L.A. Law (1986)
The Emmy-winning NBC legal drama that brought America's most pressing social debates straight into the courtroom — and into living rooms nationwide.
L.A. Law - Series Information
- Original Title: L.A. Law
- First Air Year: 1986
- Last Air Year: 1994
- Created by: Steven Bochco, Terry Louise Fisher
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, War, Politics
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Number of Episodes: 171
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 15, 1986 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: 20th Century Fox Television, Steven Bochco Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
L.A. Law - Plot
L.A. Law is an American television legal drama series that ran for eight seasons on NBC from September 15, 1986, to May 19, 1994. Created by Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher, it contained many of Bochco's trademark features including a large number of parallel storylines, social drama and off-the-wall humor. It reflected the social and cultural ideologies of the 1980s and early 1990s, and many of the cases featured on the show dealt with hot-topic issues such as abortion, racism, gay rights, homophobia, sexual harassment, AIDS, and domestic violence. The series often also reflected social tensions between the wealthy senior lawyer protagonists and their less well-paid junior staff. The show was popular with audiences and critics, and won 15 Emmy Awards throughout its run, four of which were for Outstanding Drama Series.
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L.A. Law - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Steven Bochco
- Terry Louise Fisher
Main Cast
- Corbin Bernsen
- Jill Eikenberry
- Alan Rachins
- Michael Tucker
- Richard Dysart
- Susan Ruttan
- Blair Underwood
- Larry Drake
- Susan Dey
- Harry Hamlin
Writers
- David E. Kelley
- William M. Finkelstein
- Steven Bochco
- Paul Manning
- Julie Martin
Executive Producers
- Patricia Green
- David E. Kelley
- Steven Bochco
- Rick Wallace
L.A. Law - FAQs
Where can you stream L.A. Law today?
L.A. Law is currently available to stream on Hulu with a subscription. You can also compare all available viewing options across platforms and regions using JustWatch, which aggregates streaming, rental, and purchase availability in one place.
How many Emmy Awards did L.A. Law win?
L.A. Law won 15 Emmy Awards over its eight-season run, a remarkable achievement that cemented its place in television history. Four of those Emmys were for Outstanding Drama Series, making it one of the most decorated legal dramas of its era.
Who created L.A. Law and when did it premiere?
L.A. Law was created by Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher. The series premiered on NBC on September 15, 1986, and ran for eight seasons before concluding on May 19, 1994, making it one of the longest-running legal dramas of its generation.
What social issues did L.A. Law address?
L.A. Law tackled a wide range of controversial social issues including abortion, racism, gay rights, homophobia, sexual harassment, the AIDS crisis, and domestic violence. The show was groundbreaking for bringing these hot-button topics into mainstream primetime television during the 1980s and early 1990s.
Who are the main cast members of L.A. Law?
The principal cast includes Corbin Bernsen, Harry Hamlin, Susan Dey, Jill Eikenberry, Michael Tucker, Richard Dysart, Alan Rachins, Susan Ruttan, Blair Underwood, and Larry Drake. Jimmy Smits and John Spencer also appeared in notable recurring roles throughout the series.
How many seasons and episodes does L.A. Law have?
L.A. Law ran for 8 seasons and a total of 171 episodes on NBC. Each season typically consisted of 22 episodes, with the show airing from September 1986 through May 1994. A small number of special episodes are also included in the complete series catalog.
Did David E. Kelley write for L.A. Law?
Yes, David E. Kelley was a key writer on L.A. Law and also served as an executive producer. His work on the series helped launch his career, and he went on to create other acclaimed legal dramas including The Practice, Boston Legal, and Ally McBeal.
Is L.A. Law considered a landmark television series?
Absolutely. L.A. Law is widely regarded as a landmark in American television history. Critics praised its bold storytelling, ensemble cast, and willingness to engage with complex social issues. Its influence can be seen in virtually every legal drama that followed, from The Practice to Suits.
More About L.A. Law
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