The 80+ Best Legal Drama TV Shows Of All Time, Ranked

The Good Wife unfolds as an intriguing legal drama brimming with the intricacies of law, political maneuvering, and tangled personal liaisons. Headlined by the impressive Julianna Margulies, this series ventures into Alicia Florrick's world—a woman thrust back into her legal career following her spouse's notorious scandal. It gained widespread praise due to its strong female characters, iveting plots, and authentic depiction of legal realms, amassing a multitude of accolades and nods throughout its seven seasons.

Suits captivated viewers with its distinctive concept of a college dropout, gifted with a photographic memory, masquerading as a lawyer who supposedly graduated from Harvard. The energetic pair of Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams invigorates the series, offering a novel twist on the legal drama canvas. "Suits" earned accolades owing to its witty script, outstanding performances, and complex character evolution, securing its status as a fan favorite across nine engaging seasons.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) is a groundbreaking and long-running legal drama that centers on the harrowing and complex cases of the New York City Police Department's Special Victims Unit. Front and center is Mariska Hargitay's portrayal of Captain Olivia Benson—a performance that won her accolades and a loyal audience over many years. Her guiding hand, empathy, and unwavering spirit, together with a diverse cast that changes from time to time, fuel tales that delve into the problematic topics surrounding sexual misconduct and maltreatment.

The Good Fight is a critically acclaimed spin-off and sequel to The Good Wife, starring Christine Baranski, who reprises her role as Diane Lockhart. After a financial scam forces Diane out of Lockhart/Lee and wipes out her savings, she joins Lucca Quinn (played by Cush Jumbo) at Reddick, Boseman & Lockhart, an African American-owned law firm. The show expands its universe with new characters, including Delroy Lindo's Adrian Boseman and Rose Leslie's Maia Rindell, engaging viewers with its rich tapestry of legal battles and personal dramas.

How to Get Away with Murder is a riveting legal drama that spins a web of murder and mystery around Annalise Keating, a formidable defense attorney and law professor portrayed by Viola Davis. Set against a prestigious Philadelphia university backdrop, the show follows Keating and five of her most promising students as they become entwined in a complex plot filled with twists and morally gray areas. Davis's powerhouse performance is supported by an ensemble cast that includes Jack Falahee, Aja Naomi King, and Alfred Enoch, among others, who bring depth and intrigue to their roles.

Boston Legal is a legal dramedy series that stands out for its blend of social commentary, eccentric characters, and unorthodox legal scenarios. The show, a spinoff of The Practice, was created by David E. Kelley and stars James Spader as the unorthodox and ethically flexible attorney Alan Shore, with William Shatner as his flamboyant mentor Denny Crane. Their courtroom antics and the gun-toting inter-office banter provide a unique twist on genre expectations, while Candice Bergen's Shirley Schmidt adds a grounding presence to the high-flying law firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt.

Why Boston Legal earns its place among the best legal dramas is due to its deft handling of hot-button issues, from civil rights to political corruption, all while maintaining a sharp wit and a light-hearted touch. The show differentiates itself with its approach to legal storytelling, often breaking the fourth wall and showcasing the deep friendship between Shore and Crane—complete with their iconic balcony musings. These elements combine to create not just compelling television but also a fresh, self-aware narrative that entertains while prompting meaningful dialogue about American law and society.