Are you a fan of legal drama and looking for TV shows similar to L.A. Law? This genre, known for its intense courtroom battles and intricate character development, has produced numerous captivating series. Below, you’ll find a list of 16 TV shows that capture the essence of legal drama, complete with links to explore more about each show.
1. The Practice
The Practice delves into the personal and professional lives of attorneys at a Boston law firm. The series, starring Dylan McDermott and Lara Flynn Boyle, offers a gritty look at the ethical dilemmas lawyers face.
2. Boston Legal
Boston Legal is a spin-off of The Practice and follows the exploits of the quirky attorneys at Crane, Poole & Schmidt. Starring James Spader and William Shatner, the show blends humor with serious legal issues.
3. Suits
Suits centers on a brilliant college dropout who starts working at a prestigious law firm despite never having attended law school. The series stars Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams and is known for its witty dialogue and sharp suits.
4. How to Get Away with Murder
This series follows a brilliant, charismatic, and seductive professor of defense law who becomes entangled in a murder plot. Viola Davis stars in this gripping show that combines legal drama with mystery.
5. The Good Wife
The Good Wife tells the story of Alicia Florrick, who returns to her career in law after her husband, a former state’s attorney, is embroiled in a scandal. Julianna Margulies stars in this acclaimed series.
6. Law & Order
Law & Order is a long-running series that presents a unique blend of police procedural and legal drama. The show stars Sam Waterston, Jerry Orbach, and others, and is known for its “ripped from the headlines” stories.
7. Damages
Damages focuses on the relationship between a ruthless lawyer and her protégée. Glenn Close and Rose Byrne deliver powerful performances in this series filled with twists and turns.
8. Ally McBeal
Ally McBeal combines legal drama with quirky comedy, following the life of a young lawyer working in a Boston law firm. Calista Flockhart stars in this show known for its imaginative sequences and unique characters.
9. Better Call Saul
A prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul explores the transformation of Jimmy McGill into the morally challenged lawyer Saul Goodman. Bob Odenkirk stars in this critically acclaimed series.
10. The Defenders
The Defenders follows two colorful Las Vegas defense attorneys who go to great lengths to defend their clients. The series stars Jim Belushi and Jerry O’Connell and blends humor with courtroom drama.
11. For the People
For the People is set in the Southern District of New York Federal Court and follows new lawyers working on opposite sides of the law. The show stars Britt Robertson and Jasmin Savoy Brown.
12. Franklin & Bash
Franklin & Bash follows two unconventional lawyers and lifelong friends who are recruited by a major law firm. The series stars Breckin Meyer and Mark-Paul Gosselaar and is known for its humor and camaraderie.
13. Rake
Rake centers on a brilliant but self-destructive criminal defense lawyer. Greg Kinnear stars in this series that combines legal drama with dark comedy.
14. Bull
Bull follows Dr. Jason Bull, a psychologist and trial science expert who helps clients select the right jurors and craft arguments to win cases. Michael Weatherly stars in this intriguing series.
15. The Guardian
The Guardian tells the story of a corporate lawyer sentenced to community service, where he works as a child advocate. Simon Baker stars in this emotional and compelling series.
16. Reasonable Doubts
Reasonable Doubts focuses on the partnership between a deaf assistant district attorney and a detective. The series stars Marlee Matlin and Mark Harmon and explores both legal and personal challenges.