The Ultimate Must-Watch List: Unveiling the Supreme Legal Dramas of All Time, Ranked!

Summary

Some of the best lawyer shows on TV have dedicated significant time and effort to accurately portraying the legal profession, while others prioritize entertainment.

Lawyer TV shows have been a staple of television for many years, with classic series such as Perry Mason and Matlock leading the way in terms of popularity. However, not all of the lawyer shows currently available on different networks and streaming platforms meet the high standards set by these iconic predecessors.

With the abundance of legal dramas on television these days, avid viewers may find themselves feeling like lawyers after indulging in some of the top lawyer shows. Some legal dramas devote less time to the actual law, while others extensively research and collaborate with real-life defense attorneys. While many lawyer TV shows present a different case each week, the finest legal dramas transcend the typical procedural nature of the genre and take formidable risks.

Furthermore, these shows are not a recent phenomenon in television, having a history that dates back to the inception of the medium. In 1957, Perry Mason made his debut on television, a role that Raymond Burr portrayed for a decade. In the 1980s, Matlock followed suit with an equally extensive portrayal. Subsequently, the format shifted to include groups of attorneys in both the best lawyer shows and TV series that revolve around the police and lawyers investigating and defending cases. Nowadays, every network and streaming service boasts a lawyer show in their repertoire, although not every show lives up to the precedent set by its predecessors.

25 The Lincoln Lawyer (2022 - )

The Lincoln Lawyer has become a popular show on Netflix, known for its fast-paced approach to the legal drama genre. Starring Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, a smooth defense lawyer who runs his law firm out of his Lincoln Towncar, the series is based on the novels by Michael Connelly. While the premise may sound familiar, with Matthew McConaughey previously playing the role in a slick movie adaptation, Garcia-Rulfo brings his own flair to the character and leads the entertaining cases and action-packed intrigue in Mickey's world, where he sometimes operates with questionable morals. With the series gaining rapid popularity, fans are already eagerly anticipating the release of The Lincoln Lawyer season 3.

24 Rake (2010 - 2018)

Discover exceptional legal dramas beyond the borders of the US on Acorn TV. One standout is the Australian series "Rake," featuring a defense lawyer as its central figure. These lawyers, often complex protagonists, face the challenge of defending potentially guilty clients, compromising their heroic status. However, "Rake" effortlessly navigates this predicament by establishing that Cleaver Greene (Richard Roxburgh) is far from a traditional hero. Nonetheless, his captivating personality and enjoyment in defending the guilty make for compelling viewing, with notable appearances from renowned actors such as Sam Neil, Hugo Weaving, and Toni Collette.

23 Perry Mason (2020 - 2023)

Stream On Max

The latest Perry Mason series successfully takes on the challenging task of remaking one of the most beloved legal dramas of all time. Set in the 1930s, the show follows Matthew Rhys as he portrays Mason, a struggling attorney determined to make a comeback amidst a backdrop of murder, corruption, and scandal. Rhys delivers a powerful performance in the lead role, while the show's noir style distinguishes it from contemporary legal procedurals. Despite its status as one of the top Max original shows, Perry Mason was unfortunately canceled after its second season.

22 American Crime Story (2016 - )

Watch "American Crime Story" on Hulu.

Ryan Murphy, the powerhouse behind "American Horror Story," created a spinoff that delves into real-life high profile trials and criminal cases that captivated the public. With three gripping seasons already released, this series explores murder and political scandals. If you're new to the show, start with the electrifying first season, titled "The People vs. OJ Simpson." While the show reenacts some of the trial's outrageous moments with a hint of camp, the stellar cast, featuring Sarah Paulson, Courtney B. Vance, Sterling K. Brown, and John Travolta, brings a grounded and remarkable performance.

21 Eli Stone (2008 - 2009)

Watch "Eli Stone" on Hulu for a refreshing dose of humor in the legal drama genre. Set in San Francisco, this comedy-drama revolves around the eccentric detective Eli Stone (played by Jonny Lee Miller) as he tackles morally fulfilling cases that offer no financial gain. The show takes on a borderline surreal tone, with Stone's regular hallucinations and uncannily accurate predictions, including foreseeing an earthquake. However, the series was prematurely canceled after only two seasons, leaving fans yearning for a more satisfying conclusion.

20 Fearless (2017)

Stream Fearless on Freevee for a captivating legal drama that diverges from the traditional U.S. setting. Taking place in London, this six-part limited series showcases a determined human rights lawyer. Their noble mission? To uncover the truth and exonerate a convicted murderer, who may have been wrongly accused of a schoolgirl's murder 14 years prior. Boasting an impressive cast, including renowned British actors like Michael Gambon, Fearless delivers a powerful narrative that sets it apart from its counterparts. Directed by Pete Travis, known for his work on notable films such as Karl Urban's Dredd, this series also exhibits a striking cinematic flair.

19 Matlock (1986 - 1995)

Stream the popular TV series "Matlock" on Prime Video. First airing in 1986, this intriguing show features Ben Matlock, portrayed by the renowned actor Andy Griffith. Matlock is a skilled attorney with a unique twist - he also takes on detective work in his cases, with some assistance along the way. With similarities to the iconic character Columbo, but with a legal background, Matlock proves to be one of the finest lawyer shows on television. Originally broadcasted on NBC, the series later moved to ABC before finding its place in syndication, completing a successful run of nine seasons and 193 thrilling episodes. While it may not necessarily reach the pinnacle of other exceptional lawyer shows, fans can look forward to a new version of the show featuring Kathy Bates, set to air on CBS.

18 Bull (2016 - 2022)

Stream Bull on Paramount+ and Prime Video. With a seasoned star at its helm, the show garnered a dedicated fanbase during its six-season run. Michael Weatherly's departure from NCIS to lead Bull as the head of a jury consulting firm, guiding clients in selecting the ideal jurors and crafting persuasive arguments, drew inspiration from Dr. Phil McGraw's early career. Bull proved itself as one of the top legal dramas in its initial two seasons, ultimately concluding in 2022.

17 Ally McBeal (1997 - 2002)

Watch Ally McBeal, a unique comedy-drama series created by David E. Kelley, on Prime Video & Hulu. Starring Calista Flockhart as the title character, Ally McBeal, a lawyer working for a Boston law firm, the show features an incredible cast including Robert Downey Jr., Courtney Thorne-Smith, Jane Krakowski, Lucy Liu, and Hayden Panettiere. With its unforgettable fantasy sequences and the iconic Dancing Baby meme, this series stands out as one of the best lawyer shows on TV.

16 Reasonable Doubt (2017 - )

Hulu's Stream On

Over the years, many lawyer shows, often titled Reasonable Doubt, have come and gone. However, one of the most impressive and recent additions to this genre is a series that premiered in 2017. Reasonable Doubt offers a unique concept not explored by any other show. It follows two investigators who delve into settled murder cases to determine whether the convicted individuals' families should appeal the verdict. Despite its lack of familiar faces and relative obscurity, this show is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. With five seasons already released, it is also incredibly addictive and perfect for binge-watching.

15 Your Honor (2020-2022)

Stream On Showtime

Bryan Cranston made a comeback to television after achieving success in the movie industry. In Your Honor, Cranston portrays a judge whose son commits a hit-and-run accident resulting in the death of a teenager. What sets this series apart is its deviation from the typical episodic legal dramas, instead offering a serialized storyline. Initially intended as a miniseries, Your Honor received such acclaim that it was renewed for a highly acclaimed second season. However, what viewers experienced was a unique and exceptional take on the genre, with the character of Michael Desiato (played by Cranston) proving to be just as complex as Walter White from Breaking Bad.

14 How To Get Away With Murder (2014 - 2020)

Stream On Netflix

How To Get Away With Murder is a captivating legal drama that stands out among other occupational shows. In this series, Annalise Keating, a brilliant law professor and criminal defense attorney, becomes a mentor to a group of five students. As the plot unfolds, these individuals find themselves caught up in a murder conspiracy, adding an intense and gripping element to the story. Viola Davis delivers an outstanding performance as Keating, earning her the distinction of being the first Black woman to win the Outstanding Leading Actress Emmy. Additionally, fans of Scandal will enjoy the intriguing crossovers between the two shows.

13 L.A. Law (1986 - 1994)

Stream On Prime Video: L.A. Law

Experience the origins of legal drama with L.A. Law, a captivating series that delves into the inner workings of a prestigious Los Angeles law firm. Created by Steven Bochco, the brilliant mind behind NYPD Blue, this show boasts an exceptional ensemble cast navigating parallel storylines that explore compelling social issues. Like its successor, Law & Order, L.A. Law showcases gripping cases inspired by real-life headlines. However, this gripping series shifts the focus from the police to the brilliant lawyers at the forefront. Don't miss the stellar performances from Harry Hamlin, Corbin Bernsen, Jimmy Smits, and Blair Underwood among many other talented actors, as well as the captivating appearances of numerous guest stars each week.

12 Suits (2011 - 2019)

Stream Suits on Netflix & Peacock - A captivating legal drama that delves into the intricacies of a law firm's inner workings rather than focusing solely on the cases it takes on. Follow the journey of Mike Ross, a law associate who never attended law school, as he skillfully closes cases while keeping his secret intact. Prepare for a rollercoaster of intense, high-stakes legal battles, where fiery lawyers passionately argue with the most complex legal jargon imaginable. Suits continues to captivate audiences and break Netflix viewership records, proving that new viewers are still discovering the series.

11 Goliath (2016 - 2021)

Stream On Prime Video

Goliath, an original series on Prime Video, starred renowned actor Billy Bob Thornton. This gripping series, which aired for four seasons, explored the journey of a struggling lawyer in search of redemption. Goliath shed light on the pervasive corruption within the legal system, where favoritism towards the wealthy was prevalent. Thornton's outstanding portrayal of Billy McBride, a once brilliant attorney who assisted a man accused of murder in securing a not-guilty verdict only to discover his guilt, played a pivotal role in the show's success. For his remarkable performance, Thornton was honored with a Golden Globe award for the first season of Goliath.

10 Marvel's Daredevil (2015 - 2018)

Stream On Disney+

Marvel's Daredevil, which was a hit on Netflix, is not just your typical superhero series. It also captures the essence of a gripping procedural drama, as it follows the journey of Matt Murdock (played by Cox), who showcases his brilliant lawyering skills in solving cases in Hell's Kitchen. By day, Murdock is a dedicated attorney, but by night, he transforms into a masked vigilante notorious for his relentless and violent pursuit of justice. Both facets of his character are equally captivating. In addition to its groundbreaking hallway fight scene and impressive action sequences, the courtroom moments in Daredevil are equally thrilling. Excitingly, the series is receiving a sequel/reboot in the form of MCU's Daredevil: Born Again, with Cox and Vincent D'Onogrio returning to reprise their roles.

9 The Good Wife (2009 - 2016)

Stream The Good Wife on Paramount+ and delve into a captivating portrayal of the legal world. This gripping drama immerses viewers in the life of a state attorney's wife, who reenters the legal profession after her husband becomes entangled in a scandal. Inspired by real-life events like the Bill Clinton scandal, The Good Wife delves into the complex dynamics between these women who put their own careers on hold to support their husbands' ambitions, even in the face of personal adversity.

8 The Good Fight (2017 - 2022)

Experience the thrill on Paramount+ with "Stream On Paramount+!" While The Good Wife was highly acclaimed, some fans argue that its spinoff series, The Good Fight, surpasses it. Starring Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart, this gripping show follows her journey of starting from scratch after losing her savings and job. Building a new firm, she assembles a team and fearlessly tackles the most impactful cases of our time. With captivating and daring storytelling, The Good Fight is a must-watch series that appeals to both new and existing viewers.

7 The Practice (1997 - 2004)

Stream The Practice on Hulu & Prime Video. Another masterpiece from David E. Kelley, this legal drama stands out from the crowd. Unlike the flashy and unrealistic portrayal of the American legal system in L.A. Law, The Practice offers a refreshing dose of realism. It treats its viewers with respect and does not underestimate their intelligence. With in-depth exploration of legal proceedings and thought-provoking themes, such as personal morality, this series sets a new benchmark for representing criminal lawyers.

6 Damages (2007 - 2012)

Stream On Hulu

Despite its relatively short lifespan compared to other legal dramas that often have numerous episodes, Damages stands out as one of the most captivating lawyer shows to date. With Glenn Close taking on the lead role of Patty Hewes, each case unfolds over an entire season, allowing for extensive research and a thorough exploration of legal proceedings. Unlike other shows that condense weeks-long trials into 40-minute episodes, Damages delves into the intricacies of the courtroom, providing a more realistic portrayal. Adding to the intensity is Patty's willingness to go to any lengths, even if it means crossing ethical boundaries, in order to secure a victory.