8 Legal Dramas That Outshine Law & Order: From The Lincoln Lawyer to Better Call Saul

by

As a huge cinema and TV fan, I can honestly say that when it comes to legal dramas, Law & Order is just legendary. It started back in 1990 on NBC, and it wasn’t just another crime show – it had a really smart way of tackling each case. Over the years, it’s become so much more than just one show, growing into this massive franchise with tons of spin-offs. Honestly, it feels like it’s always been there, a true staple of television.

Even though Law & Order has had many successful series and is a well-known show, even its biggest fans would likely agree that other legal dramas are better. Simply combining police work and courtroom scenes in one episode isn’t enough to make the original series stand out anymore.

While Law & Order has had some truly memorable episodes and launched the careers of many actors, there are other legal dramas throughout television history that are simply better from an artistic standpoint.

While no other show in the crime drama genre has produced as many episodes or stayed popular for as long as Law & Order, there are other legal dramas that are simply better – from the groundbreaking shows of the 1980s to the big-budget series available today.

The Lincoln Lawyer

2022–Present

©Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

Although several TV shows share similarities with The Lincoln Lawyer, none capture the excitement of legal dramas quite like it. This adaptation of Michael Connelly’s novels, created by David E. Kelley, follows defense attorney Mickey Haller and is fast-paced and stylish. It expertly combines the tension of courtroom battles with both thrilling crime investigations and personal romantic struggles.

It’s no surprise that The Lincoln Lawyer was Netflix’s most popular show in 2024. With season four set to premiere in early 2026 and featuring Mickey Haller on trial for murder, Netflix is likely to attract even more viewers eager for a thrilling and unpredictable story.

Although the show isn’t technically perfect, its captivating storytelling will keep you hooked. It’s a fresh take on legal dramas, surpassing older shows like Law & Order in terms of style and engagement.

Goliath

2016–2021

Before creating the Netflix series The Lincoln Lawyer, David E. Kelley developed this Prime Video show about a rebellious lawyer battling alcoholism. Billy Bob Thornton, known from Landman, gives a fantastic performance as Billy McBride in Goliath. McBride isn’t concerned with following the rules, but he’s an exceptionally talented attorney.

After a difficult past case, McBride has become deeply distrustful of the justice system. This internal struggle – between his cynicism and his professional pride – creates a fascinating and complex character, making Thornton’s lead incredibly compelling to watch.

The legal drama Goliath is consistently gripping over its four seasons. Billy McBride is a character constantly facing disaster, yet he repeatedly manages to find a way to succeed despite the odds.

Reasonable Doubt

2022–Present

The legal thriller Reasonable Doubt maintains its perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes for the third season in a row, proving it’s consistently engaging and well-made. Emayatzy Corinealdi shines as Jax Stewart, a successful lawyer whose demanding career clashes with her personal life, and she brings a captivating energy to the role.

Even though the show follows a predictable pattern over its three seasons, that formula is clearly successful. Reasonable Doubt has found what works and is sticking with it. Its smart twists and lighthearted style should keep viewers engaged for many seasons, especially if the new actors continue to perform as well as they have been.

L.A. Law

1986–1994

As a big fan of legal dramas, I always think about L.A. Law when people debate the best ones ever. It really set the stage for everything we see now – even parts of Law & Order owe a lot to it! The show did an amazing job of showing you all sides of working at a big law firm, from the intense courtroom battles to everything happening behind the scenes.

David E. Kelley and William M. Finkelstein, both famous for their legal dramas, started their careers writing for L.A. Law. Though the show wasn’t as strong in its later years, it still sets the standard for how the legal world is shown on TV – even before Law & Order came along.

The Good Wife

2009–2016

Among recent legal dramas, The Good Wife stands out for its realistic portrayal of how legal cases actually unfold. Beyond following Alicia Florrick’s work as a lawyer, the show also thoughtfully explores broader issues in American society and the image of the legal system.

Unlike most legal dramas, The Good Wife and its spin-offs feel grounded in reality. The challenges faced by Alicia and her coworkers are relatable and feel like they could happen in the real world, rather than existing solely to drive the plot of a fictional story.

The show also does a great job of showing the extra challenges women encounter at work, and how those challenges impact their families – something most TV shows ignore. While shows like Law & Order have strong female characters, they don’t feel as relatable or genuine as the ones in this series.

Boston Legal

2004–2008

It’s rare for a legal drama to consistently deliver exceptional episodes, but Boston Legal comes remarkably close. The show is brilliantly funny and features unforgettable courtroom speeches. As a spin-off of David E. Kelley’s The Practice, it rightfully established James Spader as one of television’s most fascinating and captivating actors.

Alan Shore, played by James Spader, is a truly unique character. He’s a bit arrogant, but always tries to do the right thing, and while generally kind, he’s not above bending the rules if it means winning a just case. These contradictions make him both relatable and fascinating. And the show Boston Legal is even better with William Shatner’s Denny Crane adding to the mix.

Matlock

1986–1995

Now that Kathy Bates’ new version of Matlock is doing so well, it’s easy to overlook the fact that it originally starred Andy Griffith in the 1980s. The original Matlock featured Ben Matlock, a clever and experienced lawyer who often hid his intelligence behind a grumpy attitude and a slow, Southern way of speaking.

Unlike shows like Law & Order which blend legal details with dramatic storylines, Matlock focuses on mysteries that its lawyer protagonist solves through clever investigation. The show relies on surprising twists and delivers a rewarding payoff with each courtroom reveal.

Better Call Saul

2015–2022

While this show blends genres and doesn’t fit easily into any single category, it’s a standout series. Many believe Better Call Saul actually surpasses Breaking Bad, the show that introduced the unforgettable character of Saul Goodman. Those who strictly adhere to the traditional legal drama format might disagree with comparing Saul Goodman to lawyers like Ben Stone or Mickey Haller, and that’s understandable.

Look, the guy does some seriously questionable things, but at his core, he’s a lawyer who’s constantly fighting for clients. And honestly, Better Call Saul just doesn’t play by the rules of typical legal dramas. It’s far too complex and ambitious to be neatly categorized. Yes, it’s a lawyer show, but it quickly becomes so much more than that – honestly, it’s in a completely different league than something like Law & Order. It’s just… bigger.

Read More

2025-11-19 03:01