Musim
Episod
Pelayan pemain
Boston Legal

Boston Legal

20048
DramaKomedi
Diterbitkan
03 Okt 2004
Negara
Amerika Syarikat
Produksi
David E. Kelley Productions20th Century Fox Television
Alan Shore dan Denny Crane memimpin sekumpulan peguam perdata berbayar tinggi di sebuah firma guaman mewah di Boston, dalam siri yang menumpukan kehidupan profesional dan peribadi peguam cemerlang namun sering menghadapi cabaran emosi. Spin‑off daripada siri lama The Practice.

About

Quick guide

Boston Legal follows high‑profile civil litigators at a Boston firm, blending courtroom drama with sharp wit.

Boston Legal centers on Alan Shore and the eccentric Denny Crane as they run the upscale firm Crane, Poole & Schmidt in Boston. The series mixes legal battles with personal stories, exploring ethical dilemmas, political satire, and the complexities of professional and family life. With its blend of comedy and drama, the show offers a distinctive take on law practice, featuring memorable characters and memorable courtroom moments.

What to know

  • 5 seasons, 101 episodes
  • Runtime 42‑62 minutes per episode
  • Created by David E. Kelley
  • Stars James Spader, William Shatner, Candice Bergen
  • Spin‑off of The Practice
  • Covers both civil and criminal cases
  • Set in Boston, USA
  • Aired on ABC from 2004 to 2008

Watch if

If you like smart legal drama that mixes sharp dialogue, ethical quandaries, and a touch of satire, Boston Legal offers a compelling mix of courtroom strategy and character‑driven storytelling set against the backdrop of Boston’s legal scene.

Skip if

If you prefer light, procedural dramas or straightforward comedy without complex character arcs, the show’s mature themes and long‑form storytelling might feel slower and more cerebral than you expect.

dialogue heavymature themespolitical themespsychological elementslanguage strong
Premise
Boston Legal follows Alan Shore and the eccentric Denny Crane as they lead the Boston firm Crane, Poole & Schmidt. Their cases range from civil disputes to criminal matters, but the real drama comes from the firm’s internal politics, their friendship, and the way they confront legal and moral challenges in their personal lives.
Cast and Characters
James Spader portrays the wily lawyer Alan Shore, while William Shatner plays the flamboyant Denny Crane. Candice Bergen joins as partner Shirley Schmidt, and the ensemble includes Rhona Mitra, Monica Potter, and Mark Valley. The supporting cast evolves over five seasons, adding depth and variety to the firm’s dynamics.
Season Structure
The series ran for five seasons, totaling 101 episodes. Each episode runs 42 to 62 minutes. The first two seasons had standard 22‑episode orders, while the third extended to 27 episodes. The final season contained 13 episodes, closing the series in December 2008.
Themes and Tone
Boston Legal blends legal drama with sharp comedy, exploring themes like ethics, justice, and the personal toll of practicing law. The tone fluctuates between light satire and darker moments, often reflecting the characters’ emotional journeys and the realities of the legal profession.
Production Background
Created by David E. Kelley, the show began as a spin‑off of The Practice. It was produced by David E. Kelley Productions and 20th Century Fox Television. Filming took place in Boston, using the real 500 Boylston Street building as a stand‑in for the fictional firm.
Reception
Critics praised the show’s sharp writing and strong performances. It earned multiple Emmy nominations and won several awards, including a Peabody Award in 2005. Though not a massive ratings hit, the series developed a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
Streaming Availability
Boston Legal is available on Hulu in the United States, making it accessible for new viewers and those revisiting the series. Episodes can also be purchased on DVD or through digital platforms.

FAQ

41 Q&A
What are some memorable moments from Boston Legal?
Memorable moments include Denny Crane's "This is the United States of America!" speech, Alan Shore's eccentric arguments, and the deep friendship between Denny and Alan.
Who played Denny Crane?
Denny Crane was played by William Shatner.
What awards did Boston Legal win?
Boston Legal won awards like Emmy Awards for William Shatner and other creative arts.
Who played Paul Lewiston?
Paul Lewiston was played by René Auberjonois.
Who played Clarence Bell?
Clarence Bell was played by Gary Anthony Williams.
Are there any spin-offs of Boston Legal?
There are no official spin-offs of Boston Legal.
What happened to the law firm Crane, Poole & Schmidt?
The law firm underwent several changes and mergers, eventually becoming part of a larger entity.
What were the main themes in Boston Legal?
Main themes included friendship, love, justice, ethics, and the complexities of the legal system.
Who played Alan Shore?
Alan Shore was played by James Spader.
Who played Sally Heffernan?
Sally Heffernan was played by Chyler Leigh.
What is Boston Legal about?
Boston Legal is about a group of ambitious and eccentric lawyers at a prestigious Boston law firm who take on challenging and often controversial cases.
Did Denny Crane and Alan Shore ever get married?
No, Denny Crane and Alan Shore did not get married.
Where can I watch Boston Legal?
Boston Legal is available on streaming services like Hulu and can be purchased on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video.
What is the relationship between Denny Crane and Alan Shore?
Denny Crane and Alan Shore shared a very close and deep friendship, often described as a bromance.
Did William Shatner win an Emmy for Boston Legal?
Yes, William Shatner won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Denny Crane.
Is Boston Legal based on a true story?
Boston Legal is a fictional series and is not based on a true story.
Who are the main characters in Boston Legal?
Main characters include Denny Crane, Alan Shore, Shirley Schmidt, Paul Lewiston, and Tara Wilson.
How many seasons of Boston Legal are there?
Boston Legal has five seasons.
What was the inspiration for Boston Legal?
The series was inspired by the legal drama "The Practice," also created by David E. Kelley.
Who was the creator of Boston Legal?
Boston Legal was created by David E. Kelley.
Who played Shirley Schmidt?
Shirley Schmidt was played by Candice Bergen.
What kind of cases did they handle in Boston Legal?
They handled a wide variety of cases, including civil rights, medical malpractice, and corporate law, often with moral and ethical dilemmas.
What happened at the end of Boston Legal?
The series finale saw the characters facing personal and professional challenges, with many finding resolutions to their storylines.
Who played Lori Colson?
Lori Colson was played by Monica Potter.
Who played Tara Wilson?
Tara Wilson was played by Kelli Williams.
What was the relationship between Alan Shore and Claire Simms?
Alan Shore and Claire Simms had a romantic relationship.
What was the inspiration for the character Denny Crane?
The character Denny Crane was inspired by the actor William Shatner's own persona and past roles.
Did Mark Valley play a character named Brad Chase?
Yes, Mark Valley played the character Brad Chase.
What was the deal with the champagne in Boston Legal?
Champagne was often shown being drunk by Denny Crane, symbolizing his extravagant lifestyle and celebratory nature.
Did James Spader win an Emmy for Boston Legal?
Yes, James Spader won an Emmy for his role as Alan Shore in Boston Legal.
What was the deal with the balconies in Boston Legal?
Balconies were often featured in the law firm's offices, providing a space for characters to have private conversations.
Who was the judge who often appeared in Boston Legal?
The judge who often appeared in Boston Legal was Judge Robert Sanders.
What happened to the character Whitney Young?
Whitney Young was a character who worked at the law firm and was involved in various cases.
What was the significance of the quote 'Denny Crane'?
The quote 'Denny Crane' was a recurring phrase often spoken by Denny Crane himself, highlighting his self-importance and ego.
Did Rene Auberjonois play a character named Paul Lewiston?
Yes, Rene Auberjonois played the character Paul Lewiston.
Did Candice Bergen win an Emmy for Boston Legal?
No, Candice Bergen did not win an Emmy for Boston Legal.
What happened to the character Katie Lloyd?
Katie Lloyd was a character who worked as a paralegal at the firm.
Did Michael J. Fox appear in Boston Legal?
No, Michael J. Fox did not appear in Boston Legal.
Did Gary Anthony Williams play a character named Clarence Bell?
Yes, Gary Anthony Williams played the character Clarence Bell.
What was the fate of the character Jerry Espenson?
Jerry Espenson was a lawyer at the firm who struggled with his mental health.
What was the setting for Boston Legal?
The setting for Boston Legal was a law firm in Boston, Massachusetts.

Pelakon

James Spader
James Spader
Alan Shore
William Shatner
William Shatner
Denny Crane
Candice Bergen
Candice Bergen
Shirley Schmidt
John Larroquette
John Larroquette
Carl Sack
Tara Summers
Tara Summers
Katie Lloyd
Christian Clemenson
Christian Clemenson
Jerry Espenson