10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Perry Mason (1957)

Description: While Magnum, P.I. is more action-oriented than Perry Mason, both shows feature a charismatic lead who solves cases with a combination of intelligence and charm. The shows share a procedural format and a focus on justice, though Magnum's Hawaiian setting and private investigator angle provide a different flavor.

Fact: Tom Selleck's role as Thomas Magnum made him a household name. The show was initially conceived as a more serious drama but incorporated humor as it developed. Magnum's iconic red Ferrari was a 308 GTS.

Description: Similar to Perry Mason, Murder, She Wrote revolves around solving mysteries, though from the perspective of a writer rather than a lawyer. Both shows feature intelligent protagonists who use their wits to uncover the truth, and both have a nostalgic, classic feel that appeals to fans of traditional mystery storytelling.

Fact: Angela Lansbury starred as Jessica Fletcher for 12 seasons. The show was one of the longest-running and most successful mystery series in TV history. Cabot Cove, the fictional setting, had an improbably high murder rate for a small town.

Description: Matlock shares Perry Mason's courtroom drama elements, with a Southern twist. Both shows feature a defense attorney who often takes on seemingly hopeless cases and wins them through clever legal strategies and investigation. The shows also share a mix of drama and light-hearted moments.

Fact: Andy Griffith, known for The Andy Griffith Show, starred as Ben Matlock. Matlock was originally set in Atlanta but later moved to Los Angeles. The show was created by Dean Hargrove, who also worked on Perry Mason TV movies.

Description: The Practice shares Perry Mason's focus on courtroom drama and legal ethics, though with a more modern and gritty approach. Both shows explore the moral dilemmas faced by defense attorneys and the complexities of the legal system, with a mix of personal and professional storylines.

Fact: The Practice won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series. The show spawned the spin-off Boston Legal. Dylan McDermott and Camryn Manheim were among the standout stars.

Description: Boston Legal, a spin-off of The Practice, shares Perry Mason's legal drama roots but with a more comedic and eccentric tone. Both shows feature charismatic attorneys who often take on unconventional cases, though Boston Legal's Alan Shore and Denny Crane are more flamboyant than Perry Mason.

Fact: James Spader and William Shatner had incredible chemistry as Alan Shore and Denny Crane. The show was known for its witty dialogue and social commentary. It won multiple Emmy Awards, including for Spader and Shatner's performances.

Description: The Good Wife, like Perry Mason, is a legal drama with strong courtroom scenes and complex cases. Both shows feature intelligent, principled attorneys navigating the legal system, though The Good Wife adds modern elements like political intrigue and personal drama.

Fact: Julianna Margulies won multiple Emmy Awards for her role as Alicia Florrick. The show was praised for its strong female lead and realistic portrayal of law firms. It spawned the spin-off The Good Fight.

Description: Like Perry Mason, Columbo is a classic detective series with a focus on solving crimes through meticulous investigation. Both shows feature a brilliant protagonist who outsmarts criminals, though Columbo's approach is more casual and unassuming compared to Mason's courtroom drama. The show's episodic nature and emphasis on justice align closely with Perry Mason's themes.

Fact: Columbo was created by Richard Levinson and William Link, who also created Murder, She Wrote. Peter Falk's portrayal of Columbo earned him four Emmy Awards. The character's iconic raincoat was actually Peter Falk's own.

Description: Ironside, like Perry Mason, features a brilliant protagonist who solves crimes, though Ironside is a paralyzed police consultant rather than a lawyer. Both shows were created by the same team (Raymond Burr starred in both) and share a focus on justice, intelligence, and overcoming adversity.

Fact: Raymond Burr played Perry Mason before taking on the role of Ironside. The show was groundbreaking for featuring a disabled lead character. Ironside's wheelchair was specially designed to look more imposing.

Description: Hawaii Five-O shares Perry Mason's procedural format and focus on crime-solving, though with a more action-oriented approach. Both shows feature a team working together to bring criminals to justice, and both have a distinctive setting that becomes almost a character in itself (Los Angeles for Perry Mason, Hawaii for Five-O).

Fact: The original series ran for 12 seasons, a record at the time. The show's theme music is one of the most recognizable in TV history. 'Book 'em, Danno' became a popular catchphrase.

Description: Kojak, like Perry Mason, is a classic crime drama with a strong, morally upright lead. Both shows focus on solving crimes and delivering justice, though Kojak's approach is from the police perspective rather than the courtroom. The shows share a gritty, realistic tone and a focus on character-driven storytelling.

Fact: Telly Savalas's portrayal of Kojak earned him an Emmy Award. The character's catchphrase, 'Who loves ya, baby?', became iconic. Kojak was known for his lollipops, which Savalas adopted to help him quit smoking.