The Lincoln Lawyer is set to premiere its highly anticipated fourth season on Netflix later this year. As fans eagerly await the outcome of Mickey Haller’s gripping murder trial, this moment offers a perfect opportunity to delve into a selection of other compelling legal dramas currently available across various streaming platforms. While The Lincoln Lawyer reigns as arguably the most prominent legal series on television today, it certainly isn’t the only one worth watching.
From timeless classics to modern sensations, there is a diverse array of legal dramas to explore on leading streaming services. If you’re keen on finding shows inspired by the works of Michael Connelly, you’re in luck; several platforms cater to that interest too. Although the excitement surrounding season 4 of The Lincoln Lawyer is palpable, with over 1,000 episodes across other remarkable legal dramas available for streaming, fans have ample content to keep them entertained until the new season arrives.
10 L.A. Law
Hulu & Disney+
As David E. Kelley’s inaugural writing project in Hollywood, L.A. Law stands as a milestone in the modern legal drama genre. This groundbreaking series first aired in 1986 and chronicles the lives of the law firm McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney, and Kuzak. The journey of Michael Kuzak, who rises from the ranks of junior partner to a skilled attorney, mirrors the charismatic swagger seen in Mickey Haller. With a moral compass often at odds with the justice system, Kuzak becomes a favorite among fans of legal storytelling.
Spanning 172 episodes over eight seasons, L.A. Law remains a seminal work in the field of legal drama, offering an engaging viewing experience for anyone who appreciates this captivating genre.
9 Law & Order
Hulu & Disney+
While L.A. Law set the stage, Law & Order truly defined the landscape of legal dramas with its inventive hybrid format combining police procedural elements with courtroom drama. Renowned for its extensive repertoire of storylines—many based on real events—this long-running series has captivated audiences with its gritty realism. Key characters like District Attorney Jack McCoy, played by Sam Waterston, and Lieutenant Anita Van Buren, portrayed by S. Epatha Merkerson, have become icons on television.
The show’s revival on NBC has rekindled interest, placing it in direct competition with The Lincoln Lawyer. With over 517 episodes, each drawing inspiration from actual news events, Law & Order continues to showcase its commitment to portraying authentic and compelling narratives.
8 Boston Legal
Hulu & Disney+
Boston Legal, featuring the remarkable James Spader as the eccentric attorney Alan Shore, is another of David E. Kelley’s celebrated creations. This series serves as a spin-off of Kelley’s previous work, The Practice, in which Shore first appeared and quickly became a fan favorite. Known for his unconventional methods and witty proclamations about the legal system, Shore embodies the charm and complexity that legal dramas can offer.
Although Boston Legal aired for just five seasons, it amassed over 100 episodes filled with clever commentary and emotional depth, making it a delightful watch for fans yearning for strong character-driven narratives.
7 White Collar
Netflix
Though White Collar doesn’t fit strictly within the legal drama genre, it shares a similar vibe with The Lincoln Lawyer. The series revolves around Neal Caffrey, a skilled con artist who teams up with an FBI agent to capture his fellow thieves. While Caffrey’s approach and circumstances differ vastly from Haller’s, both characters demonstrate exceptional resourcefulness in navigating the law.
Originally airing from 2009 to 2014, the show’s intricate plots and engaging character dynamics make it well-suited for streaming binge-watching, appealing to fans of clever storytelling.
6 Suits
Netflix
One of the most popular legal dramas in recent years, Suits has drawn considerable attention comparable to The Lincoln Lawyer. This nine-season series delivers a blend of witty repartee and compelling courtroom maneuvers, focusing on a corporate law firm in New York City. Despite its lighter tone, Suits navigates its fair share of high-stakes legal battles and personal conflicts.
By shedding light on financial crimes and corporate intrigue, Suits provides a captivating perspective on the legal world, appealing to viewers eager for sophisticated storytelling.
5 Bosch
Prime Video
Harry Bosch, portrayed in his eponymous series, is a police detective navigating the complexities of law enforcement, set in the same universe as Mickey Haller. Their intertwined backstory from Michael Connelly’s novels adds a unique layer to both characters. While Bosch features gripping investigations, it also shares Haller’s moral complexity and frequent confrontations with authority.
For fans awaiting The Lincoln Lawyer season 4, binge-watching Bosch can provide the ideal blend of thrilling crime stories and character development.
4 The Good Fight
Paramount+
As a spin-off from The Good Wife, The Good Fight features acclaimed actress Christine Baranski reprising her role as Diane Lockhart. The series delves into contemporaneous issues such as fake news and political extremism, making it distinct from traditional legal dramas. Airing from 2017 to 2022, it presents a sharp critique of modern events through its engaging legal battles.
Fans of Haller who appreciate the political dynamics of justice will likely find The Good Fight both refreshing and relevant.
3 Goliath
Prime Video
Billy McBride, portrayed by Billy Bob Thornton, is a character with significant parallels to Mickey Haller. Created by David E. Kelley, Goliath explores the disillusionment and challenges faced by its titular lawyer. With addiction struggles and a quest for justice, McBride reflects the complexities that fans of legal dramas often admire.
Although it consists of only four seasons, Goliath is a compelling legal drama ideal for anyone captivated by the themes presented in The Lincoln Lawyer.
2 Bosch: Legacy
Prime Video
This follow-up series, Bosch: Legacy, features a retired Harry Bosch mentoring new detectives while furthering his legacy as one of television’s greatest detectives. Building on the successes of its predecessor, this series meticulously threads together the storylines of both Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller, offering fans a comprehensive narrative experience.
1 Reasonable Doubt
Hulu & Disney+
Reasonable Doubt brings forth Jax Stewart, a character reminiscent of a female version of Mickey Haller. She juggles personal struggles while managing high-profile legal cases, creating a relatable and compelling narrative. Following critically acclaimed seasons, it has been renewed for a third season, promising continued exploration of its protagonist’s journey.
While Mickey Haller’s world remains unmatched, Reasonable Doubt presents engaging comparisons that will resonate with fans eagerly awaiting season four of The Lincoln Lawyer. Overall, this list of ten shows spans four decades of memorable legal drama, each worthy of your viewing time.