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Episode
Spiller-server
Perry Mason

Perry Mason

19578
DramaKrimMystikk
Utgitt
21. sep. 1957
Land
USA
Produksjoner
Paisano ProductionsTCF Television ProductionsCBS
Saker fra den erfarne kriminelle forsvarsadvokaten Perry Mason og hans team, som håndterer de mest vanskelige sakene for å hjelpe de uskyldige.

About

Quick guide

Perry Mason (1957) is a classic American crime drama that follows a skilled defense lawyer through challenging cases.

The series follows Perry Mason, a brilliant criminal defense attorney, and his team as they tackle high‑stakes cases to protect the innocent. Each episode presents a self‑contained mystery that culminates in courtroom drama, showcasing legal tactics and moral questions without revealing the final twist. With a strong ensemble cast and period‑accurate production design, the show offers a snapshot of 1950s and 60s television storytelling.

What to know

  • Runs for 9 seasons with 271 hour‑long episodes.
  • Starring Raymond Burr, Barbara Hale and William Hopper.
  • Based on Erle Stanley Gardner’s novels and scripts.
  • Features courtroom drama, legal strategy and mystery.
  • Episodes are mostly self‑contained, no long‑term plot arc.
  • Contains mature themes, some violence and occasional gore.
  • Dialogue is dense with legal jargon and period dialogue.
  • Released originally on CBS; available on streaming platforms.

Watch if

If you enjoy intricate legal battles, well‑written mysteries, and classic 1950s‑60s TV style, this series offers engaging courtroom drama with a mix of mystery and moral dilemmas that keeps you guessing until the verdict.

Skip if

If you prefer fast‑paced action, contemporary settings, or light‑hearted entertainment, you’ll likely find the period dialogue and slow‑build investigations less appealing.

crime violencedark tonedialogue heavyinvestigation heavymature themessome gore
Series Overview and Premise
Perry Mason premiered in 1957 on CBS and ran for nine seasons, totaling 271 hour‑long episodes. The show centers on a master defense attorney who navigates complex criminal cases, often defending clients presumed innocent, while unraveling the truth through legal strategy and investigation.
Core Cast and Supporting Roles
Raymond Burr portrays the titular attorney, supported by Barbara Hale as his secretary Della Street and William Hopper as detective Paul Drake. The ensemble also includes recurring adversary Hamilton Burger, the district attorney, and other recurring legal and investigative figures.
Production Background and Creatives
The series drew from the works of creator Erle Stanley Gardner and featured a rotating roster of directors including Andrew V. McLaglen and Richard Donner. Jerry Goldsmith and Bernard Herrmann contributed to the soundtrack, while Fred Steiner’s theme ‘Park Avenue Beat’ became iconic.
Legal Drama and Investigation
Episodes combine courtroom confrontation with on‑the‑case investigation. The narrative relies heavily on legal jargon and procedural detail, offering viewers insight into 1950s criminal justice and the challenges of defending clients in a high‑profile environment.
Audience Reception and Ratings
The series enjoyed strong viewership during its original run, with a 9/10 IMDb rating. Critics praised its tight pacing and compelling legal twists, while audiences appreciated the period authenticity and character chemistry.
Legacy and Modern Adaptations
Perry Mason left a lasting imprint on legal dramas, influencing later shows such as Law & Order and The Good Wife. The franchise expanded into board games, novels, and a modern 1995 film, cementing its cultural significance.

FAQ

49 Q&A
What is the main conflict in the new Perry Mason series?
The new Perry Mason series often focuses on a child's death and the fight for justice.
What does Paul Drake do?
Paul Drake is a private investigator who helps Perry Mason.
Where can I watch the new Perry Mason?
The new Perry Mason series can be watched on HBO Max.
How does Perry Mason prove his client is innocent?
Perry Mason often proves innocence by finding the real killer in court.
What is Hamilton Burger's role?
Hamilton Burger is the district attorney who prosecutes the cases.
Who plays Paul Drake in the new show?
Chris Chalk plays Paul Drake in the new Perry Mason show.
What is the main story of Perry Mason?
Perry Mason is a lawyer who defends people accused of murder.
Who is the district attorney in Perry Mason?
Hamilton Burger is the district attorney in the Perry Mason series.
Where does Perry Mason work?
Perry Mason works as a defense lawyer.
Who plays Hamilton Burger in the new show?
Justin Kirk plays Hamilton Burger in the new Perry Mason show.
Who is the main suspect in the first season of the new Perry Mason?
The main suspect in the first season is often debated, but the focus is on finding the truth.
What does Perry Mason do for a living?
Perry Mason works as a defense attorney.
Who plays Della Street in the new show?
Juliet Rylance plays Della Street in the new Perry Mason show.
What kind of law does Perry Mason practice?
Perry Mason practices criminal defense law.
Why does Perry Mason always win his cases?
Perry Mason is known for his cleverness and ability to find evidence others miss.
Who helps Perry Mason solve cases?
Paul Drake and Della Street help Perry Mason solve cases.
When did the new Perry Mason show start?
The new Perry Mason show started in June 2020.
What is a typical Perry Mason case like?
A typical case involves a murder where Perry Mason defends someone he believes is innocent.
What is Della Street's job?
Della Street is Perry Mason's legal secretary and assistant.
Is the new Perry Mason based on a book?
Yes, the new Perry Mason is based on the character created by Erle Stanley Gardner.
What year is the new Perry Mason set in?
The new Perry Mason series is set in 1932 Los Angeles.
Who is Paul Drake?
Paul Drake is a private investigator who works with Perry Mason.
How many seasons of the new Perry Mason are there?
As of early 2026, there have been two seasons of the new Perry Mason show.
Who plays Perry Mason in the new show?
Matthew Rhys plays Perry Mason in the new show.
Who is Perry Mason?
Perry Mason is a famous defense lawyer who works to prove his clients' innocence.
What is the difference between the books and the TV shows?
The books often have more detailed legal strategies and internal monologues for Perry Mason, while the TV shows focus on the courtroom drama and Perry's clever defense tactics that lead to a confession.
Who is the judge in the new Perry Mason?
The judge in the new Perry Mason series is Judge Walter Darling, played by Shea Whigham.
Does Perry Mason have a family in the new show?
In the new Perry Mason series, Perry is estranged from his wife and has a young son, but his personal life is complex and not a central focus.
What are the recurring themes in Perry Mason stories?
Recurring themes include the fight for justice, the corruption within the legal system, the unreliability of appearances, and the moral complexities of the characters.
What is the name of the law firm in the new Perry Mason?
In the new Perry Mason series, the law firm is initially referred to as "Mason & Associates," though Perry is not yet a full-fledged lawyer.
What makes Perry Mason a compelling character?
Perry Mason is compelling because he is a brilliant defense attorney who consistently fights for the underdog and exposes the truth, often through unconventional means.
What is the court case about in the new Perry Mason?
The court case in the new Perry Mason series is about the murder of a young boy named Charlie Dodson, and the subsequent trial of his parents.
What are Perry Mason's struggles in the new show?
Perry Mason's struggles in the new show include dealing with his past trauma, his strained relationships, his personal demons, and his early career challenges as a private investigator.
Are there any real-life lawyers like Perry Mason?
While Perry Mason is a fictional character, there have been real-life lawyers known for their sharp legal minds and dedication to defending their clients, though perhaps not with the same dramatic flair.
Where was the new Perry Mason filmed?
The new Perry Mason series was primarily filmed in and around Los Angeles, California, capturing the atmosphere of the late 1930s.
What are some interesting facts about making the new Perry Mason?
Interesting facts include the series' darker and grittier tone compared to the original, its focus on Perry's origin story, and the meticulous period detail in its production design.
What is Perry Mason's personal life like in the new show?
In the new show, Perry's personal life is depicted as troubled, marked by a difficult marriage, a young son he is largely separated from, and his own internal struggles.
Why is Perry Mason a famous TV lawyer?
Perry Mason is famous because he was one of television's first iconic lawyers, known for his brilliant courtroom strategies and his ability to get his clients acquitted by revealing the true killer.
Who are the main characters in the original Perry Mason series?
The main characters in the original series include Perry Mason, his loyal secretary Della Street, private investigator Paul Drake, and Hamilton Burger, the district attorney.
Who are the main actors in the new Perry Mason?
The main actors in the new Perry Mason series include Matthew Rhys as Perry Mason, Juliet Rylance as Della Street, and Chris Chalk as Paul Drake.
How do the Perry Mason shows keep viewers guessing?
The shows keep viewers guessing by introducing multiple suspects, red herrings, and a complex plot that is only unraveled in the dramatic courtroom scenes where Perry reveals the truth.
What is the overall tone of the Perry Mason series?
The original Perry Mason series has a tone of classic legal procedural with a clear moral compass, while the new series adopts a much darker, grittier, and more character-driven noir tone.
What is the significance of the name 'Perry Mason'?
The name 'Perry Mason' has become synonymous with a brilliant defense attorney who always finds a way to prove his client's innocence, making it an iconic figure in legal fiction.
How is the new Perry Mason different from the old one?
The new Perry Mason is different from the old one in its darker, more complex narrative, its focus on Perry's troubled past and early career, and its more realistic and gritty portrayal of the era.
What happened to the baby in the new Perry Mason?
The baby in the new Perry Mason series, Charlie Dodson, was tragically kidnapped and murdered, which drives the central mystery of the season.
What was the original Perry Mason TV show about?
The original Perry Mason TV show was about a brilliant defense attorney who successfully defended clients accused of murder, typically by uncovering the real killer in court.
Is the new Perry Mason a prequel?
Yes, the new Perry Mason series serves as a prequel, exploring Perry Mason's life and career as a private investigator before he became a full-fledged defense attorney.
What is the baby's name in the new Perry Mason?
The baby's name in the new Perry Mason series is Charlie Dodson.
Who is the main villain in the new Perry Mason?
The main villains in the new Perry Mason series are complex and multifaceted, involving corrupt individuals and institutions that are part of the conspiracy surrounding Charlie Dodson's murder.

Skuespillere

Raymond Burr
Raymond Burr
Perry Mason
Barbara Hale
Barbara Hale
Della Street
William Hopper
William Hopper
Paul Drake
William Talman
William Talman
Hamilton Burger
Ray Collins
Ray Collins
Lieutenant Tragg