15 shows to watch if you love Suits

15 shows to watch if you love Suits

As a seasoned viewer of legal dramas and someone who has watched more episodes of L.A. Law than I can count, let me tell you that this list is a veritable treasure trove for any fan of the genre. From the steamy Family Law to the captivating Burden of Truth, each series offers a unique perspective on the world of law and justice.


Suits is one of the best legal shows out there, but there are more to enjoy for fans of the series!

Over the past few years, “Suits” has become one of television’s most significant successes. The original series, broadcast on USA Network from 2011 to 2019, enjoyed an extended and successful run that turned it into a massive ratings phenomenon. In 2023, the series found its way onto Netflix, quickly climbing to the top of the viewing rankings. This popularity has sparked plans for a reboot of the series on NBC.

This series thrives on the amusement derived from legal maneuvers, along with captivating character development, including romantic subplots and humorous exchanges among characters. It finds itself in the esteemed company of numerous legal dramas, many of which are timeless classics such as “Law & Order,” focusing on significant cases. However, there are also those that stand out for their unique blend of intriguing characters, unusual cases, and even a touch of humor. If you’re a devotee of Suits, these 15 legal shows are your must-watch picks for your next binge session!

Pearson

For fans who appreciated Gina Torres on the show “Suits,” it’s worth exploring her spinoff. In this series, Jessica Pearson returns to her hometown of Chicago and takes up a role as an expensive “problem solver” connected with the mayor. However, she finds herself entangled in a crime that could lead to a city-wide scandal and potential disintegration.

As a dedicated gamer, I must admit that the transformation of Jessica into a character reminiscent of Olivia Pope with a harder edge in the show has left some viewers feeling irked. However, Torres’ captivating portrayal of Jessica makes it all worthwhile and delving deeper into her past is an exciting journey. Even though it only ran for one season, any die-hard Suits fan would be eager to catch this intriguing continuation.

Pearson available to buy on You Tube.

Matlock

15 shows to watch if you love Suits

For fans of “Suits”, this latest CBS success is particularly appealing, as it stars Oscar-winning actress Kathy Bates in the role of Madeline “Matty” Matlock. Interestingly, she shares the same name with a character from the 1980s TV show. In the series, she becomes a part of a law firm where her keen skills and the advantage of her age, making it easy for her to go unnoticed and gather information, are put to good use.

The initial setup is decent, but the pilot concludes with an unexpected and captivating twist that left viewers stunned – revealing a hidden aspect of Matty’s character similar in intrigue to the revelation that Mike isn’t a lawyer. With the series already confirmed for a second season, now could be the perfect moment to join the ride as Bates delivers one of her finest performances as a lawyer who consistently leaves you guessing.

Matlock airs Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS. 

The Practice

15 shows to watch if you love Suits

As a devoted viewer, I can’t help but reflect on how “The Practice,” this enduring ABC success, propelled David E. Kelly into the limelight as a premier TV writer and producer. This captivating series revolves around a Boston law firm that tackles cases ranging from high-stakes criminal trials to complex civil suits. The lawyers in this firm are not afraid to bend the rules a bit to secure a victory, making for an intriguing and engaging drama. With a stellar cast featuring Dylan McDermott, Kelli Williams, Lara Flynn Boyle, Steve Harris, and Emmy-winning performances by Camryn Manheim and Michael Badalucco, “The Practice” is a must-watch for any TV enthusiast.

Twice honored as the Best Drama Series at the Emmys, this show could be both intense and thought-provoking, delving into significant moral quandaries surrounding the legal system. Despite cast changes, the quality remained exceptional throughout, culminating in the addition of James Spader as Alan Shore for a fitting finale. Moreover, notable guest performances from Michael Emerson, Holland Taylor, and Sharon Stone, among others, elevated this legal drama to greatness.

The Practice available to buy on Apple TV+

Boston Legal

15 shows to watch if you love Suits

In this offshoot of “The Practice,” character Alan Shore, portrayed by James Spader, transitions to a different law firm to manage distinct cases. Unlike the original, which was primarily dramatic, this series might lean towards comedy, presenting bizarre cases that nevertheless tackle significant social issues. The cast includes some familiar faces who have since gained more prominence, such as Julie Bowen, Lake Bell, Taraji P. Henson, alongside veterans like Candice Bergen, John Larroquette, and Betty White.

William Shatner, a well-known figure, rejuvenated his acting career and earned two Emmys for portraying Denny Crane, an unorthodox lawyer known for his comedic antics on screen. The show, which ran for five seasons, frequently challenged conventions (and sometimes the fourth wall), with its cast consistently delivering stellar performances that made it an enjoyable watch, reminiscent of the spirit found in ‘Suits’.

Boston Legal streaming on Hulu

Ally McBeal 

15 shows to watch if you love Suits

In conclusion, another legal drama from David E. Kelly features on our screens, starring Calista Flockhart in the lead role. She plays a lawyer who finds herself working at a firm alongside her former lover (Gil Bellows), now married to Courtney Thorne Smith. The series stands out for its bizarre cases and Ally’s unusual hallucinations, such as the memorable “dancing baby” incident.

The show does get better as it goes with a great supporting cast of Jane Karkowski, Lucy Liu, Portia DeRossi, Peter MacNicol and even Robert Downey Jr. The legal stuff can often be second to the soap opera stuff, yet Flockhart remains a compelling lead for one of the more unusual legal shows to enjoy.

Ally McBeal streaming on Hulu

The Good Wife

15 shows to watch if you love Suits

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t get enough of this hit CBS show. It kicks off with my character Alicia Florrick, played by Julianna Margulies, being rocked when her politician husband, Chris Noth, resigns in disgrace following an affair scandal. Alicia then juggles her career at a law firm while navigating the challenging Chicago political landscape. The show’s stellar supporting cast includes Archie Panjabi as investigator Kalinda, who, alongside Margulies, earned an Emmy for her performance.

In this series, Alicia experiences significant changes that frequently pit her against her own coworkers. It’s Marguiles who delivers an exceptional performance, perhaps the best of her TV career. While the legal cases are engaging, it’s the intricate office politics and the frequent passionate romances that add an extra layer of excitement, making it a delight for fans of Suits.

The Good Wife streaming on Paramount+.

The Good Fight

15 shows to watch if you love Suits

In a new series based on “The Good Wife,” many familiar faces return, but this time with an even more unconventional plotline. After suffering financial ruin due to a Ponzi scheme, character Diane Lockhart, played by Christine Baranski, is compelled to join a law firm in Chicago that exclusively employs black attorneys. This show tackles current social issues head-on, frequently referencing significant events from 2017 to 2021, including politics and the pandemic. It doesn’t shy away from criticizing prominent figures.

The exceptional ensemble, featuring Delroy Lindo and Cash Jumbo, brings a genuine energy to the screen, making it even more captivating to witness how timeless this series remains. Ranging from grimly serious to uproariously funny, these stories mirror the unpredictability of our world. At first glance, some aspects may seem less extraordinary than before, considering today’s chaos; however, it continues to stand out as an engaging legal show compared to others from its era.

The Good Fight streaming on Paramount+.

The Lincoln Lawyer

15 shows to watch if you love Suits

In a fresh take on John Grisham’s novels, this popular Netflix series unfolds and broadens its scope. The main character, Mickey Haller, portrayed by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, is a lawyer known for cruising around in a Lincoln Navigator. Each season follows Mickey as he tackles a major case, frequently involving a client accused of murder. Alongside these significant cases, his assistant (Becki Newton), who happens to be one of his ex-wives, helps him out. Meanwhile, the other (Neve Campbell) serves as a prosecutor.

The series might transition from a humorous plotline to Mickey finding himself in grave peril due to his tendency to irritate others. Each new season surpasses the last, making it an engaging watch for Suits enthusiasts, whether they’re following the main enigma or the subsidiary cases.

The Lincoln Lawyer streaming on Netflix

Damages

15 shows to watch if you love Suits

Glenn Close, renowned for her iconic film career, demonstrated her television prowess in this FX series. Close earned two Emmys for her portrayal of Patty Hewes, a formidable and relentless lawyer. Rose Byrne made her breakthrough performance as Ellen Parsons, Patty’s protégé, with each season delving into the intricate relationship between the pair as they navigated various cases. These ranged from targeting a powerful conglomerate to a swindler akin to Bernie Madoff, and even military contractors.

Each season boasts remarkable guest appearances, including standout dramatic performances by Ted Danson and Martin Short. Additionally, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Timothy Olyphant, John Goodman, and others deliver impressive performances. Notably, it’s always the combination of Close and Byrne that keeps viewers engaged until the exceptional final episode, making each season a top contender among legal dramas.

Damages streaming on Hulu

Fairly Legal

15 shows to watch if you love Suits

This brief and entertaining series on USA Network offers a fresh take on legal dramas. The protagonist, Kate Reed, played by Sarah Shahi, is a former attorney turned mediator who works at a law firm established by her deceased father. An intriguing twist is that her stepmother, also the new boss, is of similar age. Additionally, there are occasional romantic entanglements between Kate and her estranged District Attorney husband, Michael Turrco, which can become quite passionate.

The series boasts an appealing wit, with Shahi delivering a charming performance as Kate, who discovers her father wasn’t flawless. The cases often take unusual and intriguing turns, as Kate typically manages things behind the scenes instead of going to court herself, ensuring fairness for all parties involved. Spanning only two seasons, it served as an excellent counterpart to Suits on the USA Network, making for enjoyable viewing as well.

Fairly Legal streaming on Fandango

Goliath

15 shows to watch if you love Suits

This Prime Video series is a bit darker than other shows on this list but a great watch, thanks to star Billy Bob Thornton. He plays Billy McBride, once a highly successful lawyer. But when a man he got acquitted of murder killed an entire family, the guilt-ridden Billy quit. Now a broken alcoholic, Billy is drawn into defending a poor client, which has him going up against his former firm. 

This drama series occasionally delves into darkness, yet Thornton’s captivating portrayal of a fallen man seeking redemption holds it all together. As the story unfolds in later seasons, Billy finds himself at odds with the LAPD, a military contractor, and other intriguing characters, featuring exceptional guest stars such as J.K. Simmons, Dennis Quaid, William Hurt, and others. Regardless of the circumstances, Thornton’s acting skills seamlessly tie everything together for a riveting television experience.

Goliath streaming on Prime Video

Reasonable Doubt

15 shows to watch if you love Suits

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say: “This lesser-known Hulu show really resonated with me, especially if you’re a fan of Suits. The series centers around Emayatzy Corinealdi’s character, Jacqueline ‘Jax’ Stewart, who juggles being a top-tier defense attorney, a mother, and a woman estranged from her husband. Her moral grey areas are evident right from the first season when she takes on defending a wealthy man accused of a heinous crime, all for the sake of publicity.

The series is filled with intense, steamy scenes featuring Jax and others, while the main murder investigation is intriguingly complex. In Season 2, a fresh case unfolds that delves deeper into Jax’s background, touching on topics like race, social media, and the challenges faced by working mothers. Despite flying under the radar for some viewers, it offers an engaging legal soap opera experience that’s worth watching.

Reasonable Doubt streaming on Hulu

Family Law

15 shows to watch if you love Suits

This Canadian television show, broadcasted on The CW, revolves around a main character who isn’t particularly likeable but is still entertaining to observe. Actress Jewel Staite portrays Abigail (Abby) Bianchi, a lawyer who reacts impulsively by getting into a drunken brawl in court upon discovering her husband’s infidelity. To regain her standing, she must take on a job at a law firm managed by her estranged father, Victor Garber, which also involves working alongside half-siblings she has never met before.

The legal cases presented are captivating, frequently revolving around families grappling with ethical quandaries. Abby, the protagonist, is an intriguing figure, often putting her own interests first and blind to her shortcomings, yet she evokes sympathy as she struggles to restore her life and family. The family interactions are equally engaging, as they become entangled in unusual conflicts. This series isn’t your typical legal drama, which adds to its appeal.

Family Law streaming on CWTV

Burden of Truth

15 shows to watch if you love Suits

In this Canadian series broadcast on The CW, the story unfolds when Kristen Kreuk’s character, Joanna Change, travels back to her hometown to defend a corporation accused of poisoning residents. However, as Joanna delves deeper into the case, she comes to the realization that she is actually working against justice. Consequently, she decides to take action by filing a class-action lawsuit, which puts her in direct conflict with the firm’s founder… none other than her own father.

Kristin Kreuk delivers a captivating performance as the main character, while Joanna evolves into a tenacious lawyer advocating for the oppressed. Each season introduces a fresh narrative involving her relationship with a local lawyer (Peter Mooney), which deepens and transforms into a romantic dynamic over time. The series also offers an engaging portrayal of Joanna’s interactions with the town’s residents, and there’s an unexpected link between them that adds intrigue to its four-season run. Consequently, this legal drama is a highly recommended binge-worthy choice for personal viewing.

Burden of Truth streaming on Hulu

L.A. Law

15 shows to watch if you love Suits

In summary, this groundbreaking series from 1986-94 on NBC, titled “The Show That Opened the Door for Others on This List,” revolutionized television by presenting legal themes unlike any other show before it. It dared to cross network boundaries with mature content and provided a unique blend of entertaining cases that ranged from intense dramas to hilarious comedies. Many of the topics tackled in this series remain relevant today, making it as engaging and thought-provoking now as it was back then.

The cast was exceptional for a network show during that period, featuring Susan Dey, Blair Underwood, Jimmy Smits, Alan Rachins, Harry Hamlin, Larry Drake, and several others. Notably, future stars like Kathy Bates and Lucy Liu also made appearances as guest stars. It was the talk of the town back then and is still considered one of the greatest legal shows in history.

L.A. Law streaming on Prime Video 

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2024-11-28 20:58

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