Legal dramas have a unique way of captivating audiences with their blend of courtroom intrigue, complex characters, and moral dilemmas. If you loved The Good Wife, you’ll find these 19 TV shows equally compelling. Here’s a list of legal dramas that will keep you on the edge of your seat. For more about The Good Wife, check out this link.
1. Suits
Suits follows the story of Mike Ross, a brilliant college dropout who lands a job at a prestigious law firm despite never attending law school. Starring Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams, this series delves into the high-stakes world of corporate law.
2. Boston Legal
Boston Legal is a spin-off of The Practice and features the eccentric and brilliant attorneys at the law firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt. With James Spader and William Shatner leading the cast, the show combines humor and drama in equal measure.
3. How to Get Away with Murder
This gripping series stars Viola Davis as Annalise Keating, a law professor who becomes entwined in a murder plot with her students. The show is known for its intense plot twists and complex characters.
4. The Practice
The Practice centers around the Boston law firm of Donnell, Young, Dole & Frutt, focusing on their lives and cases. Dylan McDermott and Lara Flynn Boyle star in this gritty legal drama.
5. Damages
Damages stars Glenn Close as Patty Hewes, a ruthless lawyer who takes on high-stakes litigation cases. The show is known for its intricate storytelling and suspenseful plotlines.
6. The Good Fight
A spin-off of The Good Wife, The Good Fight follows Diane Lockhart as she navigates a new law firm after losing her savings in a Ponzi scheme. Christine Baranski and Cush Jumbo star in this critically acclaimed series.
7. Law & Order
Law & Order is a long-running series that explores both the police investigations and the legal proceedings of criminal cases. Featuring an ensemble cast, including Sam Waterston and Jerry Orbach, the show is a staple of the legal drama genre.
8. Ally McBeal
Ally McBeal follows the personal and professional life of a quirky lawyer working at a Boston law firm. Calista Flockhart stars in this show that blends legal drama with romantic comedy.
9. Better Call Saul
A prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul follows Jimmy McGill’s transformation into the morally challenged lawyer Saul Goodman. Bob Odenkirk delivers a standout performance in this critically acclaimed series.
10. The Defenders
The Defenders stars Jim Belushi and Jerry O’Connell as unconventional defense attorneys in Las Vegas. The show combines legal drama with a touch of comedy, making it a unique addition to the genre.
11. For the People
For the People focuses on the young lawyers working for both the defense and the prosecution in the Southern District of New York Federal Court. The show stars Britt Robertson and Jasmin Savoy Brown.
12. Goliath
Billy Bob Thornton stars as a down-and-out lawyer seeking redemption by taking on a powerful law firm. Goliath is a gritty legal drama that explores themes of justice and corruption.
13. Franklin & Bash
This series follows two unconventional lawyers, played by Breckin Meyer and Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who join a traditional law firm. Franklin & Bash combines legal drama with humor and camaraderie.
14. The Night Of
The Night Of is a miniseries that delves into the criminal justice system through the story of a young man accused of murder. Starring Riz Ahmed and John Turturro, the show is a gripping exploration of legal and moral complexities.
15. Rake
Rake follows the chaotic life of criminal defense lawyer Cleaver Greene, played by Richard Roxburgh. The show blends legal drama with dark comedy and is based on the Australian series of the same name.
16. Silk
Silk offers an inside look at the lives of barristers in London, focusing on their professional and personal challenges. Maxine Peake stars as Martha Costello, a determined and ambitious lawyer.
17. Bull
Bull stars Michael Weatherly as Dr. Jason Bull, a trial consultant who uses psychology and data to influence jury decisions. The show is inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw.
18. Your Honor
Bryan Cranston stars as a judge who is forced to confront his own moral dilemmas when his son is involved in a hit-and-run accident. Your Honor is a tense legal drama that explores themes of justice and family.
19. The Split
The Split centers on the Defoe family, who run a family law firm specializing in divorce cases. Starring Nicola Walker and Stephen Mangan, the show delves into the complexities of family and professional relationships.
These TV shows offer a mix of intense courtroom drama, complex characters, and moral quandaries that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Enjoy diving into these captivating legal dramas!
