With the rise of streaming platforms and the golden age of television, audiences are spoiled for choice when it comes to in-depth Lawyer Television Series. For those who have spent countless hours immersed in the gripping narratives of legal dramas, it’s easy to feel like an honorary member of the bar. The best lawyer shows masterfully blend legal intricacies with compelling human stories, some meticulously researching courtroom procedure with real-life defense attorneys, while others prioritize character development and dramatic tension. While many lawyer TV shows adopt a procedural format with a new case each week, the truly exceptional legal dramas transcend genre conventions, taking bold narrative risks and exploring the complexities of justice.
The fascination with lawyer shows is deeply rooted in television history, dating back to the medium’s earliest days. In 1957, the iconic Perry Mason debuted, with Raymond Burr portraying the character for an impressive decade. Matlock continued this tradition in the 1980s, also enjoying a long and successful run. The landscape of lawyer shows evolved to include ensembles, focusing on the collaborative efforts of police and attorneys in investigating and defending cases. Today, nearly every network and streaming service offers its own take on the lawyer show, though the quality varies significantly. This list explores some of the most compelling lawyer television series that stand out in a crowded field.
30. Accused (2023- ) – Anthology Series Exploring Crime from the Defendant’s Perspective
Examining Justice from Every Angle: The Anthology Approach of ‘Accused’
Accused TV Poster
Alt text: “Accused” TV series poster featuring diverse characters in dramatic lighting, emphasizing the show’s anthology format and focus on individual stories.
Accused, developed for American television by Howard Gordon of Homeland fame, premiered on Fox in 2023, adapting the British legal drama series of the same name which aired from 2010 to 2012. This gripping anthology series plunges into the world of crime from the unique vantage point of the accused. Each self-contained episode masterfully unfolds a new case, meticulously tracing the events leading to the crime—or alleged crime—and navigating the multifaceted legal proceedings that follow. Mirroring its British predecessor, the American Accused boasts a stellar cast, attracting prominent actors to embody diverse characters in this anthology format.
Featured across its initial seasons are acclaimed actors such as 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 Accused within the realm of courtroom dramas is its commitment to delving into the backstories of those on trial. It powerfully illustrates that guilt is not always straightforward, and often, complex circumstances and unforeseen pressures propel individuals toward actions that lead them into the courtroom, often in directions that viewers might not anticipate, offering fresh perspectives on the legal drama genre.
29. All Rise (2019-2023) – A Courtroom Drama Set Against the Backdrop of Los Angeles
Life Inside the Courtroom: ‘All Rise’ Offers a Ground-Level View of the LA Justice System
All Rise (2019)
Alt text: “All Rise” TV series promotional image featuring Simone Missick as Judge Lola Carmichael in her courtroom, highlighting the show’s focus on Los Angeles legal professionals.
All Rise made its debut on CBS in 2019 and swiftly garnered critical acclaim for its fresh take on the legal drama. While courtroom cases are central to the narrative, the series distinguishes itself by exploring the intertwined personal and professional lives of the diverse individuals who populate the Los Angeles courthouse. From judges and prosecutors to public defenders, clerks, bailiffs, and law enforcement, All Rise paints a comprehensive portrait of the legal ecosystem. Simone Missick anchors the series as Lola Carmichael, a dynamic former prosecutor who assumes a judgeship in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Carmichael’s character is pivotal, as she actively seeks to redefine the traditional boundaries and expectations associated with her judicial role, injecting a contemporary energy into the courtroom setting.
Despite achieving moderate critical reception overall, All Rise cultivated a dedicated fan base, evidenced by OWN’s decision to revive the series for a third and concluding season in 2022 and 2023 after its cancellation by CBS after two seasons. The series’ resonance is further underscored by its accolades, including an ASCAP Screen Music Award in 2020 for composer Joey Newman and multiple nominations at the Black Reel Awards and NAACP Awards in 2020 and 2021, recognizing its impact and appeal within the legal drama landscape.
28. Murder One (1995-1997) – Pioneering Season-Long Case Arcs in Legal TV
Before Serialized Legal Dramas: ‘Murder One’ Set the Stage for Modern Storytelling
Headshot of Mary McCormack
Alt text: Headshot of actress Mary McCormack, known for her role in “Murder One”, representing the show’s ensemble cast and character-driven narratives.
Murder One stands as a legal drama that was remarkably ahead of its time. In an era when most lawyer TV series adhered to a case-of-the-week format, Murder One, launched on ABC, broke ground by dedicating its entire first season to a single, complex case. This innovative approach allowed for unprecedented depth in character development and narrative complexity, a structure now common in many contemporary series. The primary focus of the first season is Theodore Hoffman (Daniel Banzali), the central attorney, as he navigates a high-profile murder defense. While the overarching case drives the season, Murder One also incorporates weekly cases involving the supporting cast, enriching the legal world it portrays.
The second season adopted the same groundbreaking format, with Anthony LaPagila taking the lead as Jimmy Wyler, who inherits Hoffman’s firm. Produced by Steven Bocho, renowned for L.A. Law, Murder One spanned two seasons and 41 episodes. From its inception, the series garnered critical acclaim and achieved significant success despite its relatively short run. Its pioneering approach to serialized storytelling in the legal genre was recognized with two Golden Globe nominations and an impressive eight Primetime Emmy nominations, securing three wins, solidifying its legacy as a formative lawyer television series.
27. Silk (2011-2014) – Exploring the Nuances of the British Court System
Across the Pond Justice: ‘Silk’ Offers a British Legal Perspective
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Alt text: “Silk” TV series poster featuring Maxine Peake as Martha Costello, emphasizing the show’s focus on a female barrister in the British legal system.
The cast of Silk in a promo photo
Alt text: Ensemble cast of “Silk” in a promotional photograph, showcasing the key actors who bring the British legal drama to life.
Silk distinguishes itself by transporting viewers into the intricate world of the British court system, presenting a stark contrast to the typical American legal dramas prevalent on television. Created by Peter Moffat, also known for Your Honor, Silk delves into the day-to-day operations of Shoe Lane Chambers, a set of barristers specializing in criminal law. The series draws heavily from Moffat’s own experiences as a barrister before his career in playwriting, lending authenticity and depth to the courtroom dynamics and legal procedures depicted. Moffat’s vision, as articulated in The Guardian, was to portray the realities of the legal profession with unflinching honesty.
“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.”
Silk ran for three seasons, each consisting of six episodes, a common format for British dramas focusing on quality over quantity. Maxine Peake delivers a compelling performance as Martha Costello, the series’ central barrister, navigating a diverse range of criminal cases. Silk garnered largely favorable reviews from critics, who lauded its performances and its dedication to portraying the intense competitiveness within law firms and the adversarial nature of courtroom battles, offering a unique glimpse into a different legal culture.
26. She-Hulk: Attorney At Law (2022) – Marvel’s Comedic Take on a Superhero Lawyer
Superpowered Law: ‘She-Hulk’ Blends Legal Practice with MCU Action
Alt text: “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” animated poster featuring She-Hulk in a lawyer pose, blending superhero themes with legal profession in a comedic style.
In 2022, the Marvel Cinematic Universe expanded its television offerings with She-Hulk: Attorney At Law, a quirky legal comedy series streaming on Disney+. Originating from the comics created by Stan Lee in 1979, Jennifer Walters, cousin of Bruce Banner, gains her Hulk powers through a blood transfusion, a plot point mirrored in the series after a car accident. Unlike her cousin Bruce, Jennifer maintains complete control over her transformations into She-Hulk, adding a unique dynamic to her dual life as both a lawyer and a superhero.
She-Hulk: Attorney At Law shares a stylistic similarity with Deadpool through its fourth-wall breaks, with She-Hulk directly addressing the audience, a characteristic rooted in her comic book origins predating Deadpool’s creation. In the series, she specializes in representing superpowered individuals while also confronting personal challenges, including becoming a target of Abomination, who is depicted forming a cult. The series tackles themes of toxic masculinity, particularly within comic book fandom, with sharp wit and social commentary. While She-Hulk: Attorney at Law sparked diverse reactions from audiences, it stands out as one of the MCU’s most innovative and creatively adventurous streaming projects, uniquely blending superhero action with legal comedy.
25. The Lincoln Lawyer (2022 – ) – Adapting Michael Connelly’s Best-Selling Novels for TV
Cruising for Justice: ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Brings Connelly’s Novels to Life on Netflix
The Lincoln Lawyer – Season 2 | Season Poster
Alt text: “The Lincoln Lawyer” Season 2 poster featuring Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, emphasizing the show’s adaptation of Michael Connelly’s novels and the Los Angeles setting.
The Lincoln Lawyer has rapidly become a standout hit on Netflix, celebrated for its energetic and engaging approach to the legal drama genre. Based on the acclaimed series of novels by Michael Connelly, the show stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, a charismatic defense attorney who famously operates his law practice from the back of his Lincoln Town Car. While Matthew McConaughey previously portrayed Haller in a well-received movie adaptation, Garcia-Rulfo brings his own distinct interpretation to the role, leading viewers through compelling cases and the morally ambiguous world Mickey inhabits.
The first season of The Lincoln Lawyer received stronger critical acclaim compared to the second, yet the series has maintained a strong viewership on Netflix, solidifying its popularity. The anticipation for The Lincoln Lawyer season 3 is already high, with filming commencing in early 2024, highlighting the show’s sustained appeal and its position as a leading lawyer television series in the streaming era.
24. Rake (2010 – 2018) – An Australian Legal Drama with a Darkly Comedic Edge
Down Under Justice: ‘Rake’ Offers a Unique Australian Legal Perspective with Dark Humor
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Alt text: “Rake” (Australian TV series) poster featuring Richard Roxburgh as Cleaver Greene, emphasizing the show’s dark comedy and Australian legal setting.
Venturing beyond the US television landscape often uncovers exceptional legal dramas, and Rake, an Australian series, is a prime example. This show centers on a defense lawyer, a character archetype that can be challenging to portray heroically given the ethical complexities of defending potentially guilty clients. Rake cleverly navigates this by presenting Cleaver Greene (Richard Roxburgh) not as a conventional hero, but as a profoundly entertaining and flawed protagonist who derives a certain pleasure from defending the guilty, often including high-profile guest stars such as Sam Neill, Hugo Weaving, and Toni Collette.
Throughout its run, Rake consistently earned nominations from various Australian award bodies, with Richard 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; however, it failed to capture the same audience appreciation as the original Australian series, highlighting the unique charm and appeal of the original Rake within the lawyer television series genre.
23. Perry Mason (2020 – 2023) – Reimagining a Classic Legal Icon for a Modern Audience
Noir Justice: ‘Perry Mason’ Returns with a Grittier, Period-Setting Reboot
Perry Mason TV Poster
Alt text: “Perry Mason” (2020) TV series poster featuring Matthew Rhys as Perry Mason, highlighting the noir style and period setting of this reboot.
Taking on the task of remaking a beloved legal drama classic is a significant undertaking, yet the recent Perry Mason series successfully navigates this challenge. Matthew Rhys steps into the iconic role, portraying Mason in a period setting in 1930s Los Angeles. This iteration depicts Mason as a struggling, morally ambiguous attorney seeking to rebuild his career amidst a backdrop of murder, corruption, and scandal. Rhys delivers a compelling and nuanced performance, while the show’s distinct noir aesthetic sets it apart from contemporary legal procedurals, offering a visually and thematically rich experience.
Despite being recognized as one of the best Max original shows, Perry Mason was unfortunately canceled after its second season. The series garnered several nominations, including Critics Choice, Golden Globe, and Emmy nods during its run. Tatiana Maslany notably won a Hollywood Critics Association Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role, acknowledging the strong performances that anchored this reimagining of Perry Mason.
22. American Crime Story (2016 – ) – Ryan Murphy’s Anthology of Real-Life Legal Scandals
True Crime Under the Microscope: ‘American Crime Story’ Re-examines Landmark Cases
American Crime Story TV Poster
Alt text: “American Crime Story” TV series poster featuring imagery from different seasons, showcasing the anthology format focused on various true crime legal cases.
Television innovator Ryan Murphy, known for his anthology series American Horror Story, expanded his anthology format to true crime with American Crime Story. This spinoff series delves into real, high-profile trials and criminal cases that have captivated public attention, moving away from supernatural themes. With three seasons released to date, American Crime Story has explored both sensational murder trials and significant political scandals, providing a dramatized yet meticulously researched account of pivotal moments in legal history.
The series has been highly decorated, winning four Golden Globe Awards and eight Emmy Awards, underscoring its critical and popular success. For viewers new to American Crime Story, the consensus is to begin with the electrifying first season, subtitled The People vs. OJ Simpson. This season masterfully recreates the infamous trial with a blend of dramatic intensity and, at times, camp, capturing the outrageous elements of the case. The stellar ensemble cast, including Sarah Paulson, Courtney B. Vance, Sterling K. Brown, and John Travolta, delivers powerful performances, making it widely regarded as the standout season of this compelling anthology series.
21. Eli Stone (2008 – 2009) – A Legal Comedy-Drama with a Touch of Fantasy
Whimsical Justice: ‘Eli Stone’ Infuses Fantasy into the Legal Procedural
Alt text: “Eli Stone” TV series promotional image featuring Jonny Lee Miller as Eli Stone, highlighting the show’s blend of legal drama with fantasy and comedic elements.
Eli Stone distinguishes itself as one of the few lawyer shows that adeptly integrates humor into its storytelling. While most legal dramas lean heavily into procedural and dramatic conventions, Eli Stone’s comedic elements set it apart in a crowded television landscape. This comedy-drama centers on Eli Stone, a San Francisco-based lawyer, who experiences increasingly vivid hallucinations that lead him to reassess his life’s direction. He begins to prioritize cases that offer moral fulfillment over financial gain, resulting in a unique blend of legal practice and personal ethics.
The series incorporates surreal elements, with Eli Stone, portrayed by Jonny Lee Miller, experiencing hallucinations that often manifest as remarkably accurate premonitions, such as predicting an impending earthquake in San Francisco. Despite its unique premise and engaging storytelling, Eli Stone was prematurely canceled after just two seasons, leaving fans without a complete resolution to the series’ narrative arcs. However, Julie Gonzalo received an ALMA Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in Eli Stone, recognizing the show’s appeal and the strong performances within this unique legal dramedy.
20. Fearless (2017) – A Gripping Legal Drama Miniseries Set in London
British Legal Intrigue: ‘Fearless’ Delivers a Tightly-Woven London-Based Miniseries
Helen McCrory
Headshot Of Helen McCrory
Alt text: Headshot of Helen McCrory, star of “Fearless”, representing the show’s compelling lead performance and British setting.
While many of the best lawyer shows are set in the US, Fearless shifts the focus to the UK legal system. This six-part limited series, set in London, follows Emma Banville, a dedicated human rights lawyer who embarks on a mission to prove the innocence of a convicted murderer, Kevin Russell, imprisoned for 14 years for the murder of a schoolgirl. Featuring a distinguished cast, including Michael Gambon, Fearless delivers a powerful dramatic impact within its concise format, typical of high-quality British miniseries.
Directed by Pete Travis, known for directing films like Karl Urban’s Dredd, Fearless possesses a cinematic quality that elevates its dramatic tension and visual appeal. While it may not have garnered major award recognition, Helen McCrory’s lead performance received widespread critical praise throughout the series’ limited run. Despite hopes for further seasons, Fearless remained a standalone miniseries, leaving a lasting impression with its tightly plotted narrative and strong performances in the realm of lawyer television series.
19. Matlock (1986 – 1995) – An Original and Enduring Legal Drama Classic
Classic Courtroom Sleuth: ‘Matlock’ Defined the Engaging Lawyer-Detective Formula
Headshot Of Linda Purl In The 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival – Nominees Party
Alt text: Headshot of Linda Purl, who played Charlene Matlock in “Matlock”, representing the show’s long-running cast and classic legal drama style.
Ben Matlock, portrayed by the beloved Andy Griffith, emerged as a compelling character in 1986. Matlock, a folksy yet brilliant attorney, also functioned as a detective in his cases, often with the assistance of others. Comparable to Columbo but as a lawyer, Matlock became one of television’s most enduring lawyer shows, transitioning from NBC to ABC and ultimately syndication, spanning nine seasons and 193 episodes.
The original series received four Emmy nominations, winning one, and spawned several spin-off shows featuring other characters from the Matlock universe. While it might not reach the critical acclaim of some modern lawyer shows, Matlock’s lasting appeal is evident in the development of a contemporary reboot starring Kathy Bates, demonstrating the timelessness of its lawyer-detective concept for today’s audiences.
18. Bull (2016 – 2022) – The Psychology of Jury Selection in the Courtroom
Mind Games in the Courtroom: ‘Bull’ Explores the Science of Jury Selection
Bull (2016)
Alt text: “Bull” TV series promotional image featuring Michael Weatherly as Dr. Jason Bull, emphasizing the show’s focus on psychology and jury consulting in legal cases.
Bull premiered on CBS with Michael Weatherly in the lead role, attracting a dedicated viewership that sustained the show for six seasons. Weatherly, known for his role in NCIS, took on the character of Dr. Jason Bull, head of a jury consulting firm. Bull offered viewers a unique perspective by focusing on jury selection strategies and argument construction to influence trial outcomes, loosely inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw.
Bull provided a distinct angle within the legal drama genre by shifting focus from investigations and trial verdicts to the crucial role of jury dynamics in courtroom proceedings. This novel approach, combined with Weatherly’s established star power from NCIS, contributed to Bull’s consistent viewership and its place among engaging lawyer television series.
17. Ally McBeal (1997 – 2002) – A Whimsical and Fantasy-Infused Legal World
Dancing Babies and Legal Briefs: ‘Ally McBeal’ Blended Fantasy with Legal Drama
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Alt text: “Ally McBeal” TV series image featuring Calista Flockhart in a whimsical pose, highlighting the show’s fantasy sequences and comedic legal drama style.
Ally McBeal arrived on Fox in 1997 as a truly unique entity. Created by David E. Kelley, also known for Boston Legal, this comedy-drama centered around a Boston law firm and its titular character, Ally McBeal, played by Calista Flockhart. The series boasted an exceptional ensemble cast, including Robert Downey Jr., Courtney Thorne-Smith, Jane Krakowski, Lucy Liu, and Hayden Panettiere, adding depth and charisma to the legal workplace setting.
While Ally McBeal is remembered for elements like the “Dancing Baby” internet meme, its hallmark was the integration of fantasy sequences, distinguishing it from other lawyer shows on television. It successfully balanced humor and drama through legal cases interwoven with musical numbers and surreal moments. During its run, Ally McBeal garnered significant accolades, including seven Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards, recognizing its innovative approach to the legal comedy-drama genre.
16. Reasonable Doubt (2017 – ) – True Crime Investigations into Potentially Wrongful Convictions
Real Cases, Real Stakes: ‘Reasonable Doubt’ Investigates True Crime Legal Puzzles
Reasonable Doubt 2017 TV Show Poster
Alt text: “Reasonable Doubt” (Investigation Discovery series) poster featuring hosts Chris Anderson and Fatima Silva, emphasizing the show’s true crime format and focus on re-examining legal cases.
Numerous shows titled Reasonable Doubt have appeared over the years, many within the lawyer show genre, but the most recent and notable is the true crime series that began in 2017. Unlike fictional legal dramas, this Reasonable Doubt is a reality-based true crime series airing on Investigation Discovery.
Reasonable Doubt adopts a unique premise, setting itself apart by following two investigators—a retired homicide detective and a criminal defense attorney—as they re-examine murder cases that were seemingly closed. Their goal is to determine if there is genuine reasonable doubt regarding the guilt of the convicted individuals, exploring the possibility of wrongful convictions and seeking to provide families with potential avenues for justice or closure. The series presents the challenging reality that investigators may sometimes conclude the convicted person is indeed guilty, adding a layer of authenticity and complexity. Despite being relatively under-the-radar, Reasonable Doubt is a hidden gem in the true crime and lawyer television series landscape, offering five seasons of compelling investigations.
15. Your Honor (2020-2022) – When a Judge’s Moral Compass is Tested
Justice on the Edge: ‘Your Honor’ Explores the Dark Side of Legal Ethics
Your Honor TV Show Poster
Alt text: “Your Honor” TV series poster featuring Bryan Cranston in a dramatic pose, highlighting the show’s intense moral dilemmas and Bryan Cranston’s lead role as a judge.
Bryan Cranston, following his acclaimed role in Breaking Bad, returned to television in Your Honor, portraying a judge whose son is involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident. This series stands out for its serialized narrative, contrasting with the episodic case-of-the-week format common in many legal dramas. Originally conceived as a miniseries, Your Honor was renewed for a second season due to its strong reception, further exploring the intricate moral and legal dilemmas faced by its protagonist.
Your Honor delves into complex themes, presenting a narrative where Michael Desiato (Cranston) arguably treads morally gray territory akin to Walter White from Breaking Bad. While viewers were captivated by the series, some critics expressed fatigue with narratives centered on morally compromised male protagonists, especially in the wake of successful shows like House and Breaking Bad. Nevertheless, Your Honor delivered a distinct and intense legal drama experience, differing significantly from typical genre offerings, and showcasing Cranston’s powerful performance.
14. How To Get Away With Murder (2014 – 2020) – Law Students Entangled in Real-World Crime
Murder in the Classroom: ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ Blends Legal Education with Thrilling Crime
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Alt text: “How to Get Away with Murder” TV series poster featuring Viola Davis as Annalise Keating, emphasizing her central role as a law professor and the show’s mystery elements.
Following the tradition of occupational mentor-student narratives seen in medical dramas like House and detective series such as Lie To Me, How To Get Away With Murder offers the legal drama genre’s take on this format. However, it introduces a compelling twist: the mentor figure is repeatedly involved in covering up murders with her students. The series centers on Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), a law professor and criminal defense attorney who takes on five students as her interns. The narrative intensifies as these students become deeply enmeshed in a murder plot, leading to escalating lies and dramatic twists each season.
The series is highly acclaimed, largely due to Viola Davis’s commanding portrayal of Annalise Keating. Davis’s performance was historically significant, as she became the first Black woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, underscoring the show’s impact and her exceptional contribution to lawyer television series.
13. L.A. Law (1986 – 1994) – Inside the High-Stakes World of a Los Angeles Law Firm
Law in the City of Angels: ‘L.A. Law’ Set the Standard for Ensemble Legal Dramas
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Alt text: “L.A. Law” TV series promotional image featuring the ensemble cast, emphasizing the show’s focus on a Los Angeles law firm and its diverse characters.
Preceding Law & Order, L.A. Law provided an in-depth look into a prominent Los Angeles law firm. Created by Steven Bochco, known for NYPD Blue, the series featured a large ensemble cast navigating parallel storylines with a strong emphasis on social issues. Similar to Law & Order, L.A. Law often drew inspiration from real headlines for its cases. However, its focus remained squarely on the lawyers and their legal battles, with less emphasis on police procedures. The cast included notable actors such as Harry Hamlin, Corbin Bernsen, Jimmy Smits, and Blair Underwood, contributing to its broad appeal.
L.A. Law garnered significant critical acclaim, winning 15 of the 69 Emmy Awards for which it was nominated and five of 30 Golden Globe nominations throughout its run. A sequel series was planned in 2020 but was ultimately canceled in 2022 after casting and pilot orders, indicating the enduring legacy and attempted revival of this influential lawyer television series.
12. Suits (2011 – 2019) – High-Stakes Legal World with an Unconventional Attorney
Secrets and Suits: ‘Suits’ Explores the Corporate Legal World with a Twist
Suits TV Show Poster
Alt text: “Suits” TV series poster featuring Patrick J. Adams and Gabriel Macht, highlighting the central duo and the show’s focus on the corporate legal world.
Suits distinguishes itself by focusing more on the internal dynamics of a law firm than on the specifics of individual cases. The series revolves around Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a law associate who, despite never attending law school, uses his photographic memory to excel in the legal field while keeping his secret hidden. Suits often depicts lawyers in intense, confrontational scenarios, employing dense legal jargon, contributing to its dramatic tension.
Though Suits received several award nominations, Gina Torres was the primary recipient of accolades for her role, winning both an NHMC Award and an Imagen Impact Award. Torres also starred in a spin-off series, expanding the Suits universe. Recently, Suits has broken Netflix viewership records, experiencing a resurgence in popularity on streaming platforms, which has spurred the development of another spin-off, highlighting its continued relevance and appeal as a lawyer television series.
11. Goliath (2016 – 2021) – Redemption and Corruption in the Legal System
Underdog Justice: ‘Goliath’ Shows the Gritty Reality of Legal Battles Against Corporate Power
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Alt text: “Goliath” TV series poster featuring Billy Bob Thornton as Billy McBride, emphasizing the show’s focus on a down-on-his-luck lawyer and themes of legal corruption.
Goliath, a Prime Video original series starring Billy Bob Thornton, ran for four seasons, concluding in 2021. The series centers on a once-prominent lawyer seeking redemption, underscoring the pervasive corruption within the legal system, often favoring wealthy and powerful entities. Billy Bob Thornton’s compelling performance as Billy McBride, a formerly brilliant lawyer haunted by past cases, was central to Goliath’s success. His portrayal of a flawed yet determined attorney resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Thornton won a Golden Globe for the show’s first season, recognizing his impactful performance. Additionally, Goliath received four Satellite Award nominations. All four seasons of Goliath are critically acclaimed, holding “fresh” ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying its status as a well-regarded and impactful lawyer television series that explores the darker aspects of the legal profession.
