The Practice (1997)
David E. Kelley's Emmy-winning legal drama pitting Boston defense attorneys against their own moral limits, case by relentless case.
The Practice - Series Information
- Original Title: The Practice
- First Air Year: 1997
- Last Air Year: 2004
- Created by: David E. Kelley
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (44 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Number of Episodes: 168
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 4, 1997 (United States - TV-14), March 4, 1997 (Canada - PG), March 4, 1997 (Germany - 12), March 4, 1997 (France - 12), March 4, 1997 (Australia - M), March 4, 1997 (Spain - 13), March 4, 1997 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: The Practice: Donnell & Associés (FR), Praktika (RU), Cabinet de Avocatură (RO), Synigoros yperaspisis (GR)
- Production Companies: David E. Kelley Productions, Daydreamers Entertainment, Decode Entertainment, 20th Century Fox Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Practice - Plot
A provocative legal drama focused on young associates at a bare-bones Boston firm and their scrappy boss, Bobby Donnell. The show's forte is its storylines about "people who walk a moral tightrope."
The Practice - Trailer
Preview the series with this featured video from The Practice.
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Between Justice And Morality Can We Choose?
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The Practice - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- David E. Kelley
Main Cast
- Steve Harris
- Camryn Manheim
- Michael Badalucco
- Dylan McDermott
- LisaGay Hamilton
- Kelli Williams
- Lara Flynn Boyle
- Marla Sokoloff
- Ray Abruzzo
- Jessica Capshaw
Writers
- David E. Kelley
- Lynne E. Litt
- Adam Armus
- Peter Blake
- David Shore
Executive Producers
- Robert Breech
- David E. Kelley
The Practice - FAQs
Where can you stream The Practice online?
The Practice is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region.
Did The Practice win any major awards?
Yes. The Practice was a major awards contender throughout its run, winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 1998 and 1999. Camryn Manheim won an Emmy for her portrayal of Ellenor Frutt, and the show earned numerous additional nominations across its eight seasons.
Who are the main actors in The Practice?
The principal cast includes Dylan McDermott as Bobby Donnell, Steve Harris as Eugene Young, Camryn Manheim as Ellenor Frutt, LisaGay Hamilton as Rebecca Washington, Kelli Williams as Lindsay Dole, Lara Flynn Boyle as Helen Gamble, and Michael Badalucco as Jimmy Berluti, among others.
Why did James Spader join The Practice late?
James Spader joined The Practice in Season 7 as the morally ambiguous attorney Alan Shore, a character introduced to reinvigorate the series. His performance was so compelling that it earned him an Emmy Award and directly led to the creation of the spin-off series Boston Legal.
What is The Practice TV series about?
The Practice follows the attorneys of a small, underfunded Boston law firm led by Bobby Donnell. The series explores the ethical and moral tensions inherent in criminal defense work, depicting lawyers who must sometimes defend clients they believe are guilty while wrestling with their own conscience and professional integrity.
How many seasons and episodes does The Practice have?
The Practice ran for 8 seasons and 168 episodes in total, airing on ABC from March 4, 1997, through May 16, 2004. Each season ranged from 22 to 28 episodes, with an additional specials season containing one episode.
Is The Practice connected to Boston Legal?
Yes. Boston Legal (2004–2008) is a direct spin-off of The Practice. The character Alan Shore, played by James Spader, was introduced in The Practice's final seasons and became the lead of Boston Legal. Shirley Schmidt, played by Candice Bergen, also appeared in both series.
What content rating does The Practice carry?
The Practice carries a TV-14 rating in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series deals with mature themes including violent crime, moral ambiguity, and complex legal and ethical dilemmas throughout its eight-season run.
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