10 Shows & Movies Like The Lincoln Lawyer (2022)

Description: This David E. Kelley series shares with 'The Lincoln Lawyer' a focus on the ethical dilemmas faced by defense attorneys. Both explore the moral complexities of the legal system through compelling character arcs and intense courtroom scenes.

Fact: The show won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series in its second season. It spawned the spin-off 'Boston Legal'. Dylan McDermott's character was originally written as a woman.

Description: Like 'The Lincoln Lawyer', this series combines legal drama with humor and features charismatic attorneys who bend the rules. Both shows balance serious legal issues with lighter moments and feature memorable closing arguments.

Fact: William Shatner and James Spader's chemistry was so good the show was retooled to focus on them. The show's famous balcony scenes were added to give the actors breathing room from intense courtroom scenes. It holds the record for most Emmy wins for a legal drama (5).

Description: This legal thriller shares with 'The Lincoln Lawyer' a focus on complex cases with personal stakes. Both feature morally ambiguous lawyers and employ non-linear storytelling to build suspense throughout their cases.

Fact: Glenn Close's performance was inspired by a real-life female attorney. The show's intricate plotting required writers to plan entire seasons in advance. It was one of the first TV shows to popularize the 'flash-forward' narrative device.

Description: This series shares with 'The Lincoln Lawyer' a focus on legal maneuvering and moral ambiguity. Both feature protagonists who must navigate complex cases while dealing with personal challenges. The blend of courtroom strategy and character-driven drama creates a similar engaging tone.

Fact: The show was inspired by several political sex scandals, including the Eliot Spitzer case. Julianna Margulies turned down a $27 million contract for ER to star in this series. The series finale featured a shocking slap that became one of TV's most talked-about moments.

Description: Like 'The Lincoln Lawyer', 'Suits' revolves around a charismatic and brilliant lawyer who thrives in high-stakes legal battles. Both shows feature a mix of courtroom drama and personal intrigue, with a focus on the protagonist's unconventional methods and sharp wit. The fast-paced storytelling and stylish presentation are also key similarities.

Fact: 'Suits' was originally intended to be set on Wall Street, but the creators shifted to a legal drama to stand out. The show's famous 'You just got Litt up!' line was improvised by actor Rick Hoffman. Meghan Markle's role as Rachel Zane helped launch her into international fame before she married Prince Harry.

Description: As a prequel to 'Breaking Bad', this show shares with 'The Lincoln Lawyer' a focus on a morally flexible lawyer operating in the legal system's gray areas. Both protagonists use their charm and legal acumen to navigate dangerous situations, blending drama with dark humor.

Fact: Bob Odenkirk suffered a heart attack during filming of the final season. The show's timeline required actors to age backwards in early seasons. It holds the record for most Emmy nominations without a win (46 nominations).

Description: Like 'The Lincoln Lawyer', this series combines legal drama with thriller elements, featuring a brilliant but flawed attorney at its center. Both shows balance courtroom strategy with personal drama and feature unexpected twists in their narratives.

Fact: Viola Davis became the first Black woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama. The show's famous 'What happens in the dark, comes out in the light' line was improvised. Creator Peter Nowalk wrote all the season finales himself.

Description: This legal drama mirrors 'The Lincoln Lawyer' in featuring a down-on-his-luck lawyer taking on powerful interests. Both shows explore themes of redemption and feature protagonists with personal demons, set against the backdrop of the California legal system.

Fact: Billy Bob Thornton based his character partly on his own father. The show was originally developed for HBO before moving to Amazon. Each season features a completely different legal case and setting.

Description: Like 'The Lincoln Lawyer', this series focuses on the strategy behind legal cases rather than just courtroom drama. Both shows feature charismatic leads who use psychological insight and unconventional methods to win cases.

Fact: The show is loosely based on Dr. Phil McGraw's early career as a trial consultant. Michael Weatherly left NCIS specifically to star in this series. The show's trial science techniques are based on real jury consulting methods.

Description: As a spin-off of 'The Good Wife', this series shares with 'The Lincoln Lawyer' a focus on contemporary legal issues and morally complex characters. Both shows blend legal drama with social commentary and feature strong lead performances.

Fact: It was the first original series for CBS All Access. The show incorporates animated segments to get around legal issues with real news footage. Christine Baranski is the only actor to appear in every episode of both 'The Good Wife' and 'The Good Fight'.