As lawyers, finding inspiration and entertainment outside of the courtroom is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Fortunately, television and streaming platforms offer a plethora of captivating tv lawyers’ shows that not only entertain but also provide valuable insights into the legal profession.
Whether you seek gripping courtroom dramas or thought-provoking legal narratives, here are 11 must-watch TV shows that will keep you hooked and inspire your legal journey.
11 TV ‘Lawyers’ Shows
Suits
Created by Aaron Korsh, Suits is a legal drama that revolves around the high-stakes world of corporate law. The series follows the brilliant college dropout Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), who, despite lacking a law degree, starts working as a law associate for Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), a top attorney at the prestigious law firm Pearson Hardman. Together, they navigate complex legal cases while trying to keep Mike’s secret under wraps.
Throughout the series, Suits explores the complexities of practising law, showcasing the dynamics between lawyers, the intricate strategies employed during negotiations, and the challenges of maintaining personal and professional relationships in a competitive environment. With compelling characters, sharp dialogue, and engaging storylines, Suits offers an entertaining and insightful glimpse into the legal world.
Better Call Saul
A prequel to the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul serves as an origin story for the morally ambiguous lawyer Saul Goodman, played by Bob Odenkirk. Set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the series follows Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer struggling to make a name for himself.
As the story unfolds, Jimmy faces personal and professional challenges, ultimately transforming into the flamboyant and ethically questionable lawyer known as Saul Goodman.
Better Call Saul delves into the complexities of legal ethics, showcasing the fine line lawyers often walk between upholding justice and succumbing to their own ambitions. The show skillfully explores the intricacies of the criminal justice system and offers a compelling character study, providing valuable insights for lawyers seeking to understand the ethical dilemmas inherent in their profession.
The Good Wife
The Good Wife follows Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies), a former lawyer who returns to the legal profession after her husband’s political scandal and imprisonment. The series explores Alicia’s journey as she navigates the challenges of resuming her legal career while balancing the demands of family and personal aspirations.
The Good Wife expertly combines courtroom drama, political intrigue, and complex character relationships. Each episode presents engaging legal cases, highlighting the strategies, arguments, and tactics employed by attorneys. The show also touches on important social and political issues, providing a nuanced exploration of the legal profession and the challenges faced by women in the workplace.
How to Get Away with Murder
Produced by Shonda Rhimes, How to Get Away with Murder is a captivating legal thriller that revolves around Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), a brilliant criminal defence professor and attorney. Keating and her law students become embroiled in a murder plot, testing their moral compasses and pushing the boundaries of the law.
The series offers a gripping exploration of criminal law, ethics, and the complexities of the justice system. Each episode delves into high-stakes legal cases, showcasing the strategies and tactics employed by defence attorneys. How to Get Away with Murder keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its intricate storytelling and intricate plot twists, shedding light on the realities of criminal law practice.
Boston Legal
Boston Legal is a witty and thought-provoking legal comedy-drama that focuses on the personal and professional lives of attorneys at the Crane, Poole & Schmidt law firm. The show centres around eccentric lawyer Alan Shore (James Spader) and his colleague Denny Crane (William Shatner), who tackle challenging legal cases while dealing with their own personal quirks and moral dilemmas.
With its blend of humour and drama, Boston Legal provides an engaging exploration of legal ethics, social issues, and the power of persuasive lawyering. The series tackles a wide range of legal topics, including civil rights, intellectual property, corporate law, and constitutional issues.
Each episode presents compelling courtroom battles and legal arguments, often with a touch of satire and social commentary. Boston Legal offers lawyers a fresh perspective on the legal profession, emphasizing the importance of integrity, compassion, and the pursuit of justice.
Law & Order
Law & Order is a long-running crime procedural series that follows the investigations conducted by the police and the subsequent prosecution of suspects. Each episode is divided into two parts: the first half focuses on the police investigation, while the second half revolves around the trial and legal proceedings.
This iconic series provides a realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system, showcasing the challenges faced by both prosecutors and defence attorneys. Law & Order explores a wide range of legal issues, from murder and assault to complex white-collar crimes.
Lawyers can gain valuable insights into courtroom procedures, evidence gathering, and the ethical dilemmas encountered during the pursuit of justice.
The Practice
Created by David E. Kelley, The Practice offers a compelling exploration of the professional and personal lives of attorneys at the law firm of Robert Donnell & Associates. The series delves into the complexities of the legal profession, covering a wide range of criminal and civil cases.
The Practice addresses ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers, examines the inner workings of a law firm, and explores the sacrifices attorneys make for their clients. The show presents thought-provoking courtroom battles, legal arguments, and discussions on moral and legal grey areas.
With its realistic portrayal of the challenges and triumphs within the legal system, The Practice provides lawyers with valuable insights into the intricacies of the profession.
Damages
Starring Glenn Close and Rose Byrne, Damages is a gripping legal thriller that follows the ruthless lawyer Patty Hewes and her protégée Ellen Parsons. The series delves into complex and high-stakes legal cases, often involving corporate fraud, conspiracy, and power struggles.
Damages expertly weave together multiple timelines and narratives, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with its intricate storytelling and surprising plot twists.
The show explores the darker side of the legal profession, shedding light on the manipulative tactics, personal sacrifices, and ethical dilemmas that lawyers may face in pursuit of victory. It offers a captivating portrayal of the legal world and the complexities of attorney-client relationships.
The Wire
The Wire is a critically acclaimed crime drama series that focuses on the city of Baltimore, exploring the interplay between law enforcement, the legal system, and the social fabric of the city. While not solely centred on the legal profession, the show offers a realistic portrayal of how law enforcement and legal institutions interact with the communities they serve.
The Wire presents a nuanced examination of crime, corruption, and the challenges faced by both police officers and lawyers. It explores systemic issues within the criminal justice system, providing insights into the complexities of law enforcement investigations, legal loopholes, and the impact of social and economic factors on the legal landscape.
For lawyers interested in understanding the broader context in which they operate, The Wire offers a unique perspective.
Silicon Valley
While not a traditional legal drama, Silicon Valley provides a humorous and satirical take on the legal aspects of the tech industry. The series follows a group of programmers as they navigate the competitive and cutthroat world of Silicon Valley startups.
Silicon Valley touches upon various legal issues, including intellectual property disputes, contract negotiations, and corporate law. It humorously highlights the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and their legal advisors in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The show offers lawyers a lighthearted yet insightful perspective on legal challenges within the business world, showcasing the importance of legal knowledge and strategy in the realm of technology startups. Lawyers can gain valuable insights into the complexities of intellectual property rights, contract negotiations, and the legal implications of innovation.
Crown Court
Crown Court is a classic British legal drama that recreates realistic courtroom proceedings and explores a range of criminal cases. The series focuses on the trial process, providing an in-depth look at the roles of judges, barristers, solicitors, and witnesses.
Each episode of Crown Court presents a different case, showcasing the preparation and presentation of legal arguments, the examination and cross-examination of witnesses, and the deliberations of the jury. The show offers lawyers a valuable opportunity to observe the dynamics of a courtroom, understand the art of persuasive advocacy, and gain insights into the various elements of a trial.
IMDB Ratings
- Suits – IMDb rating: 8.5/10
- Better Call Saul – IMDb rating: 8.7/10
- The Good Wife – IMDb rating: 8.3/10
- How to Get Away with Murder – IMDb rating: 8.1/10
- Boston Legal – IMDb rating: 8.4/10
- Law & Order – IMDb rating: 7.7/10
- The Practice – IMDb rating: 7.7/10
- Damages – IMDb rating: 8.1/10
- The Wire – IMDb rating: 9.3/10
- Silicon Valley – IMDb rating: 8.5/10
- Crown Court – IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Note: Please note that IMDb ratings are subject to change as more reviews and ratings are added by viewers.
OTTs
- Suits – Available on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix
- Better Call Saul – Available on Netflix
- The Good Wife – Available on Hulu, CBS All Access
- How to Get Away with Murder – Available on Netflix
- Boston Legal – Available on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- Law & Order – Available on Hulu, Peacock
- The Practice – Available on Hulu
- Damages – Available on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- The Wire – Available on HBO Max
- Silicon Valley – Available on HBO Max
- Crown Court – Not currently available on major streaming platforms; can be found on Youtube.
Conclusion
These 11 TV shows provide lawyers with a diverse range of legal dramas, thought-provoking narratives, and insightful portrayals of the legal profession. From gripping courtroom battles to complex ethical dilemmas and personal struggles, each series offers unique perspectives on the challenges faced by lawyers in their pursuit of justice.
Whether you seek entertainment, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the law, these shows are sure to captivate and engage. So, grab your popcorn and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of legal dramas on screen. Through these TV shows, lawyers can gain valuable insights, sharpen their understanding of the legal profession, and find inspiration for their own legal journeys. Happy watching!
Note: This article was first published on June 09, 2023. We have republished it on March 30, 2024.
