10 Shows and Movies Like Boston Legal (2004)

Description: As the direct predecessor to Boston Legal (which was actually a spin-off), The Practice shares the same creator (David E. Kelley) and many thematic elements. Both shows explore ethical gray areas in law, though The Practice is more dramatic while Boston Legal added more comedy.

Fact: James Spader's Alan Shore character was introduced in The Practice before moving to Boston Legal. The show won 15 Emmys, including Best Drama Series twice. It was one of the first legal dramas to show lawyers losing cases regularly.

Description: While darker in tone than Boston Legal, Damages shares its focus on brilliant, morally ambiguous lawyers. Both shows feature complex season-long cases with flashback structures, and explore the psychological toll of legal practice. The mentor-protege dynamic mirrors the Shore-Crane relationship.

Fact: Glenn Close won two Emmys for her role as Patty Hewes. The show was originally developed for FX to compete with HBO's legal dramas. Each season's plot was inspired by real-life cases (Enron, Bernie Madoff).

Description: Like Boston Legal, this features a charismatic, rule-bending defense attorney (Mickey Haller) with a strong moral compass. Both shows explore ethical dilemmas in criminal defense work, with a mix of legal strategy and character-driven storytelling.

Fact: Based on Michael Connelly's book series, which shares a universe with Bosch. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo beat out 200 actors for the lead role. The title refers to Haller working from his car (a Lincoln) rather than an office.

Description: Like 'Boston Legal', 'The Good Wife' combines legal drama with sharp wit and complex characters. Both shows delve into moral dilemmas within the legal system, often with a humorous or satirical edge. The strong ensemble cast and episodic legal cases mixed with ongoing personal storylines are key similarities.

Fact: The show was inspired by real-life political scandals involving politicians' wives. Julianna Margulies turned down a $27 million contract for ER to star in The Good Wife. The series won 5 Emmys during its run.

Description: This shares Boston Legal's buddy-lawyer dynamic and irreverent humor. Both shows feature unconventional attorneys who win cases through cleverness rather than procedure, with plenty of comedic moments balancing the legal drama.

Fact: Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Franklin) was originally considered for the role of Harvey in Suits. The show was inspired by real-life 'frat boy' lawyers in California. Breckin Meyer and Mark-Paul Gosselaar did all their own stunt driving.

Description: Suits shares Boston Legal's focus on brilliant, unconventional lawyers who bend the rules. Both shows feature charismatic lead attorneys (Harvey Specter and Alan Shore) with unorthodox methods, fast-paced dialogue, and a mix of legal cases with office politics and personal drama.

Fact: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first date was watching Suits together. The show was originally pitched as 'What if a guy who's really smart but never went to law school gets hired by a big law firm?' Gabriel Macht (Harvey) directed several episodes.

Description: This shares Boston Legal's formula of a brilliant but self-destructive lawyer (Cleaver Greene) who wins cases through unconventional means. Both shows balance legal drama with dark comedy and feature protagonists with substance abuse issues and chaotic personal lives.

Fact: It's an American adaptation of an Australian series of the same name. Greg Kinnear's character was inspired by real-life colorful attorneys. The show was canceled after one season despite critical praise.

Description: This shares Boston Legal's blend of legal drama with outrageous, sometimes darkly comic situations. Both feature brilliant but flawed attorneys who push ethical boundaries. The show's mix of case-of-the-week with serialized mysteries parallels Boston Legal's structure.

Fact: Viola Davis became the first Black woman to win the Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama. The 'How to Get Away With Murder' title comes from a real law school class. Creator Peter Nowalk was a writer on Grey's Anatomy before creating HTGAWM.

Description: Like Boston Legal's Alan Shore, Goliath's Billy McBride is a brilliant but self-destructive lawyer taking on powerful interests. Both shows feature charismatic leads who use unorthodox methods, with a mix of legal drama and character study.

Fact: Billy Bob Thornton based his character on real-life attorney Ed Masry (of Erin Brockovich fame). The first season was directed by David E. Kelley collaborator Lawrence Trilling. The show's title refers to the biblical David vs. Goliath story.

Description: As a spin-off of The Good Wife, it inherits that show's similarities to Boston Legal, but with even more political satire and absurd humor that matches Boston Legal's tone. Both shows use their legal framework to comment on contemporary social and political issues.

Fact: It was the first original series for CBS All Access (now Paramount+). The show's title sequence changes every season to reflect current events. Christine Baranski is the only actor to appear in all three 'Good' shows (Wife, Fight, and the short-lived The Good Boss).