Like 'Suits', but Better: 15 Best TV Series About Lawyers
Not that Suits is making waves on Netflix and everyone and their mother finally learned about Patrick J. Adams' character's misfortunes, it's time to add some more similar shows to your queue.
1. Franklin & Bash
Bored of the same old courtroom drama? Enter Jared Franklin and Peter Bash, two street-smart lawyers who bring their unconventional methods to a snazzy L.A. law firm. From using outrageous courtroom tactics to their hilarious banter, these two add a fresh, comedic spin to legal proceedings. It's like blending a buddy comedy with legal drama, and honestly, it's a refreshing cocktail.
2. The Good Wife
Alicia Florrick's life is turned upside down when her husband, a former state's attorney, is embroiled in a scandal and imprisoned. Tossed into the limelight, she goes back to her roots, returning to her career in law. As Alicia carves out her own identity at the firm of Stern, Lockhart & Gardner, we're served a hot platter of courtroom drama, political intrigue, and personal dilemmas. It's more than just law; it's about rediscovering oneself amidst chaos.
3. Better Call Saul
Before he became the slippery lawyer Saul Goodman on Breaking Bad, he was Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer hustling to champion his underdog clients and, let's be real, make a quick buck. Navigating the murky waters of legal ethics, Jimmy's transformation into Saul Goodman is both fascinating and heart-wrenching. Plus, who doesn't love a good origin story?
4. How to Get Away with Murder
Imagine a professor teaching you not just the law but, well, how to get away with, you guessed it, murder! Annalise Keating is that professor. A brilliant defense attorney, she gets entangled with her students in a murder plot that reveals dark secrets and changes their lives forever. And yes, it's as twisted and thrilling as it sounds.
5. Damages
Think of the most intense cat-and-mouse chase, then place it in a legal setting. Patty Hewes, a fierce litigator, goes head-to-head with her protégé, Ellen Parsons, in high-stakes class action lawsuits. From insider trading to judicial corruption, this series serves thrill after thrill, all while keeping us glued with complex characters and even more intricate plotlines.
6. Judging Amy
If family court intrigues you, then this one's for you. Amy Gray, a single mom and a judge, tries to balance her personal life with the myriad family cases she oversees. From child abuse to custody battles, it's a tough job, but Amy, with her firm yet empathetic approach, manages to deliver justice, leaving us with plenty to ponder.
7. Ally McBeal
Ah, the quirky world of Ally McBeal. A young lawyer with a vivid (sometimes bizarre) imagination, Ally tackles her cases and love life with equal zeal. Throw in a unisex bathroom, eccentric colleagues, and those dancing baby hallucinations, and you've got a quirky take on the life of a Boston lawyer. But trust me, it's not all dancing and daydreams; the court scenes are just as gripping.
8. The Practice
Step into the tumultuous world of a Boston law firm, where ethics are constantly at odds with personal beliefs and professional aspirations. As the lawyers of Donnell, Young, Dole & Frutt take on controversial cases, their personal and professional lives become entwined, leading to unexpected twists and turns. Legal ethics, moral dilemmas, and a dash of personal drama—this show serves it all.
9. Eli Stone
How about a lawyer with prophetic visions? Eli Stone, a successful attorney, begins to see visions that guide him to take on cases for the greater good. From suing major corporations to challenging the legal system, Eli's visions lead him on a path of self-discovery and redemption. And while the whole visions thing might sound bizarre, it brings a fresh perspective to courtroom drama.
10. L.A. Law
Welcome to the fast-paced world of McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney, and Kuzak. This show provides a behind-the-scenes look at the loves, laughs, tears, and trials of the lawyers at this prominent Los Angeles law firm. Remember the time Michael Kuzak fought to save a 10-year-old girl from abusive parents? Episodes like that are a testament to the show's power to engage, inspire, and provoke thought.
11. Rake
Meet Cleaver Greene, a brilliant but self-destructive defense barrister. While he's phenomenal in the courtroom, defending even the indefensible, his personal life? Total train wreck. Whether it's debts, women, or the occasional illegal substances, Cleaver's life outside the court is messy. But hey, that's what makes it so darn entertaining!
12. The Guardian
Nick Fallin, a hotshot attorney, finds his life upended when he's sentenced to 1500 hours of community service at a child advocacy office. Transitioning from high-profile clients to representing children and parents in legal battles, Nick's journey from indifference to genuine concern forms the crux of this series. So, ever wondered if a hotshot lawyer can find his soul? This might just answer that.
13. Matlock
Ben Matlock, with his unassuming demeanor, is quite the courtroom shark. Armed with his wit and southern charm, he defends his clients while uncovering the real culprits. He's got a knack for getting witnesses to spill the beans, and with his signature gray suit, you know he means business when he steps into the courtroom. Crime, mystery, and good old legal tactics—Matlock has got it all.
14. Boston Legal
Follow the personal and professional lives of Alan Shore and Denny Crane, two lawyers at the high-powered law firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt. Alan's sharp wit combined with Denny's flamboyance delivers drama and humor in equal measure. From tackling controversial cases to their famed balcony chats, these two give us an insider's view of Boston's legal jungle.
15. The Defenders
This one isn't about Marvel superheroes. Dive into the somewhat seedy world of Las Vegas defense attorneys Nick Morelli and Pete Kaczmarek. From representing clients in high-profile cases to navigating their complex personal lives, these two give us an explosive cocktail of drama and emotions. It's high stakes and courtroom stand-offs, it's action, it's Vegas!