Murder One (1995)

A landmark legal drama from Steven Bochco that follows one defense attorney through one explosive murder trial per season.

Murder One - Series Information

  • Original Title: Murder One
  • First Air Year: 1995
  • Last Air Year: 1997
  • Created by: Channing Gibson, Charles H. Eglee et al.
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama
  • Content Rating (US): TV-MA
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 47 minutes
  • Number of Seasons: 2
  • Number of Episodes: 41
  • Status: Canceled
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: September 20, 1995 (United States - TV-14), September 20, 1995 (United Kingdom - 15), September 20, 1995 (Germany - 18), September 20, 1995 (Australia - M), September 20, 1995 (Spain - 18)
  • Networks: ABC
  • Production Companies: Steven Bochco Productions, 20th Century Fox Television
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Murder One - Plot

Theodore 'Teddy' Hoffman is a highly-regarded defense attorney in a prestigious Los Angeles law firm. Having successfully defended the wealthy but suspicious Richard Cross in a much-publicised murder trial, he is now involved in the defense of Neil Avedon, a famous young actor who has been suffering from severe drug and alcohol problems - and has been charged with the murder for which Cross was acquitted.

Where to Watch Murder One

Looking for where to watch Murder One?

Murder One - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Channing Gibson
  • Charles H. Eglee
  • Steven Bochco

Main Cast

  • Mary McCormack
  • Michael Hayden
  • J.C. MacKenzie
  • Barbara Bosson
  • John Fleck
  • Daniel Benzali
  • Stanley Tucci
  • Grace Phillips
  • Vanessa Williams
  • Dylan Baker

Writers

  • Geoffrey Neigher
  • Charles H. Eglee
  • William M. Finkelstein
  • Steven Bochco
  • Ann Donahue

Executive Producers

  • Steven Bochco
  • Charles H. Eglee
  • Michael Fresco

Murder One - FAQs

What is Murder One about?

Murder One follows Theodore 'Teddy' Hoffman, a prominent Los Angeles defense attorney, as he handles a single high-profile murder case across an entire season. Season 1 centers on the trial of wealthy suspect Richard Cross, while Season 2 shifts focus to troubled actor Neil Avedon.

Who are the main actors in Murder One?

The series stars Daniel Benzali as defense attorney Theodore Hoffman in Season 1, with Stanley Tucci, Mary McCormack, Michael Hayden, J.C. MacKenzie, Barbara Bosson, and Anthony LaPaglia among the key cast. Season 2 introduced new leads including Jason Gedrick and Patricia Clarkson.

Who created Murder One?

Murder One was created by Channing Gibson, Charles H. Eglee, and Steven Bochco. Bochco, the prolific television producer behind Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue, served as executive producer alongside Eglee and Michael Fresco throughout the series' run on ABC.

Why was Daniel Benzali replaced in Season 2?

Daniel Benzali did not return for Season 2 of Murder One. Reports at the time cited creative and contractual disagreements. Anthony LaPaglia stepped in as the new lead attorney, Jimmy Wyler, giving the second season a fresh dynamic while retaining the show's signature single-case narrative format.

How many seasons and episodes does Murder One have?

Murder One ran for 2 seasons and 41 episodes in total. Season 1 comprised 23 episodes and Season 2 comprised 18 episodes, with each season dedicated to following a single murder case from investigation through verdict. The series also includes 2 special episodes.

When did Murder One first air?

Murder One premiered on September 20, 1995, on ABC in the United States. The series ran until 1997 before being cancelled. It was notable for its serialized format, which was considered groundbreaking for American network television at the time of its debut.

Where can I watch Murder One?

Murder One is currently available to purchase or rent digitally through Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. There is no confirmed subscription streaming option at this time. For the most up-to-date availability in your region, check JustWatch for a full list of current viewing options.

Was Murder One influential on later legal dramas?

Murder One is widely credited as a pioneering serialized legal drama. Its single-case-per-season format directly influenced later acclaimed series such as The People v. O.J. Simpson and The Night Of. Critics have recognized it as ahead of its time in bringing novelistic storytelling to American network television.

More About Murder One

Explore further details about Murder One on these authoritative databases.

Help Us Keep Our Content Accurate.

Report an Error