The Top 16 Legal TV Shows on Netflix, Ranked
- Joao Nsita
- Jan 15
- 23 min read
Updated: Sep 23
It’s a Tuesday evening in late September, and the city of London is alive with the focused, intellectual energy of autumn. The sun is setting earlier, the air is growing crisper, and as we retreat indoors, there's a collective desire for stories that are as complex, as compelling, and as masterfully crafted as the season itself. In the vast and ever-expanding universe of streaming, the legal drama has emerged as a true powerhouse genre, a perfect blend of high-stakes tension, intricate plotting, and profound, character-driven storytelling. And in 2025, Netflix has firmly established itself as the ultimate destination for the very best of the genre.
The modern legal drama is a far cry from the dusty, formulaic courtroom procedurals of the past. On social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, the "lawyer aesthetic" is a full-blown trend. We see a celebration of the sharp, powerful style of characters like Harvey Specter, fan edits dedicated to the most brilliant and dramatic courtroom showdowns, and a deep, passionate engagement with the complex moral and ethical dilemmas that these shows present. The trend is clear: audiences are hungry for stories that are not just entertaining, but that also make them think, that challenge their assumptions, and that offer a fascinating, and often critical, look at the intricate workings of the justice system.
To rank the best legal shows on Netflix is to navigate a landscape of critically acclaimed masterpieces, global phenomena, and hidden international gems. This is not just a list; it is a celebration of a genre that is as diverse and as dynamic as the law itself. It is a deep dive into the shows that have captured the hearts and minds of millions, from the glossy, high-stakes world of corporate law in New York to the powerful, real-life struggles for justice that have changed the world.
This is your definitive, in-depth guide to the essential legal viewing on Netflix. We have considered the critical acclaim, the cultural conversation, and the sheer, undeniable, "just one more episode" binge-worthiness of each series to bring you this ranked list, presented in descending order. So, get your coziest blanket ready, prepare to be captivated, and let the trial begin.
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16. Partner Track (2022)
The Vibe: A slick, stylish, and often frustratingly relatable look at the high-stakes, high-pressure world of a top-tier corporate law firm, with a strong focus on a brilliant and ambitious female protagonist.
The Premise: Based on the novel by Helen Wan, the series follows Ingrid Yun, a fiercely intelligent and idealistic Korean-American lawyer who is on the partner track at a prestigious and very white, very male-dominated New York City law firm. The show chronicles her journey as she navigates a series of complex, high-stakes mergers and acquisitions cases, all while dealing with the casual racism and sexism of her workplace, a complicated love triangle, and the immense pressure to succeed at all costs.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: Partner Track is a fantastic and much-needed addition to the legal genre. It offers a fresh and contemporary perspective, focusing on the unique challenges faced by a woman of colour in the cutthroat world of corporate law. The show is a brilliant blend of a compelling legal procedural, a classic workplace drama, and a genuinely engaging romantic storyline. Arden Cho is fantastic as the ambitious and often conflicted Ingrid.
What Makes It a Top Show: The show was a huge word-of-mouth hit, particularly with audiences who were hungry for a legal drama that reflected a more diverse and contemporary reality. It’s a show that is both a glamorous, escapist fantasy and a sharp, insightful commentary on the realities of institutional bias. For more on the original novel, the Goodreads page for The Partner Track is a great resource.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Partner Track on Netflix.
15. Anatomy of a Scandal (2022)
The Vibe: A slick, glossy, and incredibly addictive British political and courtroom thriller that is a perfect, high-stakes, "binge-in-a-weekend" limited series.
The Premise: This six-part series, from the creator of Big Little Lies, is set in the privileged, elite world of the British political establishment. The story follows Sophie Whitehouse (Sienna Miller), the wife of a charismatic and powerful junior minister, James Whitehouse (Rupert Friend). Her perfect, curated life is thrown into chaos when her husband is accused of a shocking crime. The series charts the ensuing trial, told from the perspective of Sophie, the determined barrister prosecuting the case, Kate Woodcroft (Michelle Dockery), and James himself.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: Anatomy of a Scandal is a masterclass in the modern, high-gloss thriller. The show is packed with shocking twists, a non-linear, flashback-heavy narrative that keeps you guessing, and a series of powerful, nuanced performances from its stellar cast. The show’s stylish, almost dreamlike, cinematography and its exploration of themes of power, privilege, and consent make it a completely gripping watch.
What Makes It a Top Show: The series was a massive global hit for Netflix, a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-made, sophisticated thriller. It’s a show that is both a compelling legal drama and a powerful, timely commentary on the nature of truth and power. The show’s intricate plot will keep you guessing, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Gripping Suspense Thriller Movies You Can't Miss.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Anatomy of a Scandal on Netflix.
14. The Good Wife (2009-2016)
The Vibe: A smart, sophisticated, and incredibly well-crafted legal and political drama that is a masterclass in long-form, character-driven storytelling. Note: While not a Netflix Original, this classic series has had a massive resurgence in popularity thanks to its availability on the platform in many regions.
The Premise: The series begins with a ripped-from-the-headlines premise: Alicia Florrick, the wife of a powerful Illinois state's attorney, is forced to stand by his side as he publicly confesses to a humiliating sex and corruption scandal. With her husband in prison, Alicia must resurrect her long-dormant legal career to provide for her two children. She takes a job as a junior litigator at a prestigious Chicago law firm and must navigate the cutthroat world of the law while also dealing with the complex fallout of her husband's betrayal.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: The Good Wife is one of the most critically acclaimed and intelligent network dramas of the 21st century. It is a show that is both a brilliant, case-of-the-week legal procedural and a complex, serialized character study. Julianna Margulies is phenomenal as Alicia, and her journey from a scorned political wife to a powerful, independent woman is one of the great character arcs in modern television. The show is famous for its incredible lineup of guest stars and its smart, topical, and often very funny legal cases.
What Makes It a Top Show: The show was a huge critical and awards success, winning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards. Its influence on the modern legal drama is immeasurable, and its brilliant spin-off, The Good Fight, is a testament to the richness of the world it created. For more on the show's incredible creators, Robert and Michelle King, the official CBS website has some great interviews. The show’s powerful female lead is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Female-Led Action Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Good Wife on platforms like All 4 and Paramount+ in the UK.
13. Juvenile Justice (2022)
The Vibe: A powerful, unflinching, and deeply thought-provoking South Korean legal drama that is a must-watch for anyone interested in the complexities of the justice system.
The Premise: This critically acclaimed series centres on Sim Eun-seok, a brilliant but cold and aloof elite judge who is unexpectedly appointed to a juvenile court. She has a well-known and deep-seated disdain for young offenders, a bias that is immediately challenged by the complex and often heartbreaking cases that come before her. The series is a powerful, case-of-the-week procedural that sees Judge Sim tackling a variety of crimes committed by minors, from petty theft to murder. Each case forces her, and the audience, to look beyond the crime itself and to explore the complex societal and systemic factors that contribute to youth crime.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: Juvenile Justice is a masterclass in nuanced, intelligent, and emotionally resonant storytelling. It is a show that is not afraid to be difficult, to ask tough questions, and to challenge its audience's own preconceived notions about crime and punishment. The performances are phenomenal, particularly from Kim Hye-soo as the formidable and complex Judge Sim. The show is a fascinating and often heartbreaking look at a legal system that is struggling to balance the need for punishment with the potential for rehabilitation. For a deep dive into the global success of Korean dramas, the official Korea.net website has some great articles.
What Makes It a Top Show: The series has been a huge international success for Netflix, praised by critics for its brave, honest, and powerful storytelling. It is a show that is both a gripping legal drama and a vital and important piece of social commentary. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Favorite Movie Anti-Heroes of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Juvenile Justice exclusively on Netflix.
12. The Trial (2019)
The Vibe: A dark, stylish, and incredibly atmospheric Italian courtroom drama that is a perfect, addictive, "whodunit" mystery.
The Premise: Known as Il Processo in its native Italy, this series is a classic, high-stakes murder trial procedural. The story follows the intense courtroom battle surrounding the murder of a 17-year-old girl. At the centre of the storm are the two legal professionals whose lives become consumed by the case: the ambitious and determined prosecutor, Elena Guerra, who has a secret, personal connection to the victim, and the brilliant but morally ambiguous defense attorney, Ruggero Barone. The series follows the twists and turns of the trial, as dark secrets, shocking betrayals, and personal dilemmas are all revealed.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: The Trial is a perfect, self-contained, and incredibly satisfying binge-watch. It is a show that is packed with clever plot twists, red herrings, and jaw-dropping courtroom revelations. The show’s moody, atmospheric cinematography and its sleek, stylish production design create a gripping and immersive world. The performances are fantastic, particularly from the two leads, who create a compelling and adversarial dynamic.
What Makes It a Top Show: The series is a fantastic and accessible introduction to the world of international legal dramas. It is a show that proves that the power of a great courtroom drama is a universal language. It’s a must-watch for any fan of the classic "whodunit." The show’s intricate plot will keep you guessing, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Edge of Your Seat Thriller Movies That Will Keep You Guessing.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Trial on Netflix.
11. Law School (2021)
The Vibe: A smart, fast-paced, and brilliantly plotted South Korean drama that is a perfect blend of a classic legal procedural and an academic "whodunit" mystery.
The Premise: The series is set at one of South Korea’s most prestigious and competitive law schools. The story kicks off in spectacular fashion when a mock trial class, led by the brilliant but formidable Professor Yang, is interrupted by the discovery of a real-life murder on campus. Suddenly, every student and professor becomes a suspect. The series follows a group of first-year law students and their enigmatic professor as they use their legal knowledge and their deductive skills to solve the crime, all while navigating the immense pressures of their demanding education.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: Law School is a wonderfully unique and intelligent take on the legal genre. The show’s focus on the educational aspects of the law is a fantastic and original premise. It cleverly weaves real-life legal principles and complex ethical dilemmas into its central murder mystery plot. The ensemble cast of students is fantastic, and the central mystery is full of genuinely surprising twists and turns.
What Makes It a Top Show: The show was a huge hit, praised for its smart writing and its unique, academic setting. It is a show that is not just a thrilling mystery, but also a fascinating and insightful look into the challenges and the moral complexities of a legal education. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Most Intelligent Characters in TV History.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Law School on Netflix.
10. Goliath (2016-2021)
The Vibe: A gritty, compelling, and beautifully shot "David vs. Goliath" legal drama with a powerhouse, Golden-Globe-winning performance from a Hollywood legend.
The Premise: The series stars the brilliant Billy Bob Thornton as Billy McBride, a once-brilliant and powerful lawyer who is now a washed-up, alcoholic, ambulance-chaser living in a seedy motel. His life is turned upside down when he reluctantly takes on a wrongful death case that pits him against the massive, corporate law firm that he himself co-founded and was later ousted from. Each season sees Billy taking on a new, seemingly impossible case against a giant, corrupt, and powerful entity.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: Goliath is a classic, old-school legal drama with a modern, cinematic sensibility. The show, from the prolific creator David E. Kelley (Ally McBeal, The Practice), is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling. Billy Bob Thornton's performance is an absolute tour de force, a perfect blend of weary cynicism and a deep, abiding sense of justice. The show is beautifully shot, with a hazy, sun-drenched, neo-noir feel that perfectly captures the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles.
What Makes It a Top Show: The show was a huge critical success, particularly its first season, and has become a beloved fan-favourite. It’s a show that is a perfect, and incredibly satisfying, underdog story. It’s a must-watch for any fan of classic, character-driven legal dramas. The show’s focus on a powerful origin story is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies with an Origin Story.
Where to Watch: Stream Goliath on Amazon Prime Video.
9. Hyena (2020)
The Vibe: A slick, sexy, and incredibly entertaining South Korean drama that is a sharp, cynical, and hilarious look at the cutthroat world of elite corporate law.
The Premise: The series revolves around the fierce and brilliant rivalry between two very different lawyers who specialize in representing the ultra-wealthy, one-percent of South Korea. Jung Geum-ja is a tough, street-smart, and completely unscrupulous lawyer who will do absolutely anything to win. Yoon Hee-jae is an arrogant, elite, and "ace" attorney from one of the country's most prestigious law firms. The series follows their constant, high-stakes battles as they use every dirty trick in the book to outmaneuver each other and to serve the often-dubious interests of their powerful clients.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: Hyena is a pure, unadulterated blast of fun. The chemistry between the two leads, Kim Hye-soo and Ju Ji-hoon, is absolutely electric. Their relationship is a perfect, slow-burn, "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic, full of witty banter and incredible romantic tension. The show is a fast-paced, stylish, and incredibly entertaining look at the world of the super-rich and the lawyers who clean up their messes. For more on the global phenomenon of K-Dramas, Time Magazine has a great article.
What Makes It a Top Show: The series was a massive hit in South Korea and has become a beloved international fan-favourite. It is a show that is celebrated for its sharp dialogue, its sleek production, and the phenomenal, charismatic performances of its two leads. The show’s focus on a powerful romance is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Romantic Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Hyena on Netflix.
8. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)
The Vibe: A gentle, charming, and incredibly heartwarming Korean drama that is a beautiful and groundbreaking exploration of neurodiversity in the workplace.
The Premise: The series follows the story of Woo Young-woo, a brilliant young woman on the autism spectrum who has just graduated at the top of her class from a prestigious law school. She is a genius with an incredible memory and a unique, creative way of thinking. The series follows her as she begins her first job at a major law firm and tackles a series of complex and often very moving cases. The show also chronicles her journey as she navigates the social challenges of her new workplace and forms a series of beautiful, supportive friendships and a sweet, gentle romance.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: Extraordinary Attorney Woo is one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed international series of recent years. It is a show with a massive, beating heart. Park Eun-bin's performance as Woo Young-woo is an absolute tour de force, a deeply researched, sensitive, and incredibly nuanced portrayal of a woman with autism. The show is a powerful and important piece of television that has been praised for its positive and stigma-shattering representation.
What Makes It a Top Show: The show was a global phenomenon, a word-of-mouth hit that captured the hearts of millions of viewers around the world. It is a show that is both a compelling, case-of-the-week legal procedural and a beautiful, life-affirming, and often very funny character drama. For more on the show's incredible impact, the official Netflix Tudum site has some fantastic articles. The show’s focus on a powerful friendship is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of 5 Must-Watch Movies About Unlikely Friendships.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Extraordinary Attorney Woo on Netflix.
7. How to Get Away with Murder (2014-2020)
The Vibe: A fast-paced, addictive, and incredibly dramatic legal thriller that is a perfect, soapy, and high-stakes blend of a courtroom drama and a murder mystery.
The Premise: The series stars the legendary, Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis in a career-defining, Emmy-winning performance as Annalise Keating. She is a brilliant, charismatic, and deeply flawed criminal defense attorney and law professor. Each year, she selects a group of her most ambitious students, the "Keating 5," to work at her law firm. Their lives, and Annalise's, are thrown into chaos when they become entangled in a real-life murder plot, a secret that will bind them together and set off a chain reaction of lies, betrayals, and even more murders.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: How to Get Away with Murder is the ultimate, high-octane, binge-worthy thriller. The show, from the powerhouse producer Shonda Rhimes, is famous for its "whiplash" plot twists, its complex, morally ambiguous characters, and its serialized, flash-forward narrative structure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Viola Davis's performance as the formidable Annalise Keating is one of the greatest in modern television history.
What Makes It a Classic: The show was a massive ratings hit and a cultural phenomenon. It is a show that is celebrated for its diverse cast and its willingness to tackle complex and important themes of race, privilege, and corruption within the American legal system. It is a modern classic of the genre, a show that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. For more on the incredible work of Shonda Rhimes, the official Shondaland website is a great resource. The show's powerful female lead is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Female-Led Action Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream the complete series of How to Get Away with Murder on Netflix.
6. The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016)
The Vibe: A brilliant, riveting, and masterfully crafted true crime drama that is a deep dive into the "trial of the century."
The Premise: This is the first season of Ryan Murphy's acclaimed true crime anthology series. It meticulously chronicles the infamous 1994-1995 murder trial of the American football superstar, O. J. Simpson. The series explores the case from every angle, from the perspectives of the driven prosecutors, Marcia Clark and Christopher Darden, to O. J.'s high-powered "Dream Team" of defense attorneys, led by the brilliant and theatrical Johnnie Cochran.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: This is a masterpiece of television. The series is not just a simple re-telling of a famous case; it is a powerful and insightful exploration of the complex intersection of race, celebrity, media, and the American justice system. The performances from the entire ensemble cast are phenomenal, with Sarah Paulson's portrayal of Marcia Clark being a particular, Emmy-winning standout. The show is a brilliant and often infuriating look at how a celebrity trial can become a national spectacle.
What Makes It a Top Show: The series was a massive critical and cultural phenomenon, winning a staggering nine Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series. It is a show that is both a gripping, edge-of-your-seat courtroom drama and a powerful, and still incredibly relevant, piece of social commentary. For more on the real case, the official FBI archives are a primary source. The show’s complex heroes are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Biopics of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The People v. O. J. Simpson on Disney+ in the UK.
5. When They See Us (2019)
The Vibe: A powerful, devastating, and absolutely essential limited series that is a harrowing and masterful critique of the American justice system.
The Premise: This four-part limited series, from the acclaimed and visionary director Ava DuVernay, tells the true story of the "Central Park Five"—five Black and Latino teenagers who were wrongfully convicted of a brutal assault in Central Park in 1989. The series meticulously and heartbreakingly chronicles their story, from the coerced confessions and the sham of a trial, to their years spent in prison and their eventual exoneration and fight for justice.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: While it is not a traditional legal drama, When They See Us is one of the most powerful and important pieces of television ever made about the legal system. It is a difficult, and often deeply painful, watch, but it is an absolutely essential one. The performances from the ensemble cast of young actors are phenomenal, a series of raw, devastating, and completely unforgettable portrayals. The direction from Ava DuVernay is masterful, a work of incredible empathy and righteous fury.
What Makes It a Classic: The series was a massive critical success, receiving 16 Emmy nominations and winning two. It is a show that has had a profound and lasting cultural impact, sparking a renewed, and vital, national conversation about systemic racism, police misconduct, and the flaws and inequities of the American justice system. It is a masterpiece of television and a powerful testament to the real-life human cost of injustice. For more on the real story of the exonerated five, the Innocence Project website has some fantastic resources.
Where to Watch: Stream When They See Us on Netflix.
4. Suits (2011-2019)
The Vibe: A slick, stylish, and incredibly witty drama set in the high-stakes world of corporate law in New York City. It’s a show that is as much about the fashion and the friendships as it is about the legal battles.
The Premise: The series is built on a brilliant, high-concept premise: Mike Ross is a brilliant college dropout with a photographic memory who, through a series of chance encounters, lands a job as an associate at one of New York's most prestigious law firms. His new boss is the charismatic, arrogant, and legendary Harvey Specter, the best closer in the city. The only problem? Mike does not have a law degree, a secret that he and Harvey must keep at all costs. The series follows their high-stakes legal cases and the evolution of their brilliant, and often contentious, mentor-protégé relationship.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: Suits is one of the most iconic and beloved legal dramas of the 21st century. The show is famous for its sharp, witty, and incredibly quotable dialogue, and for the iconic, "power suit" fashion that has become a huge trend on social media. The "will-they-won't-they" dynamic between Harvey and his brilliant paralegal, Donna, is one of the great slow-burn romances in modern television. But the true heart of the show is the brilliant, "buddy-comedy" chemistry between Harvey and Mike. For a deep dive into the show's iconic fashion, Harper's Bazaar has some fantastic articles.
What Makes It a Classic: The show was a massive ratings hit for its entire run and has recently had a huge, viral resurgence in popularity on Netflix, proving its timeless appeal. It is a show that is a perfect, and incredibly addictive, blend of a smart legal procedural, a witty workplace comedy, and a compelling character drama. The show’s focus on a powerful friendship is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies About Friendship.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream the complete series of Suits on Netflix.
3. The Lincoln Lawyer (2022-present)
The Vibe: A classic, compelling, and incredibly entertaining legal drama with a modern, "cool-dad" twist. It's a perfect, old-school legal thriller with a charismatic and brilliant hero at its centre.
The Premise: Based on the bestselling series of novels by the legendary crime author Michael Connelly, the series follows the story of Mickey Haller, a brilliant and iconoclastic defense attorney in Los Angeles. After a period of personal and professional turmoil, Mickey is back in the game, running his practice from the backseat of his fleet of classic Lincoln Town Cars. The series is a brilliant blend of a compelling, season-long mystery and a series of smaller, "case-of-the-week" legal battles.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: The Lincoln Lawyer is a true, old-school, page-turner of a television show. It is a classic, character-driven legal drama, and it is executed to absolute perfection. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo is incredibly charismatic as the smooth-talking, intelligent, and deeply moral Mickey Haller. The show is a fantastic, and surprisingly detailed, look at the intricacies of the Los Angeles legal scene, from the high-stakes courtroom battles to the backroom deal-making. The show’s intricate plot will keep you guessing, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Edge of Your Seat Thriller Movies That Will Keep You Guessing.
What Makes It a Top Show: The show has been a massive, global smash hit for Netflix, a testament to the enduring appeal of a classic, well-told legal story. The show has a fantastic, old-school, "dad TV" vibe, but with a modern, diverse, and incredibly likable cast. It is a show that is both a smart, sophisticated legal thriller and a fun, entertaining, and incredibly binge-worthy ride. For more on the author's incredible body of work, the official Michael Connelly website is a fantastic resource.
Where to Watch: Stream The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix.
2. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
The Vibe: The ultimate, tragic, and terrifying transformation from a mild-mannered everyman into a monstrous, meth-kingpin. It is one of the greatest and most compelling character arcs in television history.
The Premise: While not strictly a legal drama, Breaking Bad is a show that is so deeply and so brilliantly intertwined with the world of the law—from criminal defense lawyers and DEA agents to the intricate legal loopholes of money laundering—that it has earned its place as one of the greatest "legal-adjacent" shows of all time. The series follows Walter White, a meek high school chemistry teacher who, after a terminal cancer diagnosis, decides to cook and sell crystal meth to provide for his family. His journey takes him deep into the criminal underworld and transforms him into the ruthless drug kingpin, "Heisenberg."
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: Breaking Bad is widely regarded as one of the greatest television shows ever made. It is a masterpiece of long-form, serialized storytelling, where every single action has a devastating and unavoidable consequence. Bryan Cranston's legendary, multi-Emmy-winning performance is a tour de force, a perfect and terrifying transformation from a sympathetic man into a cold, calculating monster.
What Makes It a Classic: The show is a modern classic, a show that is celebrated for its brilliant writing, its cinematic direction, and its powerful, unforgettable performances. It is a show that is both a thrilling crime drama and a profound, Shakespearean tragedy about the corrupting nature of pride and power. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Favorite Movie Anti-Heroes of All Time.
Where to Watch: Stream Breaking Bad on Netflix.
1. Better Call Saul (2015-2022)
Why It's at the Top: While Breaking Bad was a masterpiece, its prequel, Better Call Saul, is arguably the single greatest and most masterfully crafted legal drama of the 21st century. It is a show that is so meticulously crafted, so brilliantly written, and so masterfully acted that it not only lives up to the impossible legacy of its predecessor, but in the eyes of many critics, it actually surpasses it. It is a slow-burn, character-driven tragedy of epic proportions, a profound and deeply moving exploration of the law, of morality, and of the human heart. It is the undisputed king of the modern legal drama.
The Premise: The series charts the slow, tragic, and often hilarious transformation of Jimmy McGill, a well-meaning but morally flexible, small-time lawyer, into the flamboyant, corrupt, and iconic "criminal lawyer," Saul Goodman, that we know from Breaking Bad. The show is a deep and brilliant exploration of the legal world, from the high-stakes, corporate litigation of a major law firm to the gritty, low-level world of public defenders and small-time crooks. But the true heart of the show is the complex and ultimately tragic love story between Jimmy and his brilliant, and deeply troubled, fellow lawyer, Kim Wexler.
What Makes It a Masterpiece: The show is a masterclass in every single aspect of television production. The writing is a work of literary genius, the direction is cinematic and inventive, and the performances from Bob Odenkirk (Jimmy) and Rhea Seehorn (Kim) are two of the greatest in modern television history. It is a show that is a brilliant legal drama, a hilarious black comedy, a heartbreaking romance, and a tense, high-stakes thriller, often all in the same scene. It is, quite simply, a perfect television show. The show's complex and often fiery relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies About Marriages.
Where to Watch: Stream the complete series of Better Call Saul on Netflix.
Conclusion
In the vast and ever-expanding universe of streaming, the legal drama stands as a true titan of a genre. The sixteen shows on this list are a testament to its incredible diversity, its intellectual depth, and its enduring, popular appeal. From the glossy, high-stakes world of corporate law to the powerful, real-life struggles for justice that have changed the world, these are the series that have captivated us, challenged us, and reminded us of the profound, and often very dramatic, power of the law.
These are more than just television shows; they are masterfully crafted stories that explore the complexities of the human condition through the unique and fascinating lens of the justice system. They are a celebration of brilliant minds, of moral courage, and of the timeless, and often very difficult, search for the truth. As the cozy, introspective season of autumn truly begins, there is no better time to immerse yourself in these brilliant, binge-worthy worlds. Your next great obsession awaits.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes a legal drama so captivating? Legal dramas are captivating because they combine high-stakes courtroom battles, complex ethical dilemmas, and the intellectual puzzle of a legal case. They offer a perfect blend of suspense, human drama, and a fascinating look into the workings of the justice system.
2. I'm new to legal dramas. Which show on this list should I start with? For a fun, stylish, and incredibly binge-worthy introduction to the genre, Suits is a fantastic starting point. For a more classic, case-of-the-week procedural, The Lincoln Lawyer is an excellent choice.
3. Are all these shows based on real legal practices? While many of the shows, particularly those based on true stories like When They See Us, are meticulously researched, most fictional legal dramas take liberties with legal procedure for dramatic effect.
4. What are some of the common tropes in the legal drama genre? Common tropes include the brilliant but troubled lawyer, the surprise witness, the dramatic courtroom confession, and the race-against-time to find a key piece of evidence.
5. Are any of these shows based on books? Yes, several of them are. The Lincoln Lawyer is based on the bestselling novels by Michael Connelly, Better Call Saul is a spin-off of the universe created by Vince Gilligan, and Partner Track is based on the novel by Helen Wan.
6. I love a good mystery. Which of these shows is the most like a classic "whodunit"? The Trial is a fantastic, classic "whodunit" murder mystery. How to Get Away with Murder also has a strong, season-long mystery element.
7. Are there any non-American shows on this list? Yes! Juvenile Justice, Law School, and Hyena are all critically acclaimed and incredibly popular South Korean dramas. The Trial is an Italian series.
8. Where can I find more information about the real-life cases that inspire these shows? For shows based on true stories, like When They See Us, the websites of legal advocacy groups like The Innocence Project are a fantastic and important resource for information on wrongful convictions.
9. What is a "procedural" drama? A procedural is a type of television show that focuses on the process or procedure of a particular profession. A legal procedural, for example, focuses on the step-by-step process of a legal case, from the initial investigation to the final verdict.
10. I've watched all of these! What should I watch next? The legal drama genre is vast and wonderful. You could explore classic shows like The Practice or L.A. Law, or other modern hits like The Good Wife and its spin-off, The Good Fight.
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