If you’re a fan of the legal drama genre, The Paper Chase is likely a favorite of yours. This classic series delves into the intense world of law school, following the journey of a determined student navigating the pressures of academia. For those seeking similar TV shows, here are 17 recommendations that capture the essence of legal drama and intense storytelling.

1. Suits

Suits follows the life of a brilliant college dropout, Mike Ross, who starts working as a law associate for Harvey Specter, despite never having attended law school. The show stars Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams and is known for its sharp dialogue and intricate legal battles.

2. The Good Wife

The Good Wife centers around Alicia Florrick, who returns to her career in law after her husband’s very public scandal. Julianna Margulies stars in this critically acclaimed series that combines legal drama with personal struggles.

3. How to Get Away with Murder

This gripping series follows law professor Annalise Keating, played by Viola Davis, and her students as they become entangled in a murder plot. How to Get Away with Murder is known for its twists, turns, and intense courtroom scenes.

4. Boston Legal

Boston Legal is a legal dramedy that features the unconventional law firm of Crane, Poole, and Schmidt. Starring James Spader and William Shatner, the show mixes humor with serious legal issues.

5. The Practice

This series delves into the lives of attorneys at a Boston law firm, focusing on their personal and professional challenges. The Practice stars Dylan McDermott and Lara Flynn Boyle and is praised for its realistic portrayal of the legal profession.

6. Damages

Damages features Glenn Close as Patty Hewes, a ruthless lawyer, and Rose Byrne as her ambitious protégé. The show is known for its complex storytelling and intense legal battles.

7. L.A. Law

This classic series takes viewers into the fast-paced world of a Los Angeles law firm. L.A. Law features an ensemble cast including Corbin Bernsen and Jimmy Smits and is known for tackling contemporary legal and social issues.

8. Ally McBeal

Ally McBeal combines legal drama with quirky humor, following the life of a young lawyer at a Boston law firm. Calista Flockhart stars as Ally, whose personal and professional lives often intertwine in amusing ways.

9. Law & Order

This iconic series splits its time between police investigations and courtroom proceedings. With numerous spin-offs, Law & Order has become a staple of the legal drama genre, featuring a rotating cast over its long run.

10. The Defenders

The Defenders follows two charismatic defense attorneys in Las Vegas, played by Jim Belushi and Jerry O’Connell. The show combines legal drama with humor and the glitz of Vegas.

11. For the People

This series focuses on young lawyers working on opposite sides of the law at the Southern District of New York Federal Court. For the People stars Britt Robertson and Jasmin Savoy Brown, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of new legal professionals.

12. Franklin & Bash

Franklin & Bash is a legal dramedy about two unconventional lawyers who join a prestigious law firm. Starring Breckin Meyer and Mark-Paul Gosselaar, the show is known for its humor and unique approach to legal cases.

13. The Guardian

The Guardian stars Simon Baker as a corporate lawyer sentenced to community service at a child advocacy office. The series explores the balance between high-stakes corporate law and the emotional challenges of child advocacy.

14. Bull

Bull centers on Dr. Jason Bull, played by Michael Weatherly, who uses his skills in psychology and trial science to help clients win cases. The show is inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw.

15. Rake

Rake follows the chaotic life of criminal defense lawyer Keegan Deane, played by Greg Kinnear. The series combines legal drama with dark humor, focusing on Deane’s unconventional methods and personal struggles.

16. Goliath

Billy Bob Thornton stars in Goliath as a down-and-out lawyer seeking redemption by taking on a powerful law firm. The series is known for its intense legal battles and complex characters.

17. Your Honor

Your Honor stars Bryan Cranston as a judge who finds himself entangled in a web of lies and deceit to protect his son. The series explores moral dilemmas and the lengths one will go to for family.

These shows provide a range of perspectives on the legal world, from intense courtroom dramas to lighter, more humorous takes on the profession. Whether you’re looking for something serious or something to make you laugh, there’s a legal drama here for every taste.