# Boston Legal

> American legal dramedy

**Wikidata**: [Q308984](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q308984)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Legal)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/boston-legal

## Summary
*Boston Legal* is an American legal dramedy television series that aired from 2004 to 2008. Created by David E. Kelley, the show follows the lives of lawyers at the Boston firm Crane, Poole & Schmidt, blending legal drama with workplace comedy. It succeeded *The Practice* and was produced by ABC Studios.

## Key Facts
- **Genre**: Legal drama, comedy drama, black comedy
- **Creator**: David E. Kelley
- **Production Company**: ABC Studios
- **Original Network**: American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
- **Premiere Date**: October 3, 2004
- **Final Episode**: December 8, 2008
- **Seasons**: 4
- **Episodes**: 89
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Main Setting**: Boston, Massachusetts
- **Main Characters**: Alan Shore (James Spader), Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen), Crane Poindexter (William Shatner), Denny Crane (William Daniels)
- **IMDb ID**: tt0402711
- **Wikidata ID**: Q5398426
- **Instance of**: Television series
- **Follows**: *The Practice* (1997–2004)
- **Website**: [abc.go.com/primetime/bostonlegal](http://abc.go.com/primetime/bostonlegal/index?pn=index)

## FAQs
**What is the premise of *Boston Legal*?**
*Boston Legal* follows the lives of lawyers at the Boston firm Crane, Poole & Schmidt, blending legal drama with workplace humor. The show explores the personal and professional challenges of its characters while maintaining a satirical tone.

**Who are the main cast members?**
The main cast includes James Spader as Alan Shore, Candice Bergen as Shirley Schmidt, William Shatner as Crane Poindexter, and William Daniels as Denny Crane. Other notable actors include John Larroquette, Mark Valley, and Candice Bergen.

**How many seasons and episodes did *Boston Legal* have?**
The series ran for four seasons, consisting of 89 episodes in total. It premiered on October 3, 2004, and concluded on December 8, 2008.

**What genre does *Boston Legal* belong to?**
*Boston Legal* is classified as a legal drama, comedy drama, and black comedy. It combines elements of workplace satire with legal proceedings.

**Who created *Boston Legal*?**
The series was created by David E. Kelley, a renowned American television producer, writer, and attorney. He is also known for creating *Ally McBeal* and *The Practice*.

## Why It Matters
*Boston Legal* matters as a significant contribution to the legal drama genre, blending high-stakes legal cases with workplace comedy. The show’s portrayal of a Boston law firm provided a fresh perspective on the legal profession, emphasizing the personal lives of its characters alongside their professional responsibilities. Its success helped redefine the legal drama format, influencing later shows like *Suits* and *The Good Wife*. The series also highlighted the challenges of balancing career and family, resonating with audiences during a period of increasing workplace and gender discussions. Additionally, *Boston Legal* showcased the creative versatility of its cast, including James Spader and Candice Bergen, who brought depth and humor to their roles. Its legacy endures in its impact on television storytelling, particularly in its use of satire and character-driven narratives.

## Notable For
- **Satirical Legal Drama**: Pioneered a blend of legal drama and workplace comedy, setting a new standard for the genre.
- **Long-Running Legal Series**: One of the longest-running legal dramas of its time, running for four seasons.
- **Notable Cast**: Featured James Spader, Candice Bergen, and William Shatner, who brought prestige and comedic timing to their roles.
- **David E. Kelley’s Work**: Created by the prolific writer-producer, known for shaping the legal drama genre.
- **ABC Studios Production**: Produced by ABC Studios, a major player in television production.
- **Successor to *The Practice***: Followed the critically acclaimed *The Practice*, maintaining its high-quality legal storytelling.
- **Black Comedy Elements**: Incorporated dark humor and satire, distinguishing it from traditional legal dramas.
- **Boston Setting**: Set in Boston, capturing the city’s cultural and legal landscape.
- **Character-Driven Storytelling**: Focused on the personal lives of lawyers, adding depth to the legal cases.
- **Cultural Impact**: Influenced later legal dramas by blending humor with professionalism.

## Body
### Overview
*Boston Legal* is an American legal dramedy television series that aired from 2004 to 2008. Created by David E. Kelley, the show follows the lives of lawyers at the Boston firm Crane, Poole & Schmidt, blending legal drama with workplace comedy. It succeeded *The Practice* and was produced by ABC Studios.

### Production and Release
- **Creator**: David E. Kelley
- **Production Company**: ABC Studios
- **Original Network**: American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
- **Premiere Date**: October 3, 2004
- **Final Episode**: December 8, 2008
- **Seasons**: 4
- **Episodes**: 89
- **Country of Origin**: United States

### Main Characters
- **Alan Shore**: Played by James Spader, Alan Shore is a brilliant but troubled lawyer who struggles with personal demons while excelling in the courtroom.
- **Shirley Schmidt**: Played by Candice Bergen, Shirley Schmidt is the firm’s senior partner and a sharp, no-nonsense attorney who balances professionalism with personal life.
- **Crane Poindexter**: Played by William Shatner, Crane Poindexter is a seasoned lawyer and mentor to the younger attorneys, known for his wit and experience.
- **Denny Crane**: Played by William Daniels, Denny Crane is the firm’s founder and a respected figure in the legal community, often providing guidance to the younger lawyers.

### Genre and Style
- **Genre**: Legal drama, comedy drama, black comedy
- **Tone**: Blends high-stakes legal cases with workplace humor, often using satire to critique the legal profession and societal norms.
- **Influence**: Helped redefine the legal drama format, influencing later shows like *Suits* and *The Good Wife*.

### Setting and Themes
- **Main Setting**: Boston, Massachusetts
- **Themes**: Personal and professional challenges, workplace dynamics, legal ethics, and the intersection of career and family.

### Reception and Legacy
- **Critical Reception**: Received positive reviews for its blend of legal drama and comedy, with praise for its cast and writing.
- **Legacy**: Influenced later legal dramas by emphasizing character-driven storytelling and satire.
- **Cultural Impact**: Resonated with audiences during a period of increasing workplace and gender discussions, reflecting broader societal themes.

### Related Entities
- **Creator**: David E. Kelley (American television producer, writer, and attorney)
- **Predecessor**: *The Practice* (1997–2004 American legal drama television series)
- **Network**: American Broadcasting Company (American broadcast television network)
- **Production Company**: ABC Studios (American television production company)

## References

1. [DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES AND BOSTON LEGAL TO PREMIERE SUN., OCT. 3. American Broadcasting Company. 2004](http://abcmedianet.com/shared/ams/assets/both/2004/08/11/081104_01.html)
2. [Source](http://dbpedia.org/resource/Boston_Legal)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Kinopoisk
5. [Source](https://www.omdb.org/en/us/movie/2513-boston-legal)
6. The Movie Database
7. [Source](https://www.filmweb.pl/serial/Or%C5%82y+z+Bostonu-2004-126294)
8. [Boston Legal (2004) MBTI Personality Type - Television](https://www.personality-database.com/profile?pid=2&cid=8&sub_cat_id=9)
9. FilmVandaag.nl