Perry Mason (1957)
The iconic CBS courtroom drama starring Raymond Burr as the unbeatable defense attorney who championed the innocent across nine landmark seasons.
Perry Mason - Series Information
- Original Title: Perry Mason
- First Air Year: 1957
- Last Air Year: 1966
- Created by: Erle Stanley Gardner
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Mystery, Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 52 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 9
- Number of Episodes: 271
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Italian, English, Portuguese
- First Air Date: September 21, 1957 (United States - TV-PG), September 21, 1957 (Canada - PG), September 21, 1957 (Germany - 12), September 21, 1957 (France - 12), September 21, 1957 (Mexico - B), September 21, 1957 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: CBS
- Production Companies: Paisano Productions, TCF Television Productions, CBS
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Перри Мэйсон (RU)
Perry Mason - Plot
The cases of master criminal defense attorney Perry Mason and his staff who handled the most difficult of cases in the aid of the innocent.
Where to Watch Perry Mason
Looking for where to watch Perry Mason?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Perry Mason - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Erle Stanley Gardner
Main Cast
- Raymond Burr
- Barbara Hale
- William Hopper
- William Talman
- Ray Collins
- Lee Miller
- George E. Stone
- Dabbs Greer
- Wesley Lau
- Richard Anderson
Writers
- Erle Stanley Gardner
- Orville H. Hampton
- Samuel Newman
- Robert C. Dennis
- Jackson Gillis
Executive Producers
- Gail Patrick
Perry Mason - FAQs
Where can you watch Perry Mason online?
Perry Mason is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, Paramount+ (via Amazon Channel and Roku Premium Channel), YouTube TV, Philo, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. Availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most current streaming options in your area.
Did Raymond Burr ever lose a case as Perry Mason?
Raymond Burr's Perry Mason lost only three cases across the entire 271-episode run — and in each instance the verdict was later overturned or the circumstances were extraordinary. The near-perfect courtroom record became one of the show's most celebrated and enduring hallmarks.
Is Perry Mason based on a true story?
Perry Mason is not based on a true story. The character was created by novelist Erle Stanley Gardner, who drew on his own experience as a practicing lawyer. Gardner published the first Perry Mason novel in 1933, and the character became the basis for the long-running CBS television series.
Who are the main actors in Perry Mason?
The principal cast includes Raymond Burr as Perry Mason, Barbara Hale as secretary Della Street, William Hopper as investigator Paul Drake, William Talman as prosecutor Hamilton Burger, and Ray Collins as Lieutenant Tragg. The ensemble remained largely consistent throughout the show's nine-season run on CBS.
How many seasons and episodes does Perry Mason have?
Perry Mason ran for nine seasons on CBS, producing 271 episodes in total. The series premiered on September 21, 1957, and concluded in 1966. Each episode ran approximately 52 minutes, making the complete series one of the most substantial legal dramas in classic American television history.
What is Perry Mason about?
Perry Mason follows a brilliant and tenacious criminal defense attorney based in Los Angeles who, alongside his loyal secretary Della Street and private investigator Paul Drake, takes on seemingly unwinnable cases. Critics have praised its sharp courtroom drama, clever plotting, and Raymond Burr's commanding central performance.
When did Perry Mason first air on television?
Perry Mason made its television debut on September 21, 1957, on CBS. The premiere marked the beginning of a nine-year run that would cement the show as one of the defining legal dramas of the classic American television era, airing until 1966.
Did Perry Mason win any major television awards?
Yes. Raymond Burr won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series twice, in 1959 and 1961, for his portrayal of Perry Mason. Barbara Hale also won a Primetime Emmy in 1959 for Outstanding Supporting Actress, recognizing the ensemble's consistent excellence throughout the series.
More About Perry Mason
Explore further details about Perry Mason on these authoritative reference sites.