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L.A. Law

L.A. Law

19867
درامجنگ و سیاست
انتشار
۲۴ شهریور ۱۳۶۵
کشور
ایالات متحده
تولیدات
20th Century Fox TelevisionSteven Bochco Productions
L.A. Law یک سریال درام حقوقی تلویزیونی آمریکایی است که در شبکه NBC از 15 سپتامبر 1986 تا 19 مه 1994 برای هشت فصل پخش شد. این سریال توسط استیون بوچکو و تری لوئیس فایشر ساخته شد و بسیاری از ویژگی‌های شناخته‌شده بوچکو را در بر دارد، از جمله تعداد زیادی داستان موازی، درام اجتماعی و طنز بی‌نظیر. این سریال بازتاب دهنده ایدئولوژی‌های اجتماعی و فرهنگی دهه 1980 و اوایل دهه 1990 بود و بسیاری از پرونده‌های آن مسائل گرمی مانند سقط جنین، نژادپرستی، حقوق همجنس‌گرایان، فوبیا همجنس‌گرایی، آزار جنسی، ایدز و خشونت خانگی را بررسی می‌کرد. این سریال همچنین اغلب تنش‌های اجتماعی بین وکلا برتر ثروتمند و کارکنان جوان‌تر و کم‌حقوقشان را نشان می‌داد. این برنامه در میان مخاطبان و منتقدان محبوب بود و در طول دوره پخشش 15 جایزه امی را کسب کرد که چهار تا از آن‌ها برای بهترین درام دریافت شد.

About

Quick guide

American legal drama set in a Los Angeles law firm, airing from 1986 to 1994.

L.A. Law follows the partners, associates, and staff of a Los Angeles‑based firm as they navigate high‑stakes cases and complex personal dynamics. Created by Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher, the eight‑season series is known for its rapid, interwoven storylines, sharp dialogue, and willingness to tackle hot‑button issues such as abortion, racism, AIDS, and domestic violence. The show blends courtroom drama with social commentary and off‑the‑wall humor, offering a vivid snapshot of 1980s and early 1990s American culture.

What to know

  • Airing time: 10 p.m. (Friday, later Thursday) on NBC
  • Runtime: 60 minutes per episode (including commercials)
  • Eight seasons, 172 episodes
  • Ensemble cast featuring Harry Hamlin, Corbin Bernsen, Jill Eikenberry, and guest stars like Kevin Spacey, Bryan Cranston, and Lucy Liu
  • Episodes addressed controversial social topics such as abortion, racism, AIDS, and domestic violence
  • No single narrative arc – multiple parallel storylines in every episode
  • Series concluded without a traditional finale; a reunion movie aired in 2002
  • All episodes available in remastered HD on Hulu (as of Nov 2023)

Watch if

If you enjoy sharp, fast‑paced dialogue, complex courtroom drama, and an ensemble cast that explores both legal and personal tensions, L.A. Law offers a layered look at justice and ambition that reflects the era’s social and cultural debates.

Skip if

Skip if you prefer light‑hearted sitcoms, tidy story conclusions, or shows that avoid the darker, morally ambiguous cases typical of this series.

dialogue heavymature themespolitical themesdark tonesuspensefulpsychological elementssad tone
Show Premise
The series centers on McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney and Kuzak (later expanded), a Los Angeles law firm where partners, associates and support staff juggle complex cases and personal relationships. Each episode blends courtroom drama with behind‑the‑scenes politics, delivering multiple story arcs that reflect the era’s legal and social challenges.
Main Cast
Key figures include partner Michael Kuzak (Harry Hamlin), associate Arnie Becker (Corbin Bernsen), associate Ann Kelsey (Jill Eikenberry), senior partner Leland McKenzie (Richard Dysart), and assistant district attorney Stuart Markowitz (Michael Tucker). Guest stars such as Kevin Spacey, Bryan Cranston, and Lucy Liu appeared in early seasons.
Social Issues Covered
The show tackled abortion, racism, AIDS, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and gay rights, often reflecting contemporary debates. By weaving these themes into legal cases, L.A. Law offered a progressive lens on justice while maintaining dramatic tension.
Production & Style
Created by Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher, the series used rapid cuts, overlapping dialogue, and a fast‑paced structure that mirrored the hectic pace of legal practice. Its humor was off‑the‑wall yet grounded in realistic office dynamics.
Reception & Impact
L.A. Law won 15 Emmy Awards, including four Best Drama Series awards. Critics praised its realistic portrayal of the legal profession and its influence on public perception of lawyers, though some noted its dramatic exaggerations.
Legacy & Reboots
A 2002 reunion film, _L.A. Law: The Movie_, reassembled most of the original cast. While no long‑running revival has succeeded, the series remains a touchstone for legal dramas that combine procedural and character focus.
Where to Watch
All eight seasons are available for streaming on Hulu in remastered HD (since Nov 2023). Prior to that, they were occasionally on Amazon Prime Video. The series can also be purchased on DVD through various retailers.

FAQ

40 Q&A
What was the setting for L.A. Law?
L.A. Law was set in a fictional law firm in Los Angeles, California. The show focused on the personal and professional lives of the lawyers working there.
What made L.A. Law different from other TV shows?
L.A. Law was different because it showed lawyers as real people with problems, not just in court. It also tackled tough social issues and used a documentary style sometimes.
Where can I watch L.A. Law now?
L.A. Law is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. You can also buy episodes or seasons on platforms like Apple TV and Google Play.
What happened to the main characters at the end of L.A. Law?
The very end of L.A. Law saw some characters move on, retire, or face personal challenges. The show concluded with many of the ongoing storylines finding some form of resolution for the main cast.
What is the main story of L.A. Law?
The main story of L.A. Law follows the lawyers at a Los Angeles firm as they handle various legal cases and deal with their own dramatic personal lives.
Did the cast of L.A. Law change much over time?
Yes, the cast of L.A. Law changed quite a bit over its run. Many actors joined and left the show throughout its many seasons.
How did the show portray lawyers and the legal system?
The show portrayed lawyers as complex individuals who sometimes bent rules. It showed the legal system as both a place for justice and one with its own flaws and struggles.
Who were the key people involved in making L.A. Law?
Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher were the creators of L.A. Law. They were also executive producers who guided the show.
Did the series finale of L.A. Law wrap up all the storylines?
The series finale of L.A. Law aimed to provide closure for most of the main characters and their ongoing stories, though some ambiguity remained.
Were there any spin-offs from L.A. Law?
Yes, there was a spin-off of L.A. Law called L.A. Law: The Movie, which continued the stories of some characters.
What are some of the famous cases L.A. Law covered?
L.A. Law covered many famous cases, including those involving abortion, racial discrimination, police brutality, and a wrongful death suit against a famous chef.
What was the significance of the show's title, L.A. Law?
The title L.A. Law simply referred to the location, Los Angeles, and the focus of the show, the legal profession.
Did L.A. Law ever address controversial topics?
Yes, L.A. Law frequently addressed controversial topics such as abortion, racism, homophobia, police misconduct, and the death penalty.
What were the major themes in L.A. Law?
Major themes in L.A. Law included the struggle for justice, the balance between personal and professional life, ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers, and societal issues.
What awards did L.A. Law win?
L.A. Law won many awards, including multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series and a Peabody Award.
What is the ending of L.A. Law?
The ending of L.A. Law showed the characters moving forward with their lives, with some leaving the firm and others continuing their legal careers, reflecting the ongoing nature of life and law.
What kind of law firm is McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney & Becker?
McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney & Becker was a high-profile, fictional law firm in Los Angeles that handled a wide range of legal cases, both civil and criminal.
Did L.A. Law deal with real-life issues?
Yes, L.A. Law was known for dealing with many real-life issues and social problems that were relevant to the time it aired.
When did L.A. Law first air?
L.A. Law first aired on September 15, 1986.
What kind of impact did L.A. Law have on television?
L.A. Law had a significant impact on television by pioneering a more realistic and complex portrayal of legal dramas and tackling socially relevant themes.
What was the overall tone of L.A. Law?
The overall tone of L.A. Law was a mix of drama, humor, and social commentary. It was often serious but also had moments of levity.
Who are the main characters in L.A. Law?
The main characters in L.A. Law included attorneys like Douglas Brackman, Arnie Becker, Victor Sifuentes, Grace Van Owen, and Ann Kelsey, among others.
Who played the main characters in L.A. Law?
Notable actors who played main characters include Harry Hamlin as Michael Kuzak, Jill Eikenberry as Ann Kelsey, Alan Rachins as Douglas Brackman, and Corbin Bernsen as Arnie Becker.
What were some memorable moments from L.A. Law?
Memorable moments include controversial cases, character-driven personal dramas, and the show's innovative filming techniques, such as breaking the fourth wall.
How many seasons of L.A. Law were there?
L.A. Law had a total of eight seasons.
What was the original concept for L.A. Law?
The original concept for L.A. Law was to show the dramatic and personal lives of lawyers working at a Los Angeles law firm, focusing on their cases and how their jobs affected their lives.
What lessons can viewers learn from L.A. Law?
Viewers could learn about the complexities of the legal system, the ethical dilemmas lawyers face, and how demanding a career in law can be, while also seeing the importance of teamwork and personal relationships.
Did L.A. Law have a movie or reunion special?
Yes, L.A. Law had a reunion movie that aired in 2022, bringing back many of the original cast members to revisit their characters and the firm.
What were the biggest challenges faced by the characters in L.A. Law?
The characters faced challenges such as winning difficult cases, dealing with ethical conflicts, managing demanding workloads, and balancing their professional ambitions with their personal lives and relationships.
Did any real lawyers help write L.A. Law?
The show often had legal consultants who were real lawyers to ensure the accuracy of the legal proceedings and terminology, even though the scripts were written by a creative team.
What were the criticisms of L.A. Law?
Criticisms sometimes included concerns about the show's portrayal of certain legal issues, its dramatic liberties, and occasional complaints about character development or plotlines diverging from realism.
What was the visual style of L.A. Law?
L.A. Law was known for its sophisticated, often cinéma vérité-inspired visual style, using natural lighting and hand-held cameras to give it a realistic, documentary-like feel, especially in courtroom scenes.
What are some common misconceptions about L.A. Law?
A common misconception might be that the show perfectly mirrored the day-to-day reality of all lawyers; while it aimed for realism, it was still a dramatic television series that heightened events for entertainment.
What was the working atmosphere like on the set of L.A. Law?
Reports suggest that the working atmosphere on the set of L.A. Law was generally professional and collaborative, though like many long-running shows, it likely had its share of creative tensions and demanding schedules.
Did L.A. Law inspire any other shows?
Yes, L.A. Law's success and its blend of legal drama with personal stories paved the way for many other shows in the legal and ensemble drama genres that followed.
What music was used in L.A. Law?
The show featured a memorable, distinctive theme music composed by Mike Post, and also used various contemporary music cues to underscore dramatic moments or reflect the time period.
Were there any famous guest stars on L.A. Law?
L.A. Law featured numerous guest stars who later became famous, and also had well-known actors appear in significant guest roles throughout its run.
How did the show depict the personal lives of lawyers?
The show depicted the personal lives of lawyers by showing their struggles with relationships, family, personal health, and the emotional toll of their work, often intertwining these issues with their professional cases.
Who created L.A. Law?
L.A. Law was created by Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher.
How realistic was the portrayal of law in L.A. Law?
L.A. Law was generally considered to be a realistic portrayal of law for television, effectively balancing dramatic storytelling with factual legal procedures and ethical considerations, though some dramatic license was always taken.

بازیگران

Corbin Bernsen
Corbin Bernsen
Arnie Becker
Jill Eikenberry
Jill Eikenberry
Ann Kelsey
Alan Rachins
Alan Rachins
Douglas Brackman
Michael Tucker
Michael Tucker
Stuart Markowitz
Blair Underwood
Blair Underwood
Jonathan Rollins
Larry Drake
Larry Drake
Benny Stulwicz
John Spencer
John Spencer
Tommy Mullaney
A Martinez
A Martinez
Daniel Morales
Richard Dysart
Richard Dysart
Leland McKenzie
Alan Rosenberg
Alan Rosenberg
Eli Levinson
Debi Mazar
Debi Mazar
Denise Iannello
Alexandra Powers
Alexandra Powers
Jane Halliday