7.1
Where can I stream L.A. Law legally?
L.A. Law is included with a subscription to Hulu in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
L.A. Law
1986·Show
L.A. Law fingerprint
Strong craft.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Nostalgic
- Nostalgia8
- Pathos6
- Family Dynamics6
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Situational Comedy4
- Satire & Parody3
World
Everyday modern life, society, and history
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and dialogue
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
- Complexity8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing7
- Cinematography6
- Music Composition5
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy4Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, society, and history
Its world is built around everyday modern life, society, and history.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances and dialogue
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances and dialogue stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
The professionals who will take you into the jungles of American justice
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.
Classic Legal ProceduralEnsemble DramaSocial Issue ExplorationWitty DialogueWorkplace Dynamics1980s NostalgiaPolitical IntrigueCharacter-Driven StorytellingUrban Realism
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about L.A. Law
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is L.A. Law worth watching?
77
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7.1 and Metacritic 83). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is L.A. Law rated?
Strong language
Content advisories: strong language.
How many seasons does L.A. Law have?
8 seasons
It has 8 seasons with 171 episodes of about 45 minutes each.
Do critics and audiences agree on L.A. Law?
Critics83
Audiences73
Not quite. Critics rate L.A. Law higher (83) than audiences (73). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
When did L.A. Law air?
S1S2S3S4S5S6S7S8
It ran from 1986 to 1994 and has ended.
What language is L.A. Law in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
What tropes does L.A. Law use?
Team KillerTruth in TelevisionCelebrity ParadoxTransplantShrine to SelfA Taste of Their Own MedicineJob TitleHilarity SuesJerkassRevolving Door CastingOffscreen BreakupProtagonist-Centered Moralityand 48 more
TV Tropes lists 60 storytelling tropes for L.A. Law, including Team Killer, Truth in Television, Celebrity Paradox.