Legal dramas are as old as network television, here are some of the best with enough seasons to keep you occupied for the foreseeable future.
- L. A. Law- One of the most influential legal shows of all-time, featuring both a regular and guest cast of up and coming Hollywood talent. Topical and unafraid of dealing with difficult issues the show still managed to keep a wry sense of humor about itself. A great show to play “Is that so and so, wow they’re so young” with.
- Suits: Twisty, sexy, and oh so smooth. Forget the convoluted double-crosses and legal jargon, this show rests entirely on the charm of its leads but boy they are charming. Also, check out Meghan Markle before she became royalty.
- Boston Legal: One of my favorites. Quirky, madcap, screwball humor featuring a group of living legends: Candice Bergen; William Shatner; James Spader; and the late, great René Auberjonois just to name a few. This show was as smart as it was off-the-wall. You’ll find yourself picking up a cigar and scotch habit watching this one. And possibly a case of Mad Cow. Denny Crane!
- Ally McBeal: A pop culture phenomenon when it first aired in the late 90s. And considering eccentric is the best word to describe its cast how could I not include it. The cast is amazing, and Robert Downey Jr. shows up at one point. How are you not going to watch that?
- The Good Wife- This show was as much about Chicago politics as it was about courtroom battles. Julianna Margulies is incredible as is the rest of the cast. Special shout out to Alan Cummings and Christine Baranski who now leads the spin-off series The Good Fight. And Michael J. Fox is a brilliant recurring guest star.
- Perry Mason- Television’s first weekly hour-long program. This legal drama sets the bar for all courtroom shows to follow. Raymond Burr is fantastic, and the episodes still hold up some sixty years later. For when you want to go old school.
- J.A.G.- The default show for a million rest homes, this was a staple of CBS programming for ten years and is responsible for spinning off the NCIS franchise. It’s better than you remember. The characters are likable, and the good guys always win. Perfect for when you don’t want to think too hard about what you’re watching.
- Damages- This is a show you probably missed when it first aired on basic cable. Starring Glenn Close and Rose Byrne and featuring a rotating cast with legends like Ted Danson and John Goodman. This is a case per season show that has excellent plotting and always a few well-earned twists to keep you on your toes.
- Better Caul Saul– a prequel to legendary series Breaking Bad. Itsfunnier than its antecedent, but still maintains all of the darkness and complexity you would want if you were a fan of the previous show. Not your traditional courtroom show, but too good to leave of this list.
- Kingdom- This light-hearted BBC series stars Stephen Fry as a quirky English Solicitor (lawyer) who practices law in a small town full of eccentric characters. This is perfect for people who like their dramas to end on a happy note with problems being solved using compassion and wits.