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The Practice
Genre
Created byDavid E. Kelley
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons8
No. of episodes167 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
Running time44 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseMarch 4, 1997 (1997-03-04) –
May 16, 2004 (2004-05-16)
Related

The Practice is an American legal drama television series created by David E. Kelley centering on partners and associates at a Boston law firm. The show ran for eight seasons on ABC, from March 4, 1997, to May 16, 2004. It won an Emmy in 1998 and 1999 for Outstanding Drama Series, and spawned the spin-off series Boston Legal, which ran for five more seasons (from 2004 to 2008).

Conflict between legal ethics and personal morality was a recurring theme with light comedy being occasionally present. Kelley claimed that the show was intended to be something of a rebuttal to L.A. Law and its romanticized treatment of the American legal system and legal proceedings.[1]

Overview

[edit]

In season 1, Robert Donnell and Associates features Bobby Donnell as the sole senior partner in a firm that he started a decade prior with his receptionist Rebecca Washington. Ellenor Frutt, Eugene Young and Lindsay Dole are his associates. Jimmy Berluti is hired as an associate after losing his job in finance in an attempt to help Donnell and Associates with a loan.

In season 2, Eugene, Lindsay and Ellenor become partners after Lindsay insists on equity. Robert Donnell and Associates becomes Donnell, Young, Dole and Frutt. Helen Gamble, an assistant district attorney, becomes regularly entangled in the cases and personal lives of the employees of the firm. She is a personal friend of Lindsay and viewers learn several episodes into the season that Bobby and Lindsay have had an on-again/off-again secret affair. Her romantic relationship with Bobby ends after a high-profile murder case pits them against one another.

In season 3, Rebecca Washington, who had been attending law school in secret, becomes an associate after passing the bar exam. Lucy Hatcher is then hired as the new receptionist.

In season 4, Assistant District Attorney Richard Bay, like Helen, becomes a frequent ally and opponent of Donnell, Young, Dole and Frutt. At the end of the season, Bobby and Lindsay get married.

In season 5, Lucy becomes a rape crisis counselor in addition to her job as the firm's receptionist. Richard Bay is later assassinated after refusing to throw a murder trial. Bobby and Lindsay have a son together.

In season 6, Assistant District Attorney Alan Lowe becomes an antagonist of the firm for a short period of time.

In season 7, after she is convicted of murder and her conviction is overturned, Lindsay leaves Donnell, Young, Dole and Frutt to start a new law firm with Claire Wyatt. To fill the void left by Lindsay, Jamie Stringer is hired as an associate. Bobby leaves the firm in the season finale.

In season 8, Donnell, Young, Dole and Frutt has been renamed to Young, Frutt and Berluti. Eugene has taken Bobby's place as a senior partner. Lucy has left the firm to become a full-time rape crisis counselor. Rebecca has also left the firm for unknown reasons. Helen is no longer present at the firm's cases. Tara Wilson is hired as a paralegal, and Alan Shore becomes an associate.

After firing Alan and Tara – as well as being sued by the former – Young, Frutt and Berluti dissolve. Eugene then becomes a judge. Ellenor focuses her attention on motherhood. Jimmy and Jamie begin a new firm. Bobby mourns the loss of the law practice. Alan and Tara are hired by another firm, Crane, Poole and Schmidt, and their story is continued in Boston Legal.

Main cast

[edit]
Name Portrayed by Occupation Season
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Bobby Donnell Dylan McDermott Lawyer Main Guest
Rebecca Washington LisaGay Hamilton Receptionist/Lawyer Main
Eugene Young Steve Harris Lawyer/Judge Main
Ellenor Frutt Camryn Manheim Lawyer Main
Lindsay Dole Kelli Williams Main
Jimmy Berluti Michael Badalucco Main
Helen Gamble Lara Flynn Boyle Assistant District Attorney Main
Lucy Hatcher Marla Sokoloff Receptionist Main Recurring
Richard Bay Jason Kravits Assistant District Attorney Recurring Main
Alan Lowe Ron Livingston Assistant District Attorney Main
Jamie Stringer Jessica Capshaw Lawyer Main
Claire Wyatt Chyler Leigh Main
Tara Wilson Rhona Mitra Main
Alan Shore James Spader Main
  • Dylan McDermott as Bobby Donnell (seasons 1–7; guest season 8), the senior partner of the firm who struggles with his conscience and the idea of being a lawyer.
  • LisaGay Hamilton as Rebecca Washington (seasons 1–7), the firm's first receptionist and paralegal. She later passed the bar exam and became an associate.
  • Steve Harris as Eugene Young, the second highest-ranking partner at the firm and later senior partner who is more strongly devoted to the letter of the law and legal ethics than his colleagues. Later he even becomes a judge.
  • Camryn Manheim as Ellenor Frutt, an associate and later senior partner at the firm who brought in various nefarious clients. A recurring gag on the show was that the men she dated often turned out to be murderers.
  • Kelli Williams as Lindsay Dole (seasons 1–7), an associate at the firm and, later, wife of Bobby Donnell.
  • Michael Badalucco as Jimmy Berluti, an associate and later partner at the firm from a working-class background. Jimmy often struggles with his conscience, loneliness, feelings of inadequacy, and a gambling addiction.
  • Lara Flynn Boyle as Helen Gamble (seasons 2–7), an Assistant District Attorney and friend of the firm partners who was relentless in her attempts to prosecute those who do wrong.
  • Marla Sokoloff as Lucy Hatcher (seasons 3–7; recurring season 8), the firm's wise-cracking, nosy receptionist who was hired after Rebecca became an attorney. She later became a part-time counselor for rape victims in addition to her job as a receptionist.
  • Jason Kravits as Richard Bay (season 5; recurring season 4), a diminutive, hard-nosed Assistant District Attorney who believed in the guilt of all those he prosecuted.
  • Ron Livingston as Alan Lowe (season 6), an Assistant District Attorney who replaced Richard Bay.
  • Jessica Capshaw as Jamie Stringer (seasons 7–8), a high-strung, promiscuous Harvard Law School graduate and associate at the firm.
  • Chyler Leigh as Claire Wyatt (season 7), Lindsay's associate at her new practice.
  • Rhona Mitra as Tara Wilson (season 8), a paralegal and law student. She would later appear in Boston Legal as an attorney.
  • James Spader as Alan Shore (season 8), an amoral associate and an old friend of Ellenor. He would later appear in Boston Legal.

Recurring cast

[edit]

Notable guest stars

[edit]
Further information: List of The Practice awards and nominations

The series holds the Emmy Awards record for most wins in the Guest Actor and Actress categories for a single series, as well as most nominations in those categories. Emmys went to John Larroquette, Edward Herrmann, James Whitmore, Beah Richards, Michael Emerson, Charles S. Dutton, Alfre Woodard, Sharon Stone and William Shatner. In addition, Tony Danza, Paul Dooley, Henry Winkler, Marlee Matlin, René Auberjonois and Betty White were nominated but did not win. Larroquette, who won for his guest appearance during the second season, was nominated again for an episode from the sixth season, but did not win. The series won the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for five consecutive years (from 1998 to 2002).

Budget reduction and major revamp

[edit]

By the end of the seventh season, faced with sagging ratings, ABC conditioned the show's renewal on a drastic budget reduction. As a result, Dylan McDermott, Kelli Williams, Lara Flynn Boyle, Chyler Leigh, Marla Sokoloff, and LisaGay Hamilton were fired as regulars. McDermott and Sokoloff reappeared as special guest stars and a recurring character respectively in the eighth season. The addition of James Spader and Rhona Mitra to the cast somewhat revived the ratings as Spader went on to win an Emmy for his appearance. However, ABC announced that The Practice would not return for a ninth season on March 11, 2004. Instead, Kelley would create a new spin-off series called Boston Legal which starred Spader, Mitra, Lake Bell, William Shatner[2] and Candice Bergen.

Episodes

[edit]
Main article: List of The Practice episodes

The Practice had 8 seasons and a total of 168 episodes.

SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
16March 4, 1997 (1997-03-04)April 8, 1997 (1997-04-08)
228September 20, 1997 (1997-09-20)May 11, 1998 (1998-05-11)
323September 27, 1998 (1998-09-27)May 9, 1999 (1999-05-09)
422September 26, 1999 (1999-09-26)May 21, 2000 (2000-05-21)
522October 8, 2000 (2000-10-08)May 13, 2001 (2001-05-13)
623September 23, 2001 (2001-09-23)May 19, 2002 (2002-05-19)
722September 29, 2002 (2002-09-29)May 5, 2003 (2003-05-05)
822September 28, 2003 (2003-09-28)May 16, 2004 (2004-05-16)

Crossovers

[edit]
See also: Ally McBeal § Crossovers with The Practice, Boston Public § Crossover with The Practice, and Gideon's Crossing § Crossover with The Practice
  • "Axe Murderer" (S02E26) – The lawyers of Robert Donnell and Associates work with the lawyers of Cage & Fish on a case in which a woman is accused of killing a wealthy client who may have been Lizzie Borden in a past life. The case had begun on Ally McBeal: "The Inmates" (S01E20).
  • "The Day After" (S05E14) – Ellenor Frutt and Jimmy Berlutti are hired to represent Coach Riley, who's been fired from Winslow High for withholding information about Milton Buttle's affair. The hearing happens on Boston Public: "Chapter Thirteen" (S01E13).
  • "Gideon's Crossover" (S05E16) – When Ellenor Frutt has trouble with her pregnancy, Dr. Ben Gideon helps out in Gideon's Crossing: "Flashpoint" (S01E17).

Additionally, Bobby Donnell (Dylan McDermott) appears in the Ally McBeal season 1 finale "These Are the Days", while Lara Flynn Boyle and Michael Badalucco each make cameos in "Making Spirits Bright" and "I Know Him by Heart".

Lara Flynn Boyle had an uncredited guest appearance as a rebuttal witness, opposite of guest star Heather Locklear's character in the season 5 episode "Tom Dooley".

Home media

[edit]

The Practice, Volume 1, was released as a four-disc DVD set in North America on June 12, 2007. The set includes all six episodes of season 1 and the first seven episodes of season 2. It also includes a featurette, "Setting Up The Practice".[3] The set was also released in Region 4 on June 6, 2007[4] and in Region 2 on June 29, 2008.[5]

On January 3, 2014, it was announced that Shout! Factory had acquired the rights to the series in Region 1 and would release the final season on DVD on April 15, 2014.[6]

In 2012, Medium Rare Entertainment acquired the rights to the series in Region 2 and released the first and second seasons on DVD in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2012.[7]

In 2014, StudioCanal released the first and second seasons over three volumes in Germany with German and English audio. The third, fourth, and eighth seasons have also been released in 2016 with plans to release the fifth and sixth at a later date.

Volume 1 was released in Italy and Greece on July 1, 2007.

In March 2019, all seasons and episodes of The Practice were released on the streaming service Amazon Prime Video. By 2021, seasons 1–8 became available on the streaming service Hulu.

DVD name Ep# Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
The Practice: Volume 1 13 June 12, 2007 June 29, 2008 June 6, 2007
The Practice: The Complete First and Second Seasons 34 — February 27, 2012[7] —
The Practice: The Complete Third Season 23 — January 21, 2016 (Germany) —
The Practice: The Complete Fourth Season 22 — January 21, 2016 (Germany) —
The Practice: The Final Season 22 April 15, 2014 April 7, 2016 (Germany) —

U.S. television viewership

[edit]

Viewer numbers per season of The Practice on ABC.

Note: Each US network television season starts in late September and ends in late May, which coincides with the completion of May sweeps. The first two seasons include the household rating. Seasons 4 and 5 reached the top 10 rankings.

Season Timeslot
(Eastern & Pacific Time) 		Season Premiere Season Finale TV Season Viewers
(in millions) 		Viewer
Rank
1 Tuesday 10:00PM March 4, 1997 April 8, 1997 1996–1997 9.1[8] 45[8]
2 Saturday 10:00PM
(September 20, 1997, to
January 3, 1998)

Monday 10:00PM
(from January 5, 1998) 		September 20, 1997 May 11, 1998 1997–1998 10.0[9] 82[9]
3 Sunday 10:00PM September 27, 1998 May 9, 1999 1998–1999 12.7[10] 34[10]
4 September 26, 1999 May 21, 2000 1999–2000 19.3[11] 9[11]
5 October 8, 2000 May 13, 2001 2000–2001 18.3[12] 9[12]
6 September 23, 2001 May 19, 2002 2001–2002 12.9[13] 26[13]
7 Sunday 10:00PM
(September 29, 2002, to
December 15, 2002)

Monday 9:00PM
(from January 27, 2003) 		September 29, 2002 May 5, 2003 2002–2003 9.8[14] 55[14]
8 Sunday 10:00PM September 28, 2003 May 16, 2004 2003–2004 9.1[15] 63[15]

The exposure from its January 30, 2000, post-Super Bowl episode (attracting 23.8 million viewers) plus their weekly lead-in from early 2000 to mid-2001, the then mega-hit Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, helped the series reach its ratings peak.

  • Series High: 15.4 rating/23.8 million viewers
  • Series Low: 4.9 rating/7.3 million
  • Series Debut: 11.3 rating/16.1 million viewers
  • Series Finale: 7.5 rating/10.9 million viewers

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Recipient Result
2001 American Society of Cinematographers Award Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Regular Series Dennis Smith (For episode "The Deal") Nominated
ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards Top TV Series Marco Beltrami and Jon Hassell Won
2002 Won
2003 Won
2000 BMI Film & TV Awards BMI TV Music Award Peter Scaturro Won
2001 Tom Hiel and Peter Scaturro Won
2002 Won
2001 Casting Society of America's Artios Award Best Casting for TV, Dramatic Episodic Janet Gilmore and Megan McConnell Nominated
1998 Edgar Allan Poe Award Best Episode in a TV Series Michael R. Perry, Stephen Gaghan and David E. Kelley (For episode "First Degree") Nominated
2002 Jonathan Shapiro, Lukas Reiter, Peter Blake and David E. Kelley (For episode "Killing Time") Nominated
2004 Peter Blake and David E. Kelley (For episode "Goodbye") Won
1999 Genesis Award Television - Dramatic Series "The Food Chain" Won
2003 "Small Sacrifices" Won
1998 GLAAD Media Award Outstanding TV - Individual Episode "Civil Rights" Nominated
1999 Golden Globe Award Best Television Series – Drama Won
Best Actor – Television Series Drama Dylan McDermott Won
Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film Camryn Manheim Won
2000 Best Television Series – Drama Nominated
Best Actor – Television Series Drama Dylan McDermott Nominated
2001 Best Television Series – Drama Nominated
Best Actor – Television Series Drama Dylan McDermott Nominated
2002 Humanitas Prize 60 Minute Category Lukas Reiter and David E. Kelley (For episode "Honor Code") Won
2003 David E. Kelley (For episode "Final Judgment") Won
1998 Motion Picture Sound Editors' Golden Reel Award Best Sound Editing - Television Episodic - Dialogue & ADR Nominated
2000 T.W. Davis, Donna Beltz, Ken Gladden, H. Jay Levine and Debby Ruby-Winsberg Nominated
1999 NAACP Image Award Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Steve Harris Nominated
2000 Outstanding Drama Series Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Steve Harris Nominated
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series LisaGay Hamilton Nominated
2001 Outstanding Drama Series Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Steve Harris Nominated
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Beah Richards Nominated
2002 Outstanding Drama Series Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Steve Harris Nominated
2004 Won
2005 Nominated
1999 Peabody Award ABC and David E. Kelley Productions Won[16]
PGA Award Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television David E. Kelley, Robert Breech, Jeffrey Kramer, Christina Musrey, Gary M. Strangis and Pamela J. Wisne Won
2001 Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Drama Nominated
1998 Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Drama Series David E. Kelley, Jeffrey Kramer, Robert Breech, Ed Redlich, Gary M. Strangis, Alice West, Jonathan Pontell, Christina Musrey and Pamela J. Wisne Won
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Camryn Manheim Won
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series David E. Kelley (For episode "Betrayal") Nominated
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series John Larroquette Won
1999 Outstanding Drama Series David E. Kelley, Jeffrey Kramer, Robert Breech, Gary M. Strangis, Christina Musrey and Pamela J. Wisne Won
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Dylan McDermott Nominated
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Michael Badalucco Won
Steve Harris Nominated
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Lara Flynn Boyle Nominated
Camryn Manheim Nominated
Holland Taylor Won
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series Tony Danza Nominated
Edward Herrmann Won
Outstanding Casting for a Series Janet Gilmore and Megan McConnell Nominated
Outstanding Cinematography for a Series Dennis Smith (For episode "Happily Ever After") Nominated
Outstanding Costuming for a Series Shelly Levine and Loree Parral (For episode "Of Human Bondage") Nominated
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Drama Series Clark King, Harry Andronis, David John West and Kurt Kassulke (For episode "Happily Ever After") Nominated
2000 Outstanding Drama Series David E. Kelley, Jeffrey Kramer, Robert Breech, Gary M. Strangis, Christina Musrey and Pamela J. Wisne Nominated
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Michael Badalucco Nominated
Steve Harris Nominated
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Holland Taylor Nominated
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series Paul Dooley Nominated
James Whitmore Won
Henry Winkler Nominated
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series Marlee Matlin Nominated
Beah Richards Won
Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series Janet Gilmore and Megan McConnell Nominated
2001 Outstanding Drama Series David E. Kelley, Robert Breech, Christina Musrey, Gary M. Strangis, Pamela J. Wisne, Joseph Berger-Davis and Todd Ellis Kessler Nominated
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series René Auberjonois Nominated
Michael Emerson Won
Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series Janet Gilmore and Megan McConnell Nominated
Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series Dennis Smith (For episode "The Deal") Nominated
Outstanding Single Camera Picture Editing for a Series Susanne Malles (For episode "The Day After") Nominated
Outstanding Single Camera Sound Mixing for a Series Clark King, David John West, Eric Clopein and David Dondorf (For episode "The Day After") Nominated
2002 Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series Charles S. Dutton Won
John Larroquette Nominated
2003 Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series Alfre Woodard Won
2004 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series James Spader Won
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series William Shatner Won
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series Sharon Stone Won
Betty White Nominated
2004 Prism Award Performance in a Drama Series Episode Steve Harris Nominated
1999 Satellite Award Best Actor – Television Series Drama Dylan McDermott Nominated
2000 Best Television Series – Drama Nominated
Best Actor – Television Series Drama Dylan McDermott Nominated
Best Actress – Television Series Drama Camryn Manheim Won
Kelli Williams Nominated
2001 Best Television Series – Drama Nominated
1999 Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Nominated
2000 Nominated
2001 Nominated
1998 Television Critics Association Award Outstanding Achievement in Drama Nominated
1999 Program of the Year Nominated
Outstanding Achievement in Drama Nominated
Individual Achievement in Drama David E. Kelley Won
Camryn Manheim Nominated
Dylan McDermott Nominated
2000 Outstanding Achievement in Drama Nominated
TV Guide Award Favorite Drama Series Nominated
1998 Viewers for Quality Television Award Best Quality Drama Series Won
Best Actor in a Quality Drama Series Dylan McDermott Nominated
Best Supporting Actor in a Quality Drama Series Michael Badalucco Nominated
Steve Harris Won
Best Supporting Actress in a Quality Drama Series Camryn Manheim Nominated
Kelli Williams Nominated
Best Recurring Player Linda Hunt Nominated
John Larroquette Won
1999 Best Quality Drama Series Won
Best Actor in a Quality Drama Series Dylan McDermott Nominated
Best Supporting Actor in a Quality Drama Series Michael Badalucco Nominated
Steve Harris Won
Best Supporting Actress in a Quality Drama Series Camryn Manheim Won
Kelli Williams Nominated
2000 Best Quality Drama Series Nominated
Best Actor in a Quality Drama Series Dylan McDermott Nominated
Best Supporting Actor in a Quality Drama Series Michael Badalucco Nominated
Steve Harris Nominated
Best Supporting Actress in a Quality Drama Series Camryn Manheim Nominated
1999 Writers Guild of America Award Episodic Drama David E. Kelley (For episode "Betrayal") Nominated
Young Artist Award Best Performance in a TV Drama Series - Guest Starring Young Actor Billie Thomas Nominated
2002 Best Performance in a TV Drama Series - Guest Starring Young Actor Marc John Jefferies Nominated
Best Performance in a TV Drama Series - Guest Starring Young Actress Jamie Lauren Nominated
2003 Best Performance in a TV Drama Series - Guest Starring Young Actress Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Practice

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Practice is an American legal drama television series created by that premiered on ABC on March 4, 1997, and ran for eight seasons until its finale on May 16, 2004, comprising 168 episodes. The series centers on the professional and personal lives of attorneys at a small, underfunded criminal defense firm in , exploring ethical dilemmas, courtroom battles, and the moral complexities of the . Led by senior partner Bobby Donnell (played by ), the firm handles high-profile cases involving murder, corruption, and civil rights issues, often putting the lawyers' principles to the test. The show features a talented , including Steve Harris as the principled Eugene Young, as the tenacious Ellenor Frutt, and as the affable Jimmy Berluti, with later additions like as the eccentric Alan Shore in the final season. Known for its sharp writing, intense trial scenes, and unflinching portrayal of , The Practice received widespread acclaim and earned 15 , including Outstanding Drama Series in 1998 and 1999. Individual actors also garnered recognition, with Manheim winning Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1998 and Badalucco taking home Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2000. Produced by Productions and 20th Century Fox Television, the series was notable for its crossover episodes with Kelley's other shows like and for launching the spin-off in 2004, which continued the story of select characters in a larger firm setting. Critically praised for its realistic depiction of the and character-driven narratives, The Practice holds a 7.7/10 rating on from over 11,000 user reviews. Its influence endures in the legal drama genre, highlighting the tensions between , ambition, and personal integrity.

Premise

Series Overview

The Practice is an American legal drama television series created by that centers on the operations and cases of an underdog in , initially known as Donnell & Associates, specializing in criminal defense work while exploring the personal and ethical challenges faced by its attorneys. The show follows the firm's founder, Bobby Donnell (played by ), and his team as they navigate high-stakes trials, often representing marginalized clients against powerful adversaries, highlighting the moral ambiguities and procedural intricacies of the American legal system. Set primarily in courtrooms, the firm's modest , and the attorneys' personal lives, the series underscores the gritty realities of legal practice, from resource constraints to intense interpersonal dynamics. Airing on ABC from March 4, 1997, to May 16, 2004, The Practice spanned eight seasons and 168 episodes, evolving from its debut as a mid-season replacement into a critically acclaimed staple of network television. In its early seasons, particularly Season 1 in 1997, the narrative focused on the struggles of the small, cash-strapped firm handling routine criminal cases amid financial instability and ethical quandaries. By Season 4, the storyline expanded to encompass more complex, high-profile litigation, reflecting the firm's growth and the attorneys' increasing prominence, while delving deeper into personal storylines such as relationships and moral compromises. The series underwent significant narrative shifts in later years, particularly with firm restructurings due to partner departures and additions; after evolving to Donnell, Young, Dole & Frutt in earlier seasons, it became Young, Frutt & Berluti by Season 8 (2003–2004) following Bobby Donnell's exit, introducing new characters and refocusing on the remaining partners' leadership challenges. This revamp marked a transition toward broader ensemble dynamics and set the stage for a spin-off, emphasizing the firm's resilience amid turnover. The show received for Outstanding Drama Series in 1998 and 1999, recognizing its impact on television .

Themes and Style

The Practice explores recurring themes centered on the tensions within the , particularly the conflict between ethical imperatives and the drive to win cases. The series frequently depicts attorneys grappling with dilemmas, where personal clashes with professional obligations in a flawed system that often prioritizes procedural victories over substantive . These narratives highlight issues such as racial injustice through race-related crimes and their broader societal ramifications, in high-stakes trials, and the personal ity of lawyers navigating right and wrong in ambiguous situations. Additionally, the show addresses work-life balance for attorneys, illustrating how demanding caseloads strain personal relationships and individual well-being. Stylistically, The Practice blends serialized character development with an episodic case-of-the-week structure, allowing ongoing personal arcs to intersect with standalone legal battles that resolve within episodes. monologues serve as pivotal dramatic devices, delivering impassioned arguments that underscore emotional stakes, while rapid, arch drives the narrative with quick-witted exchanges and intense confrontations. The tone combines emotional intensity and dry humor, creating a passionate, thought-provoking atmosphere that critiques systemic flaws without descending into unrelenting grimness. This approach emphasizes conceptual depth over procedural minutiae, using representative cases to exemplify broader ethical quandaries. David E. Kelley's signature style infuses The Practice with moral ambiguity, where characters inhabit gray areas rather than clear-cut heroism or villainy, influenced by his earlier work on shows like L.A. Law. He employs melodramatic twists and ironic turns to blend humor with tragedy, as seen in provocative storylines that challenge viewers' assumptions about justice and faith, such as episodes confronting institutional scandals. Kelley's quirky, complicated dramedy framework—marked by colorful characters and surreal undertones—elevates the series beyond typical legal procedurals, fostering a sense of unpredictability and human complexity. The show's visual and tonal palette evolves across its run, beginning with a gritty, realistic portrayal of underfunded defense work in early seasons and shifting toward heightened in later ones following cast changes, amplifying dramatic flair while retaining core ethical inquiries. Representation plays a key role, with a diverse ensemble addressing underrepresented perspectives on and race within the legal field, reflecting evolving societal dynamics in the profession. This thematic and stylistic foundation influenced spin-offs like , which expanded on similar moral explorations.

Production

Development

David E. Kelley, a former practicing attorney in , created The Practice as a grounded exploration of legal work, drawing inspiration from the real-world challenges of small-firm lawyers navigating ethical quandaries, client pressures, and courtroom realities in . Pitched to ABC in 1996, the series was conceived as a grittier to Kelley's concurrent project , shifting away from whimsical fantasy elements toward a more procedural and character-driven narrative focused on the "nuance of practicing law," including mundane issues like fee collection and firm survival. The pilot was filmed in Los Angeles during late 1996, securing ABC's greenlight for an initial six-episode order aimed at a mid-season premiere on March 4, 1997. Early creative decisions emphasized an to capture the collaborative tensions within the Donnell & Associates firm, with initial selections including as the lead attorney Bobby Donnell to anchor the group's dynamics. To authenticate legal elements, the consulted practicing attorneys for insights into procedures, strategies, and Boston-specific practices, ensuring fidelity to etiquette and case preparation without sensationalizing high-profile verdicts. Kelley maintained hands-on control as and lead writer, personally scripting the majority of early episodes—five out of the first six—to imprint his distinctive style of rapid-fire and moral ambiguity. The pre-revamp production was overseen by Kelley alongside key figures from 20th Century Fox Television, with a lean writing staff that evolved modestly in subsequent seasons to incorporate additional voices while preserving Kelley's dominant influence. ABC's enthusiasm grew after the pilot's promising test screenings and ratings potential, resulting in a full-season pickup that solidified the show's trajectory ahead of its debut.

Filming and Budget Challenges

The production of The Practice primarily took place at Raleigh Studios in , where interiors such as the Donnell & Associates office sets were filmed for Seasons 3 through 8. To maintain authenticity for the Boston-based storyline, exterior shots were captured in , including locations like the Suffolk County Courthouse and City Hall Plaza in . Real courthouses were also utilized for scenes, enhancing the series' grounded legal atmosphere without relying extensively on constructed sets. The show's production schedule was demanding, with most seasons consisting of 22 episodes produced within a 7-to-9-month filming window to align with ABC's broadcast calendar. Creator handled much of the writing himself, a process that often involved drafting multiple episodes simultaneously and incorporating last-minute revisions based on evolving storylines or actor feedback. This intensive approach, while enabling the series' signature rapid pacing and interconnected narratives, occasionally strained the timeline as scripts were finalized close to shooting dates. Financial pressures mounted as the series progressed, with per-episode costs escalating due to rising cast salaries and the demands of a large ensemble. By the early , the license fee paid by ABC to Fox Television and Kelley had reached approximately $6 million per episode. In 2003, following a decline in ratings after a time slot change, ABC imposed significant budget reductions, slashing the per-episode fee by half to about $3 million to ensure profitability amid syndication considerations. These cuts, announced post-Season 7, necessitated cost-saving measures such as scaled-back location shoots and a focus on studio-based production to minimize travel and logistics expenses. The budget constraints led to noticeable adjustments in production values during Season 7, including more reliance on practical sets and fewer elaborate exterior sequences, which temporarily affected the visual polish compared to earlier seasons. Kelley responded with creative shifts, prioritizing tighter scripting and character-driven storytelling to sustain the series' intensity without inflating costs further. This period of fiscal tightening ultimately paved the way for a cast revamp in Season 8, allowing the show to continue for one final year.

Cast Revamp

Following the conclusion of season 7 in May 2003, The Practice underwent a significant cast overhaul for its eighth and final season, prompted by ABC's decision to halve the show's licensing fee from approximately $6.5 million to $3.25 million per episode, necessitating substantial budget reductions to avoid production deficits. Creator described the changes as driven by both "economic and creative realities," aiming to inject fresh energy into the series amid declining ratings while expressing regret over the personal and professional toll of the departures. This revamp reduced the original ensemble considerably, with six principal actors let go: (Bobby Donnell), (Helen Gamble), (Lindsay Dole), (Rebecca Washington), (Claire Wyatt), and (Lucy Hatcher). McDermott, who had commanded over $300,000 per episode, was allowed a potential four-episode guest arc to facilitate his character's exit, which was foreshadowed in the season 7 finale where Bobby quits the firm. Earlier in the transition period, additional cast shifts occurred amid the mounting financial pressures, including the departure of , who had joined as recurring ADA Alan Lowe in season 6 and appeared in 12 episodes of season 6 before exiting without on-screen explanation. , playing Jimmy Berluti, remained through all 22 episodes of season 8 as one of the few original holdovers alongside Steve Harris (Eugene Young) and (Ellenor Frutt), but his character ultimately leaves the firm in the penultimate episode to start his own practice, marking the effective end of the core original lineup. To rebuild the cast, Kelley prioritized actors who could bring dynamic chemistry and align with the show's ethical dilemmas, announcing several high-profile additions in June 2003. James Spader was cast as Alan Shore, a brilliant but ethically ambiguous attorney, a role Kelley tailored specifically for him after years of admiration for Spader's nuanced performances in films like sex, lies, and videotape. Spader's recruitment emphasized prior creative synergy in Kelley's vision, though they had not collaborated before; Kelley called Spader a "writer's dream" for his ability to layer complexity into morally gray characters. Rhona Mitra joined as Tara Wilson, a tech-savvy attorney and IT director at the firm, while Jessica Capshaw was added as Jamie Stringer, a junior associate handling corporate cases; auditions focused on ensemble fit, with Mitra and Capshaw selected for their ability to integrate into the remaining group's dynamics. These newcomers shifted the narrative toward more corporate law elements, contrasting the original firm's underdog criminal defense focus. The revamp profoundly influenced the storyline, rebranding the firm as Young, Frutt & Berluti early in season 8 before Shore's arc propels a merger with the prestigious Crane, Poole & Schmidt, introducing guest star as Denny Crane and emphasizing high-stakes white-collar litigation. This integration not only revitalized viewership—Spader's Emmy-winning performance helped stabilize ratings at around 9.52 million viewers per episode—but also paved the way for the spin-off, which premiered in fall 2004 with Spader, , and Capshaw reprising their roles at Crane, Poole & Schmidt. Long-term, the overhaul diminished the original ensemble's presence, contributing to the series' conclusion on May 16, 2004, after 168 episodes, as the narrative fully transitioned to the spin-off's new direction.

Cast and Characters

Main Cast

The main cast of The Practice featured a core ensemble of attorneys at the Boston-based Donnell & Associates law firm, with roles emphasizing ethical dilemmas and professional dynamics in criminal defense work. Dylan McDermott starred as Bobby Donnell, the firm's ethical founder and senior partner who often grappled with moral conflicts in high-stakes cases, appearing in seasons 1 through 7 and guest-starring in season 8. Steve Harris portrayed Eugene Young, a principled litigator known for his integrity and strategic approach to advocacy, serving as a main cast member across all eight seasons. Camryn Manheim played Ellenor Frutt, a resilient and empathetic attorney dedicated to her clients despite personal challenges, also appearing in all eight seasons; her performance earned her the 1998 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. LisaGay Hamilton depicted Rebecca Washington, a competent and composed lawyer handling complex civil and criminal matters, with a tenure spanning seasons 1 through 7. Additional key cast members joined in season 2, expanding the firm's roster. as Jimmy Berluti, an earnest but inexperienced associate transitioning from finance to law, appeared from seasons 2 through 8. portrayed Lindsay Dole, a driven young attorney navigating firm and personal growth, from seasons 2 through 5. played Helen Gamble, the sharp-witted assistant frequently opposing the firm in court, across seasons 2 through 7. The eighth and final season introduced a revamp with as Alan Shore, a brilliant but unorthodox litigator joining the restructured firm of Young, Frutt & Berluti as a main cast member, marking a shift to a new ensemble dynamic. Overall, the main cast evolved from five principal actors in season 1—McDermott, Harris, Manheim, Hamilton, and supporting firm roles—to a larger, revamped group in season 8, reflecting changes in the storyline's focus on firm transitions.

Recurring and Guest Stars

The section on recurring and guest stars for The Practice features several actors who portrayed supporting roles that enriched the show's legal dynamics, often appearing across multiple episodes to establish ongoing courtroom rivalries or judicial oversight. played Judge Roberta Kittleson, a no-nonsense and occasionally flirtatious judge who presided over numerous cases involving the Donnell & Associates firm, appearing in over 30 episodes from seasons 3 through 8. Her portrayal earned her the 1999 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Series, highlighting the character's blend of and personal vulnerability. Other recurring figures included as Judge Zoey Hiller, a stern senior judge who frequently challenged the firm's attorneys on ethical grounds, appearing in 23 episodes across seasons 1 through 7, and as Assistant Kenneth Walsh, who served as a persistent prosecutorial adversary in seasons 1 through 3. These roles contributed to the series' realistic depiction of courtroom interactions, fostering rivalries that spanned seasons and added tension to the main cast's defenses. Notable guest stars brought star power to pivotal cases, often embodying clients, witnesses, or opposing counsel in high-stakes trials that tested the firm's moral boundaries. John Larroquette won the 1998 Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role as the emotionally conflicted Joey Heric in season 2, a character whose volatile courtroom antics underscored themes of mental health and justice. Bebe Neuwirth received the 2000 Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for portraying Cindy Sands, a glamorous but desperate client in season 4 whose case exposed the underbelly of celebrity scandal. James Spader joined as Alan Shore in season 8, playing a brilliant but ethically flexible attorney whose unorthodox tactics injected fresh energy into the firm's dynamics. William Shatner guest-starred in four episodes of season 8 as Denny Crane, the eccentric head of a rival firm, earning a 2004 Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his bombastic performance that blended humor with . These appearances often centered on dramatic turning points, such as trials or ethical dilemmas, enhancing the narrative's intensity and drawing viewers with high-profile talent. Creator favored casting theater-trained actors and frequently drew from his ensemble of performers across shows like and , which allowed for seamless crossovers and elevated the guest roles' authenticity. The series amassed a record number of Primetime Emmy wins in the guest acting categories—nine in total for actors and actresses—along with over 20 nominations in those fields from 1998 to 2004, reflecting the impact of these performances in elevating episodic storytelling.

Episodes

Season Structure

The Practice consists of 168 episodes over eight seasons, broadcast on ABC from 1997 to 2004. Season 1 aired as a with 6 episodes from March 4 to April 8, 1997. Season 2 featured an expanded 28 episodes from September 20, 1997, to May 24, 1998, while subsequent seasons followed a standard fall-to-spring schedule: Season 3 with 23 episodes from September 27, 1998, to May 9, 1999; Season 4 with 22 episodes from September 26, 1999, to May 21, 2000; Season 5 with 22 episodes from October 8, 2000, to May 13, 2001; Season 6 with 23 episodes from September 23, 2001, to May 19, 2002; Season 7 with 22 episodes from September 29, 2002, to May 18, 2003; and Season 8 with 22 episodes from September 28, 2003, to May 16, 2004, marking the series finale. The show's structure emphasized weekly broadcasts without interruptions or , maintaining consistent airing on Sundays during . Episodes typically ran approximately 44 minutes, focusing on self-contained legal cases while weaving in ongoing personal and professional developments among the characters. Early seasons leaned toward an episodic format with light in character relationships and firm dynamics, evolving in later seasons toward more prominent multi-episode arcs, especially following the Season 8 cast changes that introduced extended narrative threads. Production was overseen by creator David E. Kelley, who wrote the majority of episodes, including all but one in Season 1, with directing duties shared among Kelley, Bill D'Elia, and others like Chris Misiano. Episode titles, such as "Pilot" for the premiere and "Cheers" for the finale, reflect thematic elements of legal and moral dilemmas, with full lists available in dedicated episode guides.

Crossovers

The Practice featured several crossovers with other series created by David E. Kelley, establishing a shared fictional universe centered in Boston's legal and professional circles. These events involved character appearances and interconnected plots, primarily occurring between 1998 and 2001, and served to blend the dramatic tone of The Practice with the stylistic elements of its counterparts without fully merging the shows. The most extensive crossovers were with Ally McBeal, spanning four episodes across Seasons 2 through 5 from 1998 to 2001. In Season 2's "Axe Murderer" (aired April 27, 1998), attorneys from the Cage & Fish firm, including (played by ), consult with Bobby Donnell's team on a high-profile ax case where the defendant claims a past life as ; this episode directly continues the story from Ally McBeal's Season 1 finale "" (aired April 27, 1998), where the initial defense preparation occurs amid the lighter, more whimsical atmosphere of Ally's firm. A subsequent crossover in Ally McBeal's Season 1 episode "The Playing Field" (aired March 16, 1998) features elements leading into the shared axe case, hinting at professional alliances between the firms. Later instances include Judge Jennifer "Whipper" Cone (from Ally McBeal) presiding in The Practice's Season 2 episode "" (aired January 5, 1998), and additional shared character moments in later seasons, further solidifying the interconnected universe. A notable crossover occurred with in Season 5's "The Day After" (aired February 11, 2001), linking legal and educational themes through Chi McBride's character, principal Steven Harper. In this episode, characters from The Practice including Ellenor Frutt and Jimmy Berluti defend a teacher (Kevin Riley from ) accused of misconduct, while a parallel plot involves a injuring Rebecca Washington; the story concludes in 's Season 1 episode "Chapter Thirteen" (aired February 26, 2001), where the defense plays out in court. The series also intersected with the medical drama Gideon's Crossing in a single episode during Season 5, "Gideon's Crossover" (aired March 11, 2001), exploring a medical-legal intersection. Ellenor Frutt seeks consultation from Dr. Ben Gideon (played by André Braugher) for pregnancy complications diagnosed as appendicitis, leading to tense decisions about surgery and guardianship for her unborn child; this arc extends into Gideon's Crossing's "Flashpoint" (aired March 12, 2001), where Ellenor undergoes emergency treatment. The Season 8 finale, "Come to California (The Practice: The Movie)" (aired May 16, 2004), sets up the spin-off by teasing Alan Shore's (played by ) impending transfer from the Young, Frutt & Berluti firm to the high-powered Crane, Poole & Schmidt after ethical and financial strains, marking a transitional crossover element without full character migration in the episode itself. In total, these crossovers encompassed six episodes of The Practice, enhancing David E. Kelley's expansive TV universe by allowing character interactions that highlighted contrasts in tone—such as The Practice's gritty realism against 's fantasy elements—while advancing minor plot threads like personal relationships and professional alliances.

Broadcast and Reception

Airing History and Viewership

The Practice premiered on ABC on March 4, 1997, as a series, initially airing on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET. For its second season and the majority of its run, the show moved to Sundays at 10 p.m. ET, a slot it occupied through the seventh season, where it often competed effectively against NBC's . In a scheduling shift for the eighth and final season, ABC relocated it to Mondays at 9 p.m. ET starting in September 2003, aiming to bolster the network's lineup amid competition from CBS's CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The series wrapped production and aired its finale on May 16, 2004, after 168 episodes across eight seasons. Viewership for the debut season averaged around 8.6 million households, reflecting solid performance for a new legal drama in a competitive mid-season slot. The show experienced significant growth, peaking during the 1999–2000 television season with an average of 17.9 million viewers per episode, securing it the sixth-highest ranking among all primetime series that year. This surge was partly fueled by strong lead-ins from ABC's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, which dominated ratings at the time. By the 2000–2001 season, The Practice maintained strong numbers, averaging 18.3 million viewers and consistently winning its time slot. Nielsen data highlighted the show's earlier success, with the 1998–1999 season placing it at #11 in household ratings, bolstered by its Emmy wins for Outstanding Drama Series. Post-9/11, interest in legal and procedural dramas temporarily elevated audience engagement across the genre, contributing to sustained viewership in subsequent seasons. However, ratings began to soften in later years; the 2002–2003 season saw declines, and by the eighth season (2003–2004), averages had dropped to approximately 9.1 million viewers, impacted by the Monday move and increased competition. Despite these dips, ABC renewed the show for its final season, but opted to conclude it to pivot resources toward the spin-off Boston Legal, which debuted in fall 2004 and incorporated key cast members and thematic elements. Internationally, The Practice found a receptive audience, airing in Canada on the Global Television Network starting in 1998 and achieving notable popularity in syndication. In the United Kingdom, BBC Choice began broadcasting the series in April 2001, introducing it to British viewers during its later seasons.

Critical Response

Upon its premiere in 1997, The Practice received praise from critics for its grounded portrayal of legal work in a underfunded Boston firm, distinguishing it from glossier predecessors like L.A. Law. Variety highlighted the series' focus on "interesting, quirky and socially relevant situations" and commended the "aces" ensemble acting, particularly by Dylan McDermott, Camryn Manheim, and guest performers like Linda Hunt. Similarly, The New York Times noted the show's realism in depicting unglamorous clients, financial struggles, and pragmatic dialogue, such as characters admitting the unlikelihood of winning cases. The series reached its peak critical acclaim during seasons 3 through 5, where reviewers lauded the deepening character arcs and ethical complexities amid high-stakes cases. Entertainment outlets recognized the evolving dynamics and moral dilemmas as elevating the procedural format, contributing to sustained Emmy momentum that enhanced its visibility. These seasons balanced intense courtroom drama with personal growth, earning consistent positive feedback for their provocative . Reviews for the Season 8 revamp were mixed, with James Spader's addition as the unorthodox attorney Alan Shore widely acclaimed for injecting fresh energy and sardonic wit into the proceedings. Variety described Spader's performance as a "refreshing change of pace" and a "better-than-even trade" for prior leads, while acknowledging some plot twists felt more predictable. However, critics noted the overhaul alienated some longtime viewers by shifting toward more theatrical elements, marking a perceived step back from earlier restraint. In retrospective analyses, The Practice is credited with influencing subsequent legal procedurals by emphasizing ethical ambiguities and ensemble-driven narratives over . Modern assessments highlight its role in inspiring shows that blend realism with character-focused , though some point to unresolved outdated tropes in portrayals as a limitation reflective of television norms. Overall, the series holds a score of 74 based on reviews, indicating generally favorable reception. Common critiques across its run centered on occasional pacing issues and melodramatic resolutions in later episodes, though these did not overshadow its conceptual contributions to the genre.

Distribution and Legacy

Home Media and Streaming

The home media releases for The Practice have been limited, with Warner Home Video issuing only partial DVD sets rather than a complete series collection. In 2007, the studio released The Practice: Season 1, Volume 1, containing the first six episodes of the inaugural season. This was followed by additional partial volumes for early seasons, but coverage remained incomplete, culminating in the 2014 release of The Practice: The Final Season, an eight-disc boxed set featuring all 22 episodes from the eighth and concluding season. No full series DVD box set has ever been produced by the studio, leaving fans reliant on piecemeal purchases or unofficial compilations for the complete run of 168 episodes across eight seasons. Unofficial complete series sets are available from third-party sellers, though quality and legality may vary. Blu-ray editions of The Practice have not been officially released by any distributor as of 2025, despite growing demand for high-definition upgrades of classic television dramas. While digital remastering efforts have occurred for streaming platforms, physical Blu-ray versions remain unavailable, contributing to ongoing fan frustration over the lack of modern physical media options. Streaming availability for The Practice has evolved significantly since the show's conclusion in 2004, with the full series currently accessible on Amazon Prime Video, including its ad-supported tier, as of November 2025. This marks a shift from its previous primary streaming home on Hulu, where all eight seasons were available from 2021 until September 2023, when licensing agreements led to its removal alongside other David E. Kelley-produced titles like Ally McBeal. Digital purchase options persist on platforms such as Amazon Video and Apple TV (formerly iTunes), where individual seasons or episodes can be bought for permanent access, with per-season pricing varying by retailer and format. These digital formats have helped bridge gaps in physical media but do not include enhanced features like 4K upscaling or remastered audio. Internationally, The Practice DVDs were distributed in Region 1 (North America) and Region 2 (Europe, Japan, etc.) formats through Warner Home Video, mirroring the limited U.S. releases with partial season sets. The series also entered syndication on U.S. cable networks, including reruns on FX starting in 1999, which helped sustain its visibility post-network run before streaming took precedence. The incomplete nature of physical home media releases has drawn from collectors and fans, who have long lamented the absence of a comprehensive DVD or Blu-ray set, especially given the show's Emmy-winning legacy and influence on legal dramas. As of 2025, no 4K restorations or modern remasters have been announced, with availability shifts driven primarily by licensing renewals, such as the move to . This has positioned streaming as the most practical way to access the series, though it underscores broader challenges in preserving older television content.

Awards and Nominations

The Practice earned widespread acclaim through various awards bodies, with its strongest showings in the , where it secured 15 wins out of 41 nominations from 1997 to 2004. The series won Outstanding Drama Series in both 1998 and 1999, highlighting its early impact as a groundbreaking legal drama. Nominations and wins peaked between 1998 and 2000, reflecting the original ensemble's chemistry and David E. Kelley's writing and directing prowess, before tapering off after the 2003 cast revamp introduced . In the Emmy categories, guest acting performances dominated the honors. won Outstanding Guest Actor in a Series in 1998 for his portrayal of the charismatic psychopath Joey Heric. received the 1998 Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Series award for her role as Ellenor Frutt, marking a breakthrough for the actress. followed suit in 1999, winning Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Series for playing Judge Roberta Kittleson. also won Outstanding Directing for a Series in 1998 for the episode "The Civil Right," while the show earned multiple Outstanding Writing for a Series nominations, including a win in 1999. Additional guest wins extended into later seasons, such as and in 2004 for Outstanding Guest Actor and Actress in a Series, respectively. Beyond the Emmys, The Practice received nominations at the , including for Best Television Series – Drama in 2000 and 2001. won Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama in 1999 for his lead role as Bobby Donnell. earned a nomination in the same category in 2004 following the series revamp. The show was nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at the 5th in 1999. It also won a Peabody Award in 1998 for its candid exploration of legal and ethical themes through the work of young trial lawyers fighting for the disenfranchised. Overall, these accolades underscore the series' total of over 70 nominations across major awards, cementing its legacy in drama.

Spin-offs and Cultural Impact

The Practice spawned the spin-off series , which aired from 2004 to 2008 as a direct continuation, with reprising his role as Alan Shore and joining as Denny Crane, while carrying over core themes of and select characters from the original firm. David E. Kelley's creation of The Practice established a influential model for ensemble legal procedurals, blending serialized character arcs with episodic cases centered on moral and ethical conflicts, which shaped later series like in its emphasis on professional dilemmas and nuanced portrayals of the justice system. The series raised public awareness of by depicting attorneys grappling with professional obligations versus personal morals, and it fueled debates on through episodes that humanized both defendants and victims in death penalty cases. Its diverse cast, featuring prominent African American actors such as Steve Harris as Eugene Young and Lisa Gay Hamilton as Rebecca Washington alongside leads like and , advanced ethnic representation in 1990s network television legal dramas at a time when such inclusion was still emerging. Post-series reruns have sustained the show's visibility and supported actors' careers, exemplified by Camryn Manheim's Emmy-winning performance as Ellenor Frutt leading to recurring roles in Ghost Whisperer (2005–2010) and Law & Order (2024–present). Retrospective analyses in 2010s media studies have praised The Practice for its realistic depiction of legal practice and ethical ambiguity, influencing discussions on television's role in public education about the law. As of 2025, The Practice garners limited modern academic or media discussions compared to contemporaries like Law & Order, with no announced reboots, though its streaming availability on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video has sparked renewed viewer interest and online conversations.

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  86. https://www.abajournal.com/columns/article/the-practice-vs.-boston-legal-how-the-original-stacks-up-to-the-spinoff-part-2
  87. https://variety.com/2022/tv/awards/david-e-kelley-ally-mcbeal-the-practice-boston-legal-big-little-lies-1235364693/
  88. https://www.avclub.com/how-the-good-wife-broke-the-rules-for-legal-dramas-and-1798246542
  89. https://newenglrev.com/2019/05/28/unscrupulous-but-zealous-advocacy-ethics-lessons-from-david-e-kelleys-tv-lawyers/
  90. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/camryn_manheim
  91. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/camryn-manheim/bio/3030173184/
  92. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/the-practice/
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