Legal dramas have been a staple of television for decades, capturing viewers' attention with gripping courtroom scenes, intense character development, and thought-provoking ethical dilemmas.
1. Better Call Saul (2015 - 2022)
A spin-off prequel to the critically acclaimed ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘Better Call Saul’ has emerged as one of the most beloved legal dramas in recent history. The show follows Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer who slowly transforms into the morally compromised Saul Goodman. Over the course of its six-season run, ‘Better Call Saul’ delves deep into legal ethics, the consequences of bending the law, and the personal cost of ambition. Its nuanced storytelling and complex character arcs have made it a standout in the legal drama genre, with Bob Odenkirk’s portrayal of Jimmy/Saul earning widespread acclaim.
‘Better Call Saul’ is a masterclass in character development and intricate legal storytelling. It offers more than just courtroom drama, exploring the complexities of personal and professional decisions in the legal world.
2. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999 - Present)
One of the longest-running legal dramas on television, ‘Law & Order: SVU’ has been a consistent favorite for fans of crime and legal shows. This iconic series focuses on the New York City Police Department’s Special Victims Unit, which handles cases involving sexual assault, child abuse, and other sensitive crimes. The show is known for its powerful performances, particularly by Mariska Hargitay, whose portrayal of Detective Olivia Benson has made her a household name.
The series also explores the legal proceedings of the cases, offering a unique look into the judicial system’s handling of sensitive crimes. With its compelling storytelling and relevant social themes, ‘SVU’ continues to be a fan favorite and a hallmark of the legal drama genre.
If you enjoy a mix of crime investigation with legal proceedings, ‘SVU’ brings both the investigative and courtroom sides of justice into sharp focus, dealing with tough subjects in an emotionally impactful way.
3. The Good Fight (2017 - Present)
A spin-off of ‘The Good Wife’, ‘The Good Fight’ is a legal drama that blends political intrigue, social justice issues, and high-stakes courtroom battles. The show follows attorney Diane Lockhart (played by Christine Baranski) as she joins a predominantly African American law firm after her career is derailed by a financial scandal. As Diane navigates complex legal cases, she also grapples with moral and ethical challenges, often dealing with the intersection of law and politics.
With sharp writing and bold social commentary, ‘The Good Fight’ has become a critical darling, earning praise for its fearless exploration of contemporary issues like fake news, corruption, and the erosion of civil rights.
‘The Good Fight’ takes a modern approach to legal dramas, incorporating relevant political and social issues, while also maintaining the high-level legal intricacies of the courtroom. It’s perfect for those who want their legal dramas to be intellectually stimulating and socially relevant.
4. Your Honor (2020 - 2021)
Starring Bryan Cranston, ‘Your Honor’ is a gripping legal drama that takes a unique approach by focusing on a judge rather than a lawyer. Cranston plays Michael Desiato, a respected judge whose life spirals out of control when his son is involved in a hit-and-run accident that leads to the death of another teenager. Desiato’s sense of justice becomes compromised as he tries to cover up the crime to protect his son, leading to a series of morally complex decisions.
The show explores themes of guilt, justice, and the lengths one is willing to go to for family, creating a tense atmosphere as the stakes rise in every episode.
If you're a fan of morally complex characters and intense ethical dilemmas, ‘Your Honor’ offers a fresh take on the legal drama, with a focus on the personal impact of the law.
5. How to Get Away with Murder (2014 - 2020)
This legal thriller centers on Annalise Keating, a brilliant law professor and defense attorney played by Viola Davis, who becomes involved in a complicated murder case alongside five of her students. Throughout the series, ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ mixes twists, suspense, and emotional drama, keeping audiences on edge as secrets unravel and characters’ motivations are tested.
The show also delves into the moral and ethical implications of defending the guilty and how far one will go for success. With Davis’ commanding performance and the show’s intense storytelling, it became a significant influence in the genre.
The show is an intense rollercoaster ride filled with suspense, moral ambiguity, and exceptional performances, especially from Viola Davis, who became the first African American woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role.
6. For Life (2020 - 2021)
Based on the life of Isaac Wright Jr., who was wrongfully convicted and later became a lawyer to fight for his release, ‘For Life’ is an inspirational legal drama that combines a gripping story with themes of injustice, redemption, and resilience. The series follows Aaron Wallace, a man who, after being wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, becomes a lawyer and helps other inmates fight for their freedom.
With its strong themes of social justice and redemption, ‘For Life’ stands out as a powerful legal drama that highlights systemic issues within the justice system.
If you’re drawn to stories of perseverance and fighting for justice against all odds, ‘For Life’ will resonate deeply, while also offering a strong legal drama with heart and meaning.
7. Suits (2011 - 2019)
Though it concluded in 2019, ‘Suits’ remains a fan favorite and a defining show in the legal drama genre. The series follows a college dropout, Mike Ross, who begins working as a law associate at a prestigious New York law firm despite lacking a law degree. The dynamic between Mike and his mentor, Harvey Specter (played by Gabriel Macht), creates a compelling dynamic of legal wit and intellectual rivalry.
While ‘Suits’ is known for its fast-paced dialogue, high-profile cases, and corporate drama, it also deals with the ethics of practicing law and the consequences of breaking the rules for success.
‘Suits’ offers a mix of courtroom drama, legal expertise, and personal conflict, with its sharp dialogue and memorable characters making it a standout in legal television.
Conclusion
The legal drama genre has come a long way, blending traditional courtroom action with contemporary social issues and complex character development. These shows highlight the intersection of law, justice, and human nature, and continue to entertain and challenge audiences around the world. So, if you’re a fan of legal thrillers, now is the perfect time to dive into these modern classics and explore the best that TV has to offer in this genre.
