How Boston Legal Predicted Better Call Saul and Changed TV Legal Dramas

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In simpler terms, “Better Call Saul,” a notable blend of comedy and drama, stood out as the top legal series of the 2010s, much like “Boston Legal.” Originating as a spin-off from Vince Gilligan’s previous hit crime drama “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul” took on a more humorous tone while maintaining connections to its predecessor and introducing several familiar characters. However, it wasn’t the first time a darkly comical legal spinoff emerged victorious. About a decade prior, David E. Kelley, known for his legal dramas, achieved similar excellence in this area.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’d say it’s like how Gilligan took Saul, a character from the sprawling cast of Breaking Bad, and spun off a new series centered around him. Similarly, Kelley took a relatively minor character from his iconic legal-procedural show The Practice, and made him the star of a spinoff. Boston Legal, while sharing some similarities with its parent show, is more unique in its flavor, featuring James Spader as a TV icon before he became Robert California in The Office or Raymond Reddington in The Blacklist. By blending the comedy-drama elements of crime shows like Monk into the legal-procedural genre, Boston Legal paved the way for what Better Call Saul would accomplish a decade later.

The Practice’s Spinoff Boston Legal Was The Best Legal Drama On TV For 4 Years

Boston Legal Was The Outstanding Courtroom Series Of The Mid-2000s

From 2004 to 2008, “Boston Legal” was undeniably the most exceptional legal drama on TV. James Spader’s character, Alan Shore, who had been featured in just one season of its predecessor series “The Practice,” managed to outshine everyone else so remarkably that the show’s creator, David E. Kelley, felt compelled to give Spader top billing. Shore was a unique lawyer with an unconventional lifestyle and a knack for bending rules to win cases. His numerous quirks, such as his fear of clowns, occasionally impacted his work in ways that only private investigator Adrian Monk might understand.

In the TV show “Boston Legal,” Shore often turned seemingly lost cases into victories, a skill that was remarkable throughout the series’ five seasons. He would frequently present compelling arguments for defendants who might otherwise have been overlooked by the legal system. At his finest, he eloquently advocated for important matters like women’s rights and climate change, keeping audiences engaged with his witty language and adding a touch of humor to the courtroom.

Alan Shore’s arrogance and disregard for legal procedures may have alienated him within his professional circle, but as a captivating TV character, Boston Legal provided both humorous moments and engaging plotlines. Additionally, the unusual friendship between Shore and Denny Crane, who was portrayed by William Shatner, lent Boston Legal an emotional richness that surpasses what many legal series only aspire to.

Like Better Call Saul, Boston Legal Was Just As Good As Its Parent Show If Not Better

Just As Better Call Saul Rivaled Breaking Bad, Boston Legal Surpassed The Practice

Among fan circles, discussions persist on whether the TV series “Better Call Saul” outshines “Breaking Bad.” Both shows undeniably form an exceptional TV franchise, possibly only rivaled by “The Sopranos” within the crime genre. Analogously, “Boston Legal” is often seen as surpassing its parent show, “The Practice,” in terms of quality. Unlike “The Practice,” which largely adhered to familiar legal drama tropes, “Boston Legal” revolutionized the genre with its rich character development and dark comedy elements.

As I sat through the final episodes of “Boston Legal,” it became clear to me that this spin-off had captured the hearts of countless viewers, even outside the loyal fanbase of its predecessor, “The Practice.” This brilliant series not only redefined James Spader’s career but also paved the way for him to become a household name.

Fast forward several years, and another spin-off, “Better Call Saul,” would echo similar success. Initially drawing in newcomers to the “Breaking Bad” universe, this exceptional show transformed Bob Odenkirk from a comedian with a supporting role in a crime drama into one of the most revered actors on television.

In essence, both shows stand as rare examples of spinoffs that surpass their parent series in terms of acclaim and impact.

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2025-06-05 01:37