Television shows featuring lawyers have long captivated audiences, offering a glimpse into the complex and often fascinating world of law. From legal procedurals to courtroom dramas, these shows explore a wide range of legal issues, characters, and themes. Whether you’re a seasoned legal professional or simply intrigued by the intricacies of the law, here is an essential guide to some of the top lawyer shows out there.
1. Suits (2011-2019)
Suits follows the story of Mike Ross, a brilliant but unlicensed college dropout who becomes a lawyer at a prestigious law firm in New York City. Working alongside Harvey Specter, a top lawyer renowned for his brilliance and charisma, Mike must navigate the challenges of being a fraud while trying to prove his worth. Suits is known for its fast-paced dialogue, sharp humor, and compelling legal cases.
The Premise
The show begins with Mike Ross, a struggling college dropout, stumbling into an interview with a top lawyer, Harvey Specter. Despite Mike’s lack of a law degree, Harvey is impressed by his photographic memory and hires him as his associate. Together, they work on high-profile cases while trying to keep Mike’s secret from the rest of the firm.
The Characters
Suits boasts a diverse and dynamic cast of characters, each bringing their own unique perspective to the legal world. From the confident and charming Harvey Specter to the intelligent and ambitious Rachel Zane, the show explores the personal lives and relationships of the lawyers while also delving into their professional challenges.
The Legal Cases
One of the highlights of Suits is the variety of legal cases that are featured throughout the nine seasons. From corporate espionage to intellectual property disputes, each case brings its own set of challenges and showcases the skills of the lawyers at Pearson Hardman (later renamed Pearson Specter Litt). The fast-paced nature of the show and the clever strategies used by the lawyers keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
2. Law Order (1990-present)
Law Order is a long-running crime procedural that follows the investigations of the New York City Police Department and the prosecution of the resulting cases by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. Each episode typically focuses on a different crime or legal issue, giving viewers an inside look at the criminal justice system.
The Realism
One of the key reasons for Law Order’s success is its commitment to realism. The show often draws inspiration from real-life cases, and the writers consult with experts to ensure accuracy in their portrayal of the legal system. This attention to detail has made Law Order a favorite among legal professionals and audiences alike.
The Social Issues
Throughout its 30-year run, Law Order has tackled a wide range of topical social issues, including police brutality, racial injustice, and political corruption. These thought-provoking storylines not only entertain viewers but also shed light on important societal issues, making the show more than just a crime drama.
The Iconic Dun-Dun Sound Effect
One of the most recognizable aspects of Law Order is its iconic dun-dun sound effect, which plays after every scene change. The sound, created by composer Mike Post, has become synonymous with the show and adds to its intense and suspenseful atmosphere.
3. Better Call Saul (2015-present)
Better Call Saul is a prequel to the critically acclaimed Breaking Bad series and follows the transformation of small-time lawyer Jimmy McGill into the corrupt and sleazy Saul Goodman. Set six years before the events of Breaking Bad, the show explores the early days of Saul’s law career and his relationship with the infamous drug lord Walter White.
The Character Development
Better Call Saul is a character-driven show, and one of its strengths lies in its compelling character development. Through flashbacks, the audience learns more about Jimmy’s past and his relationship with his brother Chuck, which ultimately shapes who he becomes. The show also introduces new and intriguing characters such as Kim Wexler, a determined and hardworking lawyer, and Mike Ehrmantraut, a former police officer turned “fixer.”
The Legal Cases
Although not the main focus of the show, Better Call Saul does feature interesting legal cases that provide insight into the legal system. Jimmy’s unconventional tactics often put him at odds with his colleagues, leading to entertaining courtroom scenes. The show also explores the ethical dilemmas that lawyers face and raises questions about the line between right and wrong.
The Ties to Breaking Bad
For fans of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul offers a deeper understanding of some of the show’s most beloved characters. The appearance of familiar faces such as Gus Fring and Tuco Salamanca adds an extra layer of intrigue for viewers. However, the show stands on its own and is equally enjoyable for those who have not seen Breaking Bad.
4. The Good Wife (2009-2016)
The Good Wife centers around Alicia Florrick, a stay-at-home mom who returns to her legal career after her husband, a prominent state attorney, is embroiled in a sex and corruption scandal. The show follows Alicia’s journey as she struggles to rebuild her life and establish herself as a successful lawyer.
The Strong Female Lead
One of the most significant aspects of The Good Wife is its portrayal of a strong and complex female lead in Alicia Florrick. Throughout the series, we see her grow from a supportive wife to a formidable lawyer, juggling her personal and professional life with grace and determination.
The Exploration of Power Dynamics
The Good Wife delves into the power dynamics within the legal system and how it affects both the lawyers and their clients. The show tackles issues such as sexism, racism, and classism, highlighting the challenges faced by women and people of color in the legal profession.
The Guest Stars
The Good Wife boasts an impressive list of guest stars, including Michael J. Fox, Martha Plimpton, and Matthew Perry, who have all received critical acclaim for their performances. These guest appearances add depth to the show and bring a fresh perspective to the legal cases.
5. How to Get Away with Murder (2014-2020)
How to Get Away with Murder follows the life of Annalise Keating, a criminal defense attorney and law professor at a prestigious university. The show revolves around her and her students’ involvement in a murder plot that unravels throughout each season.
The Non-Linear Storytelling
One of the unique aspects of How to Get Away with Murder is its non-linear storytelling. Each episode jumps between the present and the past, slowly revealing how the characters ended up in their current situation. This keeps viewers on their toes and adds to the suspense and mystery of the show.
The Strong Ensemble Cast
Led by Viola Davis as Annalise Keating, the cast of How to Get Away with Murder delivers powerful and emotionally charged performances. The chemistry between the characters and their complex relationships with one another make for compelling viewing.
The Focus on Social Justice
Along with the main storyline, How to Get Away with Murder also tackles social justice issues, particularly those related to race and privilege. The show sheds light on the systemic inequalities within the legal system and the struggles faced by marginalized communities.
6. The Practice (1997-2004)
The Practice is a legal drama that centers around the law firm of Robert Donnell Associates. The show follows the attorneys as they take on controversial and often morally ambiguous cases and navigate the challenges of the legal world.
The Multi-Dimensional Characters
The Practice is known for its well-developed and multi-dimensional characters. Each lawyer at the firm has their own strengths, flaws, and personal struggles, making them relatable and human. The show also addresses issues such as mental health and addiction through its characters, adding depth to the storyline.
The Groundbreaking Storylines
The Practice was ahead of its time when it premiered in 1997, tackling controversial topics such as euthanasia, sexual harassment, and police brutality. These thought-provoking storylines challenged societal norms and sparked important conversations about these issues.
The Legacy
The Practice paved the way for many of the legal dramas that came after it, setting the standard for realistic and compelling storytelling in the genre. Its impact is still felt today, and it continues to be praised for its strong writing and memorable characters.
Conclusion
Lawyer shows have entertained and captivated audiences for decades, offering a window into the complex and often dramatic world of law. From fast-paced legal procedurals to emotionally charged character-driven dramas, there is something for everyone in this genre. Whether you’re a legal professional looking for a relatable portrayal of your job or simply a fan of good television, these top lawyer shows are a must-watch. So grab some popcorn and get ready to dive into the fascinating and thrilling world of law on your screen.
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