L.A. Law 

The lives and work of the staff of a major Los Angeles law firm.

Creators:

Steven Bochco, Terry Louise Fisher

Stars:

Corbin Bernsen, Jill Eikenberry, Alan Rachins

Won 5 Golden Globes. Another 40 wins & 147 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Corbin Bernsen	...	Arnie Becker 171 episodes, 1986-1994
Jill Eikenberry	...	Ann Kelsey 171 episodes, 1986-1994
Alan Rachins	...	Douglas Brackman, Jr. 171 episodes, 1986-1994
Michael Tucker	...	Stuart Markowitz 171 episodes, 1986-1994
Richard Dysart	...	Leland McKenzie 171 episodes, 1986-1994
Susan Ruttan	...	Roxanne Melman 150 episodes, 1986-1993
Blair Underwood	...	Jonathan Rollins 149 episodes, 1987-1994
Larry Drake	...	Benny Stulwicz 144 episodes, 1987-1994
Susan Dey	...	D.D.A. Grace Van Owen / ... 126 episodes, 1986-1992
Jimmy Smits	...	Victor Sifuentes 107 episodes, 1986-1992
Harry Hamlin	...	Michael Kuzak 105 episodes, 1986-1991
Michele Greene	...	Abby Perkins 105 episodes, 1986-1991
John Spencer	...	Tommy Mullaney / ... 83 episodes, 1990-1994

Storyline

This popular TV drama depicted life in a large Los Angeles law firm. The plots were strongly character-based and dealt with both the personal lives and professional activities of the partners, associates, and staff. Scenes centered around the courtroom and the law offices. Often, an episode would open with a surprising twist, which would then be played out during the rest of the show.

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Plot Keywords:

law | law office | courtroom | arrest warrant | client | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 September 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

L.A. Law - Staranwälte, Tricks, Prozesse

Filming Locations:

Stage 5, 20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

20th Century Fox Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

46 min (170 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono (early episodes) Stereo (later episodes)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The famous lesbian kiss episode between CJ and Abby was always meant to be a one- off sweeps stunt. The producers were never intending to seriously explore lesbian relationships in any ongoing way; it was a one time thing just for the ratings.

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Quotes

Stuart Markowitz: Don't underestimate me, I'm amazing with mums. When I was at High School all of them had crushes on me, it was the daughters I had trouble with.

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Connections

Referenced in Your Alcohol I.Q. (1988)

User Reviews

Steve Eckholdt and so many others!!

This show was so good when it premiered, several seasons later, it diminished in quality... Much of the cast contributed significantly to the success of this series, Tom Verica and Steve Eckholdt were very enlightening and auspicious factors to making "L.A. Law" popular in the latter years of the show's existence!! By then, those two were about the only stellar characters in this series!! Dialog in programs today is far more intellectual and acrimonious than it was in the past!! "L.A. Law" was the harbinger of things to come in terms of relevant and legally germane script writing which was pertinent to the authenticity of a law office in the 1980's!! The original made for T.V. movie signified a revelation in television law shows!! Candor about legal settlements, and situations involving ethics with relation to salaries and status quo behavior, became a staple to the modus operandi of L.A. Law!! The poignant jeremiads which articulated the indictments of our prevailing legal system in America, became one of "L.A. Law's" trademarks!! "L.A. Law" lasted eight seasons, only three were really excellent!! Almost everyone who knows about "L.A. Law" would agree with me, it is just that it is very difficult to comprehend why "L.A. Law" went downhill so quickly? NBC's perception of the Thursday Night slot of 10/9 central was that it was sewn up in their favor regardless of what they put in this slot!! Rationale of this nature is always a grave mistake!! There were a few highlights to the show in it's last couple of years, guys like Steve Eckholdt added to the show tremendously!! Even with his talent, he was not enough to re-establish the reputation "L.A. Law" had at one time for being one of the best shows on television!!