Law shows have captivated audiences for decades, offering a thrilling look into courtroom drama, legal intrigue, and the pursuit of justice. These series do more than entertain; they make us question our own ideas about right and wrong. With so many options available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, finding a show that is truly worth watching can be a challenge.
From the classic defense attorney who never loses a case to the modern anti-hero operating in a gray area, the best law shows leave a lasting mark. They are populated with compelling characters, intricate plots, and high-stakes legal battles. Let’s explore some of the most compelling lawyer TV shows that have defined the genre.
Table of Contents:
- Must-Watch Law Shows for Every Legal Drama Fan
- Classic Legal Shows That Defined the Genre
- Modern Shows Pushing the Boundaries
- Why Legal Dramas Still Matter Today
Must-Watch Law Shows for Every Legal Drama Fan
These shows have set a high bar for legal dramas, combining sharp writing, memorable characters, and thought-provoking legal dilemmas. Some are modern hits, while others are timeless classics that still hold up today. Here is a look at the best legal dramas you should add to your watchlist.
The Lincoln Lawyer (2022-present)
Based on the novels by Michael Connelly, this Netflix series has quickly become a fan favorite. The show centers on Mickey Haller, an iconoclastic defense lawyer who runs his practice out of the back of his Lincoln Navigator. This popular tv series brings the vibrant and often gritty landscape of Los Angeles to life.
Actor Manuel Garcia-Rulfo steps into the role of Mickey Haller, a part previously played in a film starring Matthew McConaughey. Haller is a brilliant criminal defense lawyer who takes on cases big and small across the city. The show has been praised for its faithful adaptation of Connelly’s intricate plots and its engaging courtroom scenes, making it a standout legal drama.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)
Hailing from South Korea, this show became a global phenomenon. It follows Woo Young-woo, a brilliant rookie attorney on the autism spectrum. Played with incredible charm by Park Eun-bin, Woo navigates her new role at a top law firm in Seoul.
What makes Extraordinary Attorney Woo so special is its heartwarming approach and focus on its lead character. Woo Young-woo possesses a photographic memory and a creative thought process that makes her a formidable opponent in court. The South Korean series offers a fresh perspective on the legal drama genre, blending case-of-the-week procedural elements with a touching personal story.
Anatomy of a Scandal (2022)
This gripping British miniseries explores privilege, consent, and political power. The story follows Sophie Whitehouse, the wife of a British parliamentarian who is accused of a shocking crime. Michelle Dockery delivers a powerful performance as prosecutor Kate Woodcroft, who is determined to see justice served.
The series features a talented cast, including Rupert Friend as the accused politician and Naomi Scott as his aide, Olivia Lytton. As prosecutor Kate Woodcroft digs deeper, she uncovers secrets that connect to her own past. The tense courtroom scenes and the dynamic between Kate and the aide Olivia Lytton make for a riveting watch.
Boston Legal (2004-2008)
A spin-off of The Practice, Boston Legal carved its own path with a blend of sharp comedy and serious legal commentary. The show’s strength was the incredible chemistry between its lead actors. The series from David E. Kelley stars James Spader as the ethically flexible yet brilliant Alan Shore.
His counterpart and best friend, Denny Crane, was played by the legendary William Shatner. The show tackled controversial topics with humor and intelligence, and the friendship between Alan Shore and Denny Crane remains one of television’s most memorable. It’s a prime example of a show that Kelley stars James in, showcasing his exceptional talent.
How to Get Away with Murder (2014-2020)
This high-octane thriller stars the incomparable Viola Davis as Annalise Keating, a law professor and formidable criminal defense attorney. She selects a group of her brightest law students to work at her law firm. The show is known for its twisting plotlines, flash-forwards, and morally ambiguous characters.
The series, also featuring Jack Falahee, keeps viewers guessing until the very end of each season. It’s a dramatic look at the pressures of law school and the dark side of the criminal justice system. For anyone who enjoys a fast-paced legal drama with plenty of suspense, this show is essential viewing.
Here’s a quick look at some top modern legal shows:
| Show Title | Main Character | Where to Watch | Why It’s Worth Watching |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lincoln Lawyer | Mickey Haller | Netflix | A faithful adaptation of Michael Connelly’s books with engaging Los Angeles cases. |
| Extraordinary Attorney Woo | Woo Young-woo | Netflix | A heartwarming South Korean drama with a brilliant and lovable protagonist. |
| Reasonable Doubt | Jax Stewart | Hulu | A sharp and stylish look at a high-powered criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles. |
| Anatomy of a Scandal | Kate Woodcroft | Netflix | A tense British thriller that explores power dynamics and the justice system. |
Classic Legal Shows That Defined the Genre
To appreciate modern legal dramas, it helps to look back at the shows that paved the way. These series established many of the conventions that are still used today. They created iconic characters who became household names.
Perry Mason (1957-1966)
No list of law shows is complete without mentioning the original Perry Mason. Raymond Burr’s portrayal of the brilliant defense attorney became iconic. Each episode typically featured Perry Mason defending a client who appeared to be hopelessly guilty.
Through clever investigation and dramatic courtroom cross-examinations, Mason would almost always expose the real killer, often leading to a dramatic confession on the witness stand. The show set the template for the heroic defense lawyer and remains a cornerstone of the genre. Its legacy continues with the recent HBO reboot, which offers a grittier origin story for the character.
Law & Order (1990-2010, 2022-present)
A true television institution, Law & Order’s “dun-dun” sound is instantly recognizable. The show’s format, which followed a case from the police investigation to the courtroom prosecution, was revolutionary when the first season began. It provided a comprehensive look at the criminal justice system in New York City.
The series often drew inspiration from real-life headlines, following the work of the New York City Police and the District Attorney’s office. Its success led to numerous spin-offs, including the immensely popular Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. This franchise has explored nearly every facet of time law and order in a major metropolis.
Matlock (1986-1995)
Starring the beloved Andy Griffith, Matlock presented another unforgettable defense lawyer. Ben Matlock was a folksy, yet incredibly sharp, attorney from Atlanta. He was known for his charm, his love of hot dogs, and his ability to solve any case.
Much like Perry Mason, Ben Matlock had a knack for finding the truth and exposing the real culprits in dramatic fashion. The show was a huge hit, offering comfort and a satisfying resolution each week. Andy Griffith’s performance made Matlock a classic character in the history of lawyer TV.
Modern Shows Pushing the Boundaries
Today’s legal dramas continue to innovate, telling stories that are more complex and diverse than ever before. From comedies to stories about real-life scandals, these shows reflect our current times. They often premiere on streaming services like Prime Video and Netflix.
Inventing Anna (2022)
This series dramatizes the incredible true story of Anna Sorokin, a woman who tricked New York’s elite into believing she was a German heiress. Julia Garner gives a captivating performance as the con artist, who also went by the name Anna Delvey. The show explores how she managed to defraud banks, hotels, and acquaintances out of large sums of money.
While not a traditional legal drama, the court case against Anna Delvey is a central part of the story. It examines themes of ambition, identity, and the allure of wealth in modern society. The series offers a fascinating character study of Anna Sorokin.
Reasonable Doubt (2022-present)
This stylish series centers on Jax Stewart, a high-powered and fearless criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles. She challenges the justice system with her brilliant, if sometimes questionable, tactics. The show gives a fresh look at criminal defense from a Black female perspective.
Jax is known for her complicated personal life and her fierce dedication to her clients. The show combines compelling legal cases with ongoing personal drama, making it an engaging and modern entry in the genre. It raises important questions about what “reasonable doubt” truly means in the justice system.
Partner Track (2022)
Based on the novel by Helen Wan, Partner Track follows Ingrid Yun, a first-generation Korean American woman striving to become a partner at an elite New York City law firm. Played by Arden Cho, Ingrid Yun faces the challenges of a competitive and often prejudiced corporate environment. She must balance her personal values with her professional ambitions.
The show addresses issues of race and gender in the workplace while delivering an entertaining story about friendship, romance, and legal maneuvering. While it was unfortunately canceled after one season, Partner Track is still a compelling story. It highlights the struggles many face while trying to break through the glass ceiling in demanding professions.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)
For something completely different, this Marvel series blends the superhero genre with a workplace comedy. Tatiana Maslany stars as Jennifer Walters, an attorney who accidentally gains Hulk powers from her cousin, Bruce Banner, played by Mark Ruffalo. She is tasked with heading up a new superhuman law division.
The show is a lighthearted and funny take on the legal world, with Jennifer Walters tackling cases involving powered individuals. It cleverly satirizes both superhero tropes and legal procedural clichés. The series is a fun diversion for anyone looking for a legal drama that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Why Legal Dramas Still Matter Today
The best law shows provide more than just courtroom drama; they offer a window into the legal system, explore deep moral questions, and reflect the societies they portray. From the iconic defense of a wrongfully accused client by Perry Mason to the global appeal of a show from South Korea like Extraordinary Attorney Woo, these series have made a lasting impact. The David E. Kelley stars James Spader hit, Boston Legal, showed how humor could tackle serious issues.
Modern shows continue to evolve the genre, whether it’s The Lincoln Lawyer operating out of his car in Los Angeles or the ambitious Ingrid Yun navigating her New York law firm in Partner Track. The assistant district attorney in one series and the dedicated defense lawyer in another both give us characters to follow. These legal dramas, filled with dedicated attorneys and compelling cases, remain popular for a reason.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the genre, there’s a lawyer TV show waiting for you. From high-stakes criminal defense to complex civil litigation, these stories offer entertainment and insight. They challenge us to think about justice, morality, and the law itself.
