David E. Kelley, a master of television production, has returned to the legal drama genre with his most recent Netflix series,The Lincoln Lawyer. The show centers on the titular defense lawyer, Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), who after overcoming his opioid addiction following a surfing accident, is forced to return to his legal profession after one of his colleagues is murdered, leaving Mickey his practice with a backlog of cases and potentially a target on his back.
The Mickey Haller-centered novel series byMichael Connellyis the inspiration for the television show. It faithfully adaptsThe Brass Verdict, the second book in the series with a part being adapted into a 2011 feature film,starring Matthew McConaughey as Haller. For fans of legal dramas,there are lots of shows likeThe Lincoln Lawyerto entertain fans of the series.
The Lincoln Lawyer
20’Trial & Error' (2017-2018)
Created by Jeff Astrof and Matt Miller
For viewers who want a show about lawyers that doesn’t take itself seriously, they’ll surely enjoyTrial & Error. In the mockumentary series, Josh Segal (Nicholas D’Agosto), a lawyer whose legal expertise is constantly challenged, has to deal with the eccentric residents of East Peck and their equally eccentric legal woes. Assisted by a clueless investigator and a legal assistant who seems to have every illness in the book, Josh’s journey to find justice takes some unexpected turns.
Trial & Erroris a binge-worthy showfor fans ofThe Lincoln Lawyerwho are in the mood for something lighter.Both shows have lawyers who are trying their best to navigate the complex justice system, butTrial & Errordoes so with a comedic approach. While Mickey relies on his sharp mind and experience, Josh often finds himself relying on sheer luck and the absurdity of the situations he encounters to win a case.
Watch on Amazon Prime
19’Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' (1999-)
Created by Dick Wolf
Ripped from the headlines and etched into the hearts of viewers,Law & Order: Special Victims Unitlooks into the unsettling world of sexually based offenses. The show follows Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and her elite squad of detectives as they confront the perpetrators of these heinous crimes. Each episode unravels a new case, with the team fighting for justice within a system that often fails the most vulnerable.
Fans ofThe Lincoln Lawyerwillappreciate the nuanced portrayal of the legal system inLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit, but they should brace themselves for an emotionally charged viewing experience. While both shows excel at showcasing the complexities of legal battles,Law & Order: Special Victims Unittackles cases that are inherently more disturbing. The show doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of sexual assault and domestic violence victims, withLaw & Order’s best episodesoffering a heartbreaking look at the actual cost of these crimes.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
18’All Rise' (2019-2022)
Created by Greg Spottiswood
All Riseflips the script on traditional legal dramas by shifting the focus from lawyers and detectives to the presiding judge. The show follows Judge Lola Carmichael (Simone Missick) as she navigates the intricate world of the Los Angeles court system and balances her commitment to the law with her desire to make a real difference in the lives of those who come before her.
WhileThe Lincoln Lawyerfocuses on the defense’s perspective,All Riseoffers a nice change of pace by showcasing the judge’s viewpoint.The Lincoln Lawyerfans will find much to appreciate inAll Risewith its focus on character developmentand intricate legal proceedings. ButAll Risefurther distinguishes itself by exploring the complexities of a Black woman navigating the legal system in a position of power. Lola Carmichael, like Mickey Haller, is a powerful force for change, dedicated to fighting for a more just and equitable legal system.
17’Silk' (2011-2014)
Created by Peter Moffat
Silkis an underratedBritish TV show released in the 21st centurythat is full of high-stakes drama. The show follows Martha Costello (Maxine Peake) a barrister who has her eyes set on the prestigious title of Queen’s Counsel. But before she can reach that, she has to get through tense courtroom showdowns and behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
What makesThe Lincoln LawyerandSilksimilar is theirfascinating characterization of the drama that goes inside the legal world but with different styles and settings. Martha Costello is just as witty, and sharp, and has an unwavering dedication to her clients, just like Mickey. That said,Silk’s narrative is more focused and contained, asSilkexplores the intricacies of the British courtroom, as well as the personal sacrifices required to find success in it.
16’The Split' (2018-2022)
Created by Abi Morgan
Divorce lawyers take front and center in theBBC legal TV seriesThe Split. The show focuses on the Defoe sisters who are led by their formidable mother Ruth (Deborah Findlay)in navigating the world of London’s legal elite. Hannah (Nicola Walker), the more successful sister, suddenly decides to leave the family firm, which then sparks a rivalry that tests her loyalty.
As Hannah and her sisters, Nina (Annabel Scholey) and Rose (Fiona Button), handle cases filled with infidelity, betrayal, and heartbreak, they are forced to confront their own vulnerabilities and the fragility of love. Viewers who are captivated by the strategic allure ofThe Lincoln Lawyerbut want a more intimate legal look at relationships will resonate withThe Split. Both shows alsohave nuanced characters that will take viewers on an exciting journey through the legal world.
Watch on Hulu
15’Anatomy of a Scandal' (2022)
Directed by S.J. Clarkson
The scandalous trial of James Whitehouse (Rupert Friend), a parliamentary minister who is accused of sexual assault by his former lover, Olivia Lytton (Naomi Scott), is the subject ofAnatomy of a Scandal. Barrister Kate Woodcroft (Michelle Dockery), Whitehouse’s prosecutor, is hell-bent on bringing this man and his career down, while his wife, Sophie Whitehouse (Sienna Miller), is battling to preserve her faith in him.
Thecreative mind behindAnatomy of a Scandalhappens to beThe Lincoln Lawyer’s showrunner David E. Kelley, thus, the two series share the same quick pacing and a highly contemporary and intense tone.Similar toThe Lincoln Lawyer,Anatomy of a Scandalinvestigates the infamous trialof a well-known figure in which an affair went horribly wrong, providing the audience with a number of unsettling twists and turns.
Anatomy of a Scandal
14’Matlock' (1986-1995)
Created by Dean Hargrove
Matlockrevolves around the life of Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith), a brilliant defense attorney who takes on new cases in each episode. With his sharp intellect and folksy charm, he investigates the crime, uncovers evidence, and ultimately defends his client in court.
Matlock’s wittily charming intelligence can easily remind fans of Mickey Hallerand his Lincoln Town Car. Moreover, they both take on criminal cases, thus, there are similar methods and approaches in how they practice law. Moreover,Matlockis a must-see andiconic gem in the legal genrethanks to its distinctive fusion of investigative work and courtroom.
Watch on Pluto
13’Perry Mason' (2020-)
Created by Ron Fitzgerald and Rolin Jones
HBO’sPerry MasonfeaturesMatthew Rhysas the titular attorney and is based onErle Stanley Gardner’s character and the enduring series of the same name, which aired from 1957 to 1966. The show is set in 1932, when defense attorney Perry Mason, who is still reeling from the trauma of having fought in World War I and has to endure the Great Depression, accepts a case involving a prominent kidnapping that endangers him and his loved ones.
In the same way asThe Lincoln Lawyerdid with Haller’s PTSD following his accident and his subsequent drug misuse,Perry Masonis also ashow that tackles and examines mental healthwith Mason’s World War I-related trauma. Moreover, asPerry Masonalso takes place in Los Angeles, only 90 years distant fromThe Lincoln Lawyer, fans of the show will feel particularly familiar.
perry mason
Watch on Max
12’Your Honor' (2020-2023)
Your Honorfollows a New Orleans judge, Michael Desiato (Bryan Cranston) whose son participates in a hit-and-run that involves an organized crime family. Thus, he is forced to question his own core beliefs. Then, when faced with a series of increasingly difficult decisions, he learns just how far an upright man will go to save his son.
Similar toThe Lincoln Lawyer,Your Honorgives audiences a protagonistthey can identify withand support while having severe flaws. Additionally, the main characters of both shows must frequently question their morality and professional ethics while practicing law, which leads to conflict in both their personal and professional lives.
Your Honor
11’Fearless' (2017)
Created by Patrick Harbinson
Set in London,Fearlessisa British six-part miniseriesthat centers on human rights attorney Emma Banville (Helen McCrory) as she works to exonerate convicted killer Kevin Russell (Sam Swainsbury) from the murder of the schoolgirl Linda Simms 14 years ago.
The theme ofFearlessis significantly highlighted with quick-paced storytelling and brilliant performances from McCrory as well as the supporting cast. SinceFearlessonly contains six episodes with a central theme of legal cases,it can be a great replacement for fans ofThe Lincoln Lawyereven though there may be differences in the settings, protagonists, and tone overall.
Fearless is currently not available to stream, rent, or purchase in the U.S.
