Legal dramas are incredibly popular on TV. From shows like The Lincoln Lawyer becoming a hit on Netflix in late 2024, to the long-running success of the Law & Order series on network television, these types of shows are everywhere you look.
Most legal dramas have at least some weak episodes or storylines. This is often due to the common format of focusing on a new case each week, which can make it difficult to maintain consistently high quality. It’s unusual to find a lawyer show that’s truly excellent all the way through.
As a film and TV buff, I’ve noticed a pattern with legal dramas since the very beginning. They almost always fall into the ‘case of the week’ format – each episode wraps up neatly with a different legal battle. And honestly, even though TV has changed a lot, most legal shows still feel pretty predictable and… well, routine. They tend to stick to a fairly slow, steady pace without taking many risks, which can get a bit stale after a while.
I’m a big fan of legal dramas, but let’s be honest, a lot of them feel…samey. However, every now and then, a show comes along that really stands out. They either mess with the usual storytelling in a clever way, or they just consistently deliver stories that are sharp, original, and really get under your skin. And then, every so often, you find one that just nails every single episode – it’s rare, but when it happens, it’s amazing.
Matlock
2024–Present
Image via CBS
The 2024 reboot of the 1980s legal drama Matlock features a standout performance from Kathy Bates. She plays Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a brilliant and persuasive lawyer who, like the original, also deeply cares about the people she represents and connects with her cases on a personal level.
Matty has a complicated relationship with her boss, Olympia Lawrence (played by Skye P. Marshall). It’s a clever twist on how bosses and junior employees usually interact in legal dramas. Surprisingly, Matty often ends up guiding Olympia, even though she’s the one who’s supposed to be learning from her at the firm, Jacobson Moore.
Because Matty is older and more experienced, Olympia feels intimidated by her confidence and knowledge. However, the younger lawyer also has valuable advice to offer. The real magic of the show Matlock comes from the fantastic connection between actors Bates and Marshall.
Despite a strong start, the TV show Matlock faced a difficult situation before its second season when actor David Del Rio was fired following accusations of sexual assault. This could have seriously harmed the show, but producers acted quickly to address the issue, and it appears to be resolving.
Reasonable Doubt
2022–Present
Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt is one of the standout original TV shows of 2024. This clever legal drama follows Jax Stewart, a successful criminal defense attorney, as she navigates both demanding cases and a complicated personal life. It’s a well-made and polished series that consistently delivers.
As a film and TV lover, I was completely blown away by Emayatzy Corinealdi’s performance as Stewart – she really carried the show! The chemistry she had with Michael Ealy and Morris Chestnut was fantastic. And honestly, I appreciated that the show didn’t try to be some high-minded mystery like Matlock. It leaned into being entertaining and exciting, and that made it all the more enjoyable.
Furthermore, Reasonable Doubt addresses challenging issues like racial injustice in America with more depth and nuance than most legal dramas. The show skillfully blends witty banter, thrilling storylines with plenty of surprises, and thoughtful exploration of serious topics – a remarkably difficult combination to pull off.
As the third season approaches, fans are hoping this thrilling legal show maintains its high quality across the new episodes. Considering how much season 2 improved on the first, there’s no reason to worry that it won’t.
Boston Legal
2004–2008
Long before today’s popular legal dramas, the show Boston Legal revitalized James Spader’s career. He starred as Alan Shore, a remarkably intelligent but anxious defense lawyer who always manages to succeed, despite his unusual approach.
Shore tends to be overly self-important, and his unusual behavior often causes him problems. A prime example of this is when his deep-seated fear of clowns is exploited during a courtroom scene. This moment really showcases the hilarious side of Boston Legal when the show is at its peak.
I absolutely love this show! It feels like a cousin to Monk, and honestly, I can’t think of another series with a main character who worries as much as Alan Shore does. But when Alan – or Adrian Monk, for that matter – is really focused on a case, nobody can outsmart them. They’re both brilliant when they’re in work mode!
One of the best parts of Boston Legal‘s five excellent seasons is the unique bond between Shore and Denny Crane, his boisterous, hard-drinking mentor, brilliantly portrayed by William Shatner. It’s hard to think of a more hilarious or captivating duo in any legal TV show ever.
The Good Fight
2017–2022
Over six seasons and 60 episodes, The Good Fight set a high standard for legal drama spin-offs, pushing beyond the boundaries of its original show, The Good Wife. The series is powerfully led by Christine Baranski, who gives a captivating performance as Diane Lockhart, an experienced lawyer navigating new challenges.
Lockhart rebuilds her career with guidance from her mentee, Maia Rindell (played by Rose Leslie). Along the way, she and her colleagues address important social issues like the MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements, as well as problems with fake news and online abuse.
The Good Fight is clever about how it uses its cast, changing who takes center stage to best fit each story. Plus, actors like Cush Jumbo, Delroy Lindo, and Nyambi Nyambi are fantastic in supporting roles that become increasingly important as the show goes on.
Although Robert and Michelle King, the creators of The Good Wife, also made this legal drama, they intentionally steered it in a new direction, collaborating with Phil Alden Robinson, who is known for Field of Dreams. The Good Fight explores a broader range of social issues than most other current legal shows.
Better Call Saul
2015–2022
While all these shows are good, Better Call Saul truly stands out. It’s an exceptional legal drama that goes beyond typical television genres – it’s simply something special.
The strongest moments in Better Call Saul are truly exceptional in every way. The acting, particularly from Giancarlo Esposito, Rhea Seehorn, Michael McKean, and Bob Odenkirk, rivals the performances seen in classic New Hollywood films – and that’s the standard this show consistently reaches.
This series, like the rest of the Breaking Bad world, is remarkable for its incredible attention to detail in both how things look and how the story unfolds. This is especially clear in the scenes set in police stations, jails, and courthouses throughout the American Southwest, which feel incredibly realistic and carefully crafted.
As a huge movie and TV fan, I’ve seen a lot of legal dramas come and go – some are really memorable for a certain time, but truly perfect ones? Those are rare. And even rarer are shows that aren’t just amazing within their genre, but stand up with the best of all time classics. For me, Better Call Saul is the one show that’s just flawless, from beginning to end. I honestly can’t find a single thing to criticize about it.
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2025-11-12 03:17