The Best New Legal TV Shows
The legal drama genre has evolved well beyond courtroom clichés and moral monologues. Today’s best legal shows offer complex characters, sharp storytelling, and fresh perspectives on justice—often challenging the systems they depict. Whether you’re drawn to fast-paced thrillers, morally gray lawyers, or modern spins on the classic courtroom format, this curated list of 20 recent legal series has something worth streaming.
1. Suits: L.A. (2025)
Cast: Stephen Amell, Lex Scott Davis, Josh McDermitt, Bryan Greenberg, Gabriel Macht, Rick Hoffman
Premise: A spinoff of the original Suits, this series follows Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor who joins a high-profile Los Angeles law firm. Despite appearances from original cast members, the show was canceled after one season due to underwhelming performance.
2. Matlock (2024–Present)
Cast: Kathy Bates, Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, David Del Rio, Leah Lewis
Premise: A reimagining of the classic series, Kathy Bates stars as Madeline "Matty" Matlock, a retired lawyer who returns to work under an alias to seek justice related to her daughter's death. The show blends legal drama with personal vendettas.
3. Accused (2023–Present)
Cast: Varies per episode; anthology format
Premise: An anthology series where each episode starts in a courtroom with the accused, unfolding the events leading up to the trial from their perspective. The show explores moral dilemmas and the complexities of justice.
4. Family Law (2021–Present)
Cast: Jewel Staite, Victor Garber, Genelle Williams, Zach Smadu, Lauren Holly
Premise: Abigail Bianchi, a recovering alcoholic and lawyer, starts working at her estranged father's law firm, navigating both family dynamics and complex legal cases. The series offers a blend of personal and professional challenges.
5. May It Please the Court (2022)
Cast: Jung Ryeo-won, Lee Kyu-hyung
Premise: This South Korean series follows two public defenders with contrasting personalities as they tackle challenging cases. The show delves into the intricacies of the legal system and personal growth.
6. The Law According to Lidia Poët (2023–Present)
Cast: Matilda De Angelis, Eduardo Scarpetta
Premise: Set in 19th-century Italy, the series chronicles Lidia Poët's fight to practice law after being disbarred due to her gender. It combines historical context with legal battles and personal determination.
7. Tribunal Justice (2023–Present)
Cast: Tanya Acker, Patricia DiMango, Adam Levy
Premise: Created by Judge Judy Sheindlin, this courtroom show features a panel of three judges adjudicating real cases, offering diverse perspectives and lively debates.
8. The Trial (2025)
Cast: Ben Miles, Claire Skinner
Premise: In a dystopian future, parents are held legally accountable for their children's actions. This one-off drama explores themes of responsibility, privacy, and societal judgment.
9. Reasonable Doubt (2022–Present)
Cast: Emayatzy Corinealdi, Michael Ealy
Premise: Jax Stewart, a brilliant and fearless defense attorney, navigates complex legal cases while dealing with personal and professional challenges. The series offers a fresh perspective on the legal drama genre.
10. Partner Track (2022)
Cast: Arden Cho, Dominic Sherwood
Premise: Ingrid Yun, a first-generation Korean-American lawyer, strives to make partner at a prestigious New York law firm while balancing personal relationships and ethical dilemmas.
11. The Lincoln Lawyer (2022–Present)
Cast: Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Neve Campbell
Premise: Mickey Haller, a defense attorney who operates out of his Lincoln Town Car, takes on cases across Los Angeles, blending legal acumen with street smarts.
12. All Rise (2019–2022)
Cast: Simone Missick, Wilson Bethel
Premise: Follows newly appointed Judge Lola Carmichael as she presides over cases in a Los Angeles courthouse, striving to bring empathy and integrity to the bench.
13. Burden of Truth (2018–2021)
Cast: Kristin Kreuk, Peter Mooney
Premise: Corporate attorney Joanna Hanley returns to her hometown to represent a major client but ends up uncovering a conspiracy affecting local girls, leading her to reevaluate her career and values.
14. The Split (2018–2022)
Cast: Nicola Walker, Stephen Mangan
Premise: Set in London, the series follows the Defoe family of female divorce lawyers as they navigate complex cases and personal entanglements, highlighting the intersection of professional and personal lives.
15. Defending Jacob (2020)
Cast: Chris Evans, Michelle Dockery
Premise: A legal thriller where assistant district attorney Andy Barber's life is upended when his son is accused of murder, forcing him to choose between his duty and his family.
16. Goliath (2016–2021)
Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Nina Arianda
Premise: Disgraced lawyer Billy McBride seeks redemption by taking on a wrongful death lawsuit against a powerful law firm, uncovering a vast conspiracy in the process.
17. The Good Fight (2017–2022)
Cast: Christine Baranski, Cush Jumbo
Premise: A spinoff of The Good Wife, the series follows Diane Lockhart as she joins a prominent African-American-owned law firm, tackling politically charged cases in a volatile legal landscape.
18. Bluff City Law (2019)
Cast: Jimmy Smits, Caitlin McGee
Premise: After her mother's death, Sydney Strait returns to her father's civil rights law firm in Memphis, confronting past conflicts while advocating for justice.
19. For the People (2018–2019)
Cast: Britt Robertson, Jasmin Savoy Brown
Premise: Set in the Southern District of New York Federal Court, the series follows young lawyers on both sides of the law as they handle high-profile cases and navigate their personal lives.
20. The Fix (2019)
Cast: Robin Tunney, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Premise: Former prosecutor Maya Travis returns to the courtroom after the man she failed to convict for a high-profile murder is suspected of another killing, reigniting a complex legal battle.
For more suggestions, visit my Top Legal TV Shows to Watch blog!
These modern legal dramas prove that the courtroom is still a powerful stage for storytelling—whether it's tackling social justice, diving into personal turmoil, or unraveling high-stakes mysteries. As the legal genre continues to expand globally and stylistically, it's never been easier to find a series that fits your mood. So whether you’re in the mood for a gritty procedural, a personal redemption arc, or a sharp satire on the justice system, this list has you covered. Add a few of these to your watchlist—you just might find your next favorite obsession.