The best legal dramas have become iconic and inspired many other series that came after.

Each one adds its own flavor to the mix with doses of comedy in some cases and unique twists.

Many actors got their start on some of the top legal dramas as well.

The-10-Best-Legal-Drama-TV-Shows-of-All-Time,-Ranked

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The situation gets complicated when he discovers that the deceased teen was the son of a mob kingpin.

The title character, originally portrayed byRaymond Burr, is a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles.

Many of the stories in the series are based on detective fiction stories written byErle Stanley Gardner.

Michael, wearing a suit, sits at a court’s witness stand in ‘Your Honor’ Season 2

Image via Showtime

But each one offers an exciting new twist.

Lawdepicted up to that time.

But it focuses more on her interpersonal and romantic relationships than it does on the cases at the firm.

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The show is also known for its many running gags.

Shore has his own questionable methods and comes across as a stereotypical smarmy lawyer.

The eccentric Crane, meanwhile, is in his 70s and dealing with early-onset Alzheimers disease.

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Arguably no two actors could have pulled off the characters as well as Spader and Shatner.

Especially when Alicia is still reeling from her husbands betrayal and the breakdown of her marriage.

Another spin-off titledElsbethalso launched on CBS in early 2024 and was renewed for a second season.

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The background story toSuitsis what makes it interesting.

Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) is a brilliant mind with a photographic memory who studies at Harvard.

But Mike has a secret: he doesnt actually have a degree.

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Lawis likely one of the first, if notthefirst, that comes to mind.

Set in a Los Angeles law firm,L.A.

It’s the list of guest stars, however, that makesL.A.

Perry Mason holding a newspaper and looking up in a black and white image.

CBS

Laweven more intriguing to re-watch.

Many actors who were unknown at the time appeared in this series before going on to achieve great success.

Earning 15 Emmy Awards through its run,L.A.

Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock in ‘Matlock’ smiling in his office

Image via ABC

Lawremains one of the best legal dramas ever to hit the small screen.

The series 26th season will premiere in October 2024.

NEXT:The Best Courtroom Dramas, Ranked

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Cast Placeholder Image

Two lawyers standing in a courtroom on The Practice.

Image via ABC

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Ally McBeal with another lawyer standing in their office.

Image via Fox

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Denny Crane and Alan Shore Talking in final episode on Boston Legal

Image via ABC

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Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies) is looking fierce on The Good Wife

Image via CBS

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Mike and Harvey shaking hands, both in suits, in Suits.

Image via USA Network

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The cast of L.A. Law posing for a promo shoot

Image via NBC

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Stabler and Benson investigating a case on Law & Order: SVU.

Image via NBC

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Law and Order: SVU