Is there anything better than after a long day of work, curling up on your couch at home, turning on the TV and watching a legal based TV show? It could be a comedy about lawyers or a legal thriller, TV shows focused on the law profession have consistently been huge ratings winners.
At Bergel Magence, we love a good law themed TV show, as much as anyone else. This is why we polled the team at Bergel Magence to create our list of the top 10 TV shows about lawyers and the law profession. So, without further adieu, here is our list of the top 10 TV shows about lawyers:
1. Suits (91% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) – Set in a high-stakes Manhattan law firm, Suits follows the story of a quick-thinking college dropout that ends up working alongside one of New York City’s most revered (and feared) legal closers, Harvey Spector. Suits is filled with wit and charm, making it highly enjoyable. The series offers a glimpse into the world of corporate law and dives into the challenges of balancing ethics with ambition. Want proof of how good Suits is? This blockbuster series is Netflix’s most watched TV show in the history of the streamer.
2. The Good Wife (93% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) – One of the best written shows in the history of TV, The Good Wife dives into the life of Alicia Florrick, a woman who returns to her career as a lawyer after her husband’s scandalous political downfall. Set in Chicago, this legal drama delves into political intrigue, ethical dilemmas, and the complexities inside a modern-day law practice. Moreover, the show features some outstanding performances, especially by stars Julianna Margulies, Josh Charles, and Christine Baranski.
3. Better Call Saul (98% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) – Better Call Saul is a spinoff of Breaking Bad, a show that critics regard as one of the best in the history of Television. Better Call Saul follows the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer with big ambitions, into the sleazy, successful yet charismatic Saul Goodman. Set in Albuquerque, this high-stakes, addictive drama offers insight into the moral compromises and legal shenanigans that shape McGill’s journey to becoming Walter White’s infamous lawyer. Even if you haven’t watched Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul more than stands on its own as an incredibly well written and acted TV show.
4. Law & Order – For over 34 years, Law & Order has ruled the TV landscape. Law & Order offers a riveting portrayal of the criminal justice system from investigation to prosecution. Set in New York City, this long-running series combines police procedural elements with courtroom drama, taking viewers across the entire process, from both the police and lawyers’ points of view. Law & Order has spawned various spinoffs like Law & Order SVU, Law & Order Criminal Intent, Law & Order UK, Law & Order Toronto, and Law & Order Los Angeles.
5. Boston Legal (86% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) – Mixing sharp wit and provocative storytelling, Boston Legal follows the eccentric lawyers of Crane, Poole & Schmidt as they tackle controversial cases and navigate the complexities of the legal profession. Set in Boston, this Emmy-winning series tackles social issues with humor and heart. And the show features some incredibly watchable acting by TV legends William Shatner and James Spader.
6. How to Get Away with Murder (88% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) – Created by TV titan Shonda Rhimes, How to Get Away with Murder follows the brilliant and enigmatic Professor Annalise Keating as she teaches a group of ambitious law students the art of defense lawyering. Starring Viola Davis, How to Get Away with Murder is filled with twists, turns, and consistently shocking revelations. This suspenseful series is guaranteed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
7. The Practice – Created by the master of great TV writing, David E. Kelley, The Practice offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of a Boston-based law firm specializing in criminal defense. With its emphasis on moral ambiguity and ethical dilemmas, this acclaimed series explores the personal and professional struggles, as characters navigate the complexities of the legal system.
8. Ally McBeal (61% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) – Another David E. Kelley classic, Ally McBeal was a sensation when it first came out in 1997. This groundbreaking series that blends comedy, drama, and fantasy, Ally McBeal follows the quirky and eccentric employees of a Boston-based law firm as they tackle unconventional cases and navigate the ups and downs of their personal lives. With its memorable characters and thought-provoking storylines, this series remains a cult favorite among legal enthusiasts. And back in 1997, the Ally McBeal dancing baby was literally everywhere.
9. Damages (91% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) – Starring Glenn Close and Rose Byrne, Damages offers a gripping portrayal of the cutthroat world of high-stakes litigation. Set in New York City, this thrilling series follows the intense rivalry between a ruthless lawyer and her ambitious protégée as they navigate betrayal, conspiracy, and moral ambiguity in their quest for justice.
10. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (77% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) – She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is completely different in tone than the other TV shows on this list. She-Hulk is fun and loose, following attorney Jennifer Walters, who represents various superheroes that need legal counsel. Life gets complicated though as she balances her job with being a 6 foot 7, green giant known as She-Hulk when she gets angry. A fun entry into the Marvel universe, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is a fun ride for all viewers.
