Raising the Bar (2008)
A TNT legal drama pitting young public defenders against prosecutors, with judges caught in between, across two seasons of sharp courtroom storytelling.
Raising the Bar - Series Information
- Original Title: Raising the Bar
- First Air Year: 2008
- Last Air Year: 2009
- Created by: Steven Bochco, David Feige
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 25
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 1, 2008 (United States - TV-PG), September 1, 2008 (Germany - 16), September 1, 2008 (France - 16), September 1, 2008 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: TNT
- Alternative Titles: Avvocati A New York (IT)
- Production Companies: ABC Studios, Steven Bochco Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Raising the Bar - Plot
The lives and cases of young lawyers who work on opposite sides - the public defender's office and the district attorney's office - as well as those who sit in judgment on their cases.
Raising the Bar - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the courtroom drama unfold:
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Raising the Bar - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Steven Bochco
- David Feige
Main Cast
- Mark-Paul Gosselaar
- Gloria Reuben
- Currie Graham
- Melissa Sagemiller
- J. August Richards
- Jonathan Scarfe
- Teddy Sears
- Natalia Cigliuti
- Jane Kaczmarek
- Jon Polito
Writers
- David Feige
- Alison Cross
- Jonathan Abrahams
- Joel Fields
- Tassie Cameron
Executive Producers
- Steven Bochco
Raising the Bar - FAQs
Who plays Jerry Kellerman in Raising the Bar?
Mark-Paul Gosselaar plays Jerry Kellerman, a passionate public defender at the heart of the series. Best known at the time for Saved by the Bell, Gosselaar's performance in Raising the Bar was widely praised as a career-redefining turn, showcasing his range as a dramatic actor.
What is Raising the Bar about?
Raising the Bar follows young lawyers working on opposite sides of the justice system — public defenders, prosecutors, and judges — as they navigate complex cases and personal tensions. Created by Steven Bochco and David Feige, the show blends courtroom drama with character-driven storytelling set in New York City.
Did Raising the Bar get cancelled after two seasons?
TNT cancelled Raising the Bar after two seasons. The series ran from September 2008 through 2009, producing 25 episodes across its run. Despite a dedicated audience and strong performances, the network chose not to renew it for a third season.
Where can you watch Raising the Bar?
Raising the Bar is available to purchase or rent digitally. You can buy episodes or seasons on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. There is currently no subscription streaming option, so a digital purchase is the most accessible way to watch.
Who created Raising the Bar?
Raising the Bar was created by Steven Bochco, the legendary producer behind Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue, and David Feige, a former public defender who brought authentic legal insight to the series. Their collaboration gave the show both dramatic polish and real-world credibility.
How many episodes does Raising the Bar have?
Raising the Bar has 25 episodes in total across two seasons. Season 1 consists of 10 episodes, while Season 2 expanded to 15 episodes. The series aired on TNT beginning in September 2008 and concluded in 2009.
Is Raising the Bar based on a true story?
Not directly, but co-creator David Feige drew heavily from his real-life experience as a public defender in the Bronx. His memoir Indefensible informed much of the show's portrayal of the justice system's inequities, giving Raising the Bar an authenticity rarely found in legal dramas.
What shows are similar to Raising the Bar?
Fans of Raising the Bar tend to enjoy For the People (2018), All Rise (2019), Reasonable Doubt (2022), The Lincoln Lawyer (2022), and Goliath (2016). These series share the same passion for courtroom drama, morally complex characters, and the tensions between justice and the law.
More About Raising the Bar
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