10 Shows and Movies Similar to The Good Wife (2009)

Description: As David E. Kelley's earlier legal drama, this established many elements that would later appear in 'The Good Wife' - complex cases, ethical quandaries, and a mix of personal and professional storylines. Both shows offer a more grounded look at law practice compared to flashier legal dramas.

Fact: It launched the careers of several actors including Camryn Manheim and Lara Flynn Boyle. The show won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series twice. It famously fired half its cast in later seasons to reduce costs.

Description: From 'The Good Wife' creator David E. Kelley, this series shares his signature blend of legal drama and quirky humor. Both shows balance serious courtroom action with eccentric characters and witty dialogue. The focus on ethical dilemmas within the legal system is another commonality.

Fact: It was a spin-off of 'The Practice', focusing on two fan-favorite characters. James Spader's Alan Shore character won him three Emmys across two shows. The show was known for its liberal political commentary and unusual closing monologues.

Description: This legal thriller shares 'The Good Wife's' sophisticated storytelling and morally complex characters. Both shows feature strong female leads (Patty Hewes and Alicia Florrick) in the legal world, with intricate plotting that rewards attentive viewers. The nonlinear narrative structure also creates similar suspense.

Fact: Glenn Close won two Emmys for her role as Patty Hewes. Each season follows one major case with flashforwards to its dramatic conclusion. The show was originally developed for FX as their answer to 'The Sopranos' in terms of quality drama.

Description: While 'Suits' leans more into the corporate law aspect, it shares with 'The Good Wife' a blend of legal drama and personal relationships. Both shows feature brilliant lawyers navigating high-stakes cases while dealing with office politics and personal dilemmas. The witty dialogue and charismatic leads are another common thread.

Fact: The show was initially pitched as 'A Beautiful Mind' in a law firm. Meghan Markle's role as Rachel Zane was her breakout part before becoming royalty. Creator Aaron Korsh based some elements on his own experiences working on Wall Street.

Description: Like 'The Good Wife', 'Scandal' features a powerful female protagonist navigating the intersection of law and politics. Both shows explore themes of power, corruption, and moral ambiguity in Washington D.C. The fast-paced dialogue and high-stakes crises are common elements, though 'Scandal' leans more into melodrama.

Fact: Kerry Washington's Olivia Pope was inspired by real-life crisis manager Judy Smith. The show popularized the 'walk and talk' shooting style in TV dramas. It was the first network drama in 40 years to star a Black woman.

Description: While darker in tone, this political drama shares 'The Good Wife's' exploration of power dynamics in Washington. Both shows feature brilliant strategists navigating complex systems, though Frank Underwood is more ruthless than Alicia Florrick. The sophisticated storytelling and high production values are comparable.

Fact: It was Netflix's first major original drama series. Kevin Spacey directed several episodes. The fourth wall breaks were inspired by the original UK version.

Description: While more character-driven than 'The Good Wife', this prequel shares its exploration of moral compromise in the legal world. Both shows feature protagonists navigating gray areas of law and ethics, with meticulous attention to legal detail. The high-quality writing and character development are comparable.

Fact: Bob Odenkirk initially thought playing Saul in 'Breaking Bad' would be a one-time gig. The show's legal scenes are vetted by real lawyers for accuracy. It holds the record for most Emmy nominations without a win (46).

Description: This Shonda Rhimes-produced drama shares 'The Good Wife's' combination of legal procedural and serialized storytelling. Both feature formidable female leads (Alicia Florrick and Annalise Keating) balancing professional excellence with personal turmoil. The shows also employ flashback structures to reveal key plot points gradually.

Fact: Viola Davis became the first Black woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama for this role. The 'murder night' flashforwards became a signature storytelling device. Many courtroom scenes are filmed in a real Los Angeles courthouse.

Description: This political drama shares 'The Good Wife's' focus on a capable female professional balancing work and family in Washington. Both shows mix procedural elements with serialized storytelling and explore the intersection of law, politics, and personal ethics. The measured tone and intelligent writing are similar.

Fact: Tea Leoni's casting was inspired by real-life female secretaries of state. Many episodes parallel real-world diplomatic crises. The show consulted with over 60 former government officials for authenticity.

Description: A direct spin-off of 'The Good Wife', 'The Good Fight' continues the legacy with a focus on legal drama, political intrigue, and strong female leads. Like its predecessor, it blends courtroom battles with personal struggles, set against a backdrop of contemporary social issues. The show maintains a similar tone, combining sharp writing with complex characters.

Fact: Christine Baranski reprises her role as Diane Lockhart, a fan-favorite character from 'The Good Wife'. The series was one of the first original shows on CBS All Access (now Paramount+). It often incorporates animated sequences to illustrate characters' inner thoughts.