The best legal TV shows of all time
The top 3 according to 1,455 votes from people: The Good Wife (2009–2016) · Better Call Saul (2015–2022) · Suits (2011–2019). (Updated Jan 31, 2024.)
From Perry Mason to Better Call Saul: the lawyer shows critics and fans rank highest (AARP, Wonderwall, Ranker).
Top 12
-
1
The Good Wife (2009–2016)
Julianna Margulies' Alicia Florrick returns to the law.
-
2
Better Call Saul (2015–2022)
Jimmy McGill's slow transformation into Saul Goodman.
-
3
Suits (2011–2019)
A college dropout with a photographic memory posing as a Harvard lawyer.
-
4
Law & Order (1990–)
The longest-running legal series, with its famous two halves.
-
5
Boston Legal (2004–2008)
James Spader and William Shatner, comedy and courtroom.
-
6
L.A. Law (1986–1994)
The 80s law firm drama that defined the genre.
-
7
The Practice (1997–2004)
Defense attorneys and morally complex cases.
-
8
Perry Mason (1957–1966)
Raymond Burr never lost a case (well, almost never).
-
9
How to Get Away with Murder (2014–2020)
Viola Davis as a law professor with deadly secrets.
-
10
The Good Fight (2017–2022)
Diane Lockhart's spin-off, sharper and more political.
-
11
Ally McBeal (1997–2002)
Quirky cases and a dancing baby.
-
12
Damages (2007–2012)
Glenn Close as a ruthless litigator.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
Is something missing?
Comments (5)
Better Call Saul is the best thing Vince Gilligan ever made, and I'm including Breaking Bad.
Bold claim, but Kim Wexler alone might make it true.
The Good Wife's season 5 is peak legal TV.
Suits is fun but it's barely about the law 😂
Boston Legal's balcony scenes with Denny and Alan, the best friendship on TV.