House or detective series like Lie to Me. However, it introduces a twist: the mentor, a law professor, becomes entangled in covering up murders with her students, setting it apart from typical lawyer television shows.
The series centers on Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), a law professor and criminal defense attorney who takes five students under her tutelage. These students become deeply involved in a murder plot, and the series unfolds as their lies and the ensuing drama escalate each season. How to Get Away with Murder is highly acclaimed, largely due to Viola Davis’s powerful portrayal of Keating. Davis made history as the first Black woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in this standout lawyer television show.
13. L.A. Law (1986-1994)
A Los Angeles Law Firm
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L.A. Law TV Poster
Preceding Law & Order, L.A. Law offered an inside look at a prominent Los Angeles law firm. Created by Steven Bochco (NYPD Blue), the series featured a large ensemble cast navigating parallel storylines with a strong emphasis on social drama. Like Law & Order, L.A. Law incorporated cases inspired by real headlines. However, its focus remained on the attorneys and their legal work, rather than police investigations, distinguishing it among lawyer television shows. The cast included Harry Hamlin, Corbin Bernsen, Jimmy Smits, Blair Underwood, and many others.
L.A. Law garnered significant award recognition, winning 15 of its 69 Emmy nominations and five of its 30 Golden Globe nominations throughout its run. A sequel series was planned in 2020 but was canceled in 2022 after casting and pilot orders, demonstrating the enduring legacy of this influential lawyer television show.
12. Suits (2011-2019)
A Law Firm Brings in an Unlicensed Attorney
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Suits TV Show Poster
Suits distinguishes itself by concentrating on the internal dynamics of a law firm more than the specifics of individual cases, offering a unique approach to lawyer television shows. The series follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a law associate who, despite never attending law school, uses his photographic memory to excel. Suits cleverly balances case resolutions with Mike’s secret, creating ongoing tension. The show is characterized by dramatic, often loud interactions among lawyers, filled with dense legal jargon.
Composite image of Stephen Amell and Josh McDermitt in Suits LA context
While Suits received several award nominations, Gina Torres was the primary award winner for her performance, receiving both an NHMC Award and an Imagen Impact Award. Torres also starred in a spin-off series. Recently, Suits has experienced a surge in popularity on streaming platforms like Netflix, breaking viewership records and prompting the development of another spin-off, Suits L.A., highlighting its continued appeal as a lawyer television show.
11. Goliath (2016-2021)
A Down-on-His-Luck Attorney
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Goliath TV Poster
Goliath, a Prime Video original series starring Billy Bob Thornton, ran for four seasons until its conclusion in 2021. The series tells the story of Billy McBride, a formerly successful lawyer seeking redemption. Goliath importantly illustrates the pervasive corruption within the legal system, often favoring the wealthy and powerful. Thornton’s compelling performance as Billy McBride, a once-brilliant lawyer haunted by past cases, was crucial to the show’s success among lawyer television shows.
Thornton won a Golden Globe for the first season. Goliath also received four Satellite Award nominations but did not secure further wins. All four seasons maintain a “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on critical reviews, indicating consistent quality and solidifying its place as a well-regarded lawyer television show.
