View source for Boston Legal

{{short description|American television series}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox television
| image              = Boston Legal - ABC television series logo.webp
| genre              = {{unbulleted list|[[Legal drama|Legal]] [[comedy drama]]}}
| creator            = [[David E. Kelley]]
| starring           = {{unbulleted list|[[James Spader]]|[[Monica Potter]]|[[Rhona Mitra]]|[[Lake Bell]]|[[Mark Valley]]|[[William Shatner]]|[[Candice Bergen]]|[[René Auberjonois]]|[[Julie Bowen]]|[[Justin Mentell]]|[[Ryan Michelle Bathe]]|[[Craig Bierko]]|[[Constance Zimmer]]|[[Gary Anthony Williams]]|[[John Larroquette]]|[[Christian Clemenson]]|[[Tara Summers]]|[[Saffron Burrows]]|[[Taraji P. Henson]]}}
| composer           = [[Danny Lux]]
| country            = United States
| language           = English
| num_seasons        = 5
| num_episodes       = 101
| list_episodes      = List of Boston Legal episodes
| executive_producer = {{unbulleted list|[[David E. Kelley]]|[[Bill D'Elia]]|[[Mike Listo]]|Lawrence Broch|[[Janet Leahy]] <small>(2.04–3.24)</small>|Scott Kaufer <small>(1.01–2.03, 2.23)</small>|[[Jeff Rake]] <small>(1.01–1.13)</small>}}
| producer           =
| camera             =
| runtime            = 42-62 minutes
| company            = {{unbulleted list|[[David E. Kelley|David E. Kelley Productions]]|[[20th Century Fox Television]]}}
| network            = [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]
| first_aired        = {{Start date|2004|10|3}}
| last_aired         = {{End date|2008|12|8}}
| related            = {{unbulleted list|''[[The Practice]]''|''[[Boston Public]]''}}
}}

'''''Boston Legal'''''  is an American [[legal drama|legal]] [[comedy drama]] television series created by former lawyer and Boston native [[David E. Kelley]], produced in association with [[20th Century Fox Television]] for [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]. The series aired from October 3, 2004, to December 8, 2008. The series stars [[James Spader]], [[William Shatner]] and [[Candice Bergen]]. It is a direct [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] and continuation of the TV series ''[[The Practice]]'', with several characters from the eighth season of that series moving to ''Boston Legal''. While never a [[Nielsen ratings]] smash hit, the show was critically acclaimed. It received 26 [[Primetime Emmy Awards]] nominations, including for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series|Outstanding Drama Series]] in 2007 and 2008 and a [[Peabody Award]] in 2005.

== Plot ==
''Boston Legal'' follows the exploits of former ''Practice'' character Alan Shore, and his passionate co-workers, at the fictional offices of Crane, Poole & Schmidt.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://entertainment.time.com/2012/06/22/top-10-tv-offices-we-wished-we-worked-in/slide/crane-poole-schmidt/|title = Crane, Poole & Schmidt, Boston Legal|magazine = Time|date = 20 June 2012|last1 = Rothman|first1 = Lily}}</ref> The high-end litigation Boston firm, handles both civil and criminal law cases.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/boston-legal-did-that-have-to-be-the-last-episode/|title = Boston Legal: Did That Have to be the Last Episode?|date = 9 December 2008}}</ref>

The series plays on the chemistry between Alan Shore and loose cannon Denny Crane.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/boston_legal|title = Boston Legal|website = [[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref> Middle-aged Shore is wry and wily, while mid-70s Crane (suffering from the early stages of [[Alzheimer's disease]]) is flamboyant and eccentric.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/boston-legal/1000183375/|title = Boston Legal}}</ref> Shore often uses questionable methods to win cases.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hulu.com/series/boston-legal-2cd2fbc0-6cc2-49d8-a78b-bcd661482db6|title = Boston Legal}}</ref> Crane is obsessed with the reputation of his name, which he frequently repeats.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2022/02/tvs-greatest-lawyers/|title = TV's Greatest Lawyers|date = 21 February 2022}}</ref> Though political opposites, Shore and Crane are best friends.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2008/12/09/boston-legal-1/|title = 'Boston Legal' finale: I Now Pronounce You Denny and Alan|magazine = [[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> Episodes more often than not end with the two relaxing and musing together on the firm's balcony (while smoking cigars and drinking [[scotch whisky]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theweek.com/articles/443282/outrageous-surprising-prescient-legacy-boston-legal|title=The outrageous, surprising, and prescient legacy of Boston Legal|website=[[The Week]] |date=15 October 2014 }}</ref>

== Cast ==
{{Main|List of Boston Legal characters}}

=== ''The Practice'' characters ===
* [[James Spader]] as [[Alan Shore]] (''[[The Practice]]'' season 8; seasons 1–5)
* [[Rhona Mitra]] as [[Tara Wilson (Boston Legal)|Tara Wilson]] (''[[The Practice]]'' season 8; season 1; recurring season 2)
* [[Lake Bell]] as [[Sally Heep]] (''[[The Practice]]'' season 8; season 1; guest season 3)
* [[William Shatner]] as [[Denny Crane]] (''[[The Practice]]'' season 8; seasons 1–5)

=== Main characters ===
* [[Monica Potter]] as [[Lori Colson]] (season 1; recurring season 2)
* [[Mark Valley]] as [[Brad Chase]] (seasons 1–3; recurring season 4)
* [[Candice Bergen]] as [[Shirley Schmidt]] (seasons 1–5, starting with episode 11)
* [[René Auberjonois]] as [[Paul Lewiston]] (seasons 1–3; recurring season 4–5)
* [[Julie Bowen]] as [[List of Boston Legal characters#Denise Bauer|Denise Bauer]] (seasons 2–3; guest season 5)
* [[Justin Mentell]] as [[Garrett Wells]] (season 2)
* [[Ryan Michelle Bathe]] as [[Sara Holt (Boston Legal)|Sara Holt]] (season 2)
* [[Craig Bierko]] as [[Jeffrey Coho]] (season 3)
* [[Constance Zimmer]] as [[Claire Simms]] (season 3)
* [[Gary Anthony Williams]] as [[Clarence Bell (Boston Legal)|Clarence Bell]] (seasons 3–4)
* [[John Larroquette]] as [[Carl Sack]] (seasons 4–5)
* [[Christian Clemenson]] as [[Jerry Espenson]] (seasons 4–5; recurring season 2–3)
* [[Tara Summers]] as [[Katie Lloyd]] (seasons 4–5)
* [[Saffron Burrows]] as [[Lorraine Weller]] (season 4)
* [[Taraji P. Henson]] as Whitney Rome (season 4)

== Production ==
Prior to the show's premiere, it had a working title of ''Fleet Street'', an [[allusion]] to the real street in [[Boston]] where the fictitious Crane, Poole & Schmidt had its offices. The working title was later modified to ''The Practice: Fleet Street'', but this title was dropped in favor of ''Boston Legal''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=BN&p_theme=bn&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=103F981A0C6BE0BA&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Marketing, Legal Factors Influence TV'S Name Game|last=Pergament|first=Alan|date=July 19, 2004|newspaper=[[The Buffalo News]]|access-date=December 10, 2008}}</ref> The real building shown as the law office is located at [[500 Boylston Street]], 1.4 miles away from Fleet Street.

The American producers of the series also hired the British writer and barrister [[Sir John Mortimer|John Mortimer]] (creator of the British legal series ''[[Rumpole of the Bailey]]'') as a consultant for ''Boston Legal''.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://features.csmonitor.com/books/2009/01/16/in-appreciation-of-john-mortimer/|title=In appreciation of John Mortimer|author=The Christian Science Monitor|journal=The Christian Science Monitor|date=16 January 2009}}</ref>

The show's pilot was originally produced with former ''The Practice'' stars [[James Spader]] and [[Rhona Mitra]], [[guest star]]s [[William Shatner]] and [[Lake Bell]]. It featured an expanded storyline with [[Larry Miller (entertainer)|Larry Miller]] as Edwin Poole, [[Mark Valley]] as [[Brad Chase]] and [[John Michael Higgins]] as [[Partner (business rank)|senior partner]] Jerry Austin. [[Monica Potter]] was later cast as junior partner Lori Colson and [[René Auberjonois]] as senior partner [[Paul Lewiston]], replacing John Michael Higgins. The pilot premiered on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] on October 3, 2004.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2004-10-04-desperate-wives-abc-comeback_x.htm|title='Housewives' lifts ABC's spirits — and ratings|last=Levin|first=Gary|date=2004-10-04|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|access-date=2008-12-10}}</ref>

On November 30, 2004, it was announced that [[Candice Bergen]] would join the cast as senior partner Shirley Schmidt,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20041130abc01|title=Candice Bergen Joins the Cast of ABC's 'Boston Legal'|last=''[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'' press release|date=November 30, 2004|website=The Futon Critic|access-date=December 10, 2008}}</ref> a character the producers had planned to introduce for several months.<ref>Rice, Lynette. [https://ew.com/article/2005/01/10/candice-bergen-returns-prime-time/]  "Legal Aid". "[[Entertainment Weekly]]" online, January 10, 2005.</ref>  Lake Bell left the series mid-season, and René Auberjonois was promoted to main cast member.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=6776|title=Breaking News - Development Update: November 29–30 - TheFutonCritic.com|work=thefutoncritic.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=6770|title=Breaking News - Development Update: November 15–18 - TheFutonCritic.com|work=thefutoncritic.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20041115abc01 |title=Breaking News – René Auberjonois Joins the Cast of ABC's 'Boston Legal' |publisher=TheFutonCritic.com |date=2013-09-14 |access-date=2013-10-14}}</ref> [[Anthony Heald]] and [[Betty White]] also made regular guest appearances, having both appeared as the same characters on ''The Practice''.

On April 5, 2005, the series was renewed for a second season, although ABC put the show on hiatus in favor of ''[[Grey's Anatomy]]'' <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20050216abc01 |title=Breaking News – ABC's Medical Drama Series 'Grey's Anatomy' Premieres Sunday, March 27 at 10:00 P.M., Et |publisher=TheFutonCritic.com |date=2013-09-14 |access-date=2013-10-14}}</ref> The success of ''Grey's Anatomy'' placed ''Boston Legal'' on hold until autumn 2005, when it returned for an extended season of 27 episodes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20050517abc01|title=Breaking News - Building on a Slate of Returning Series That Produced the Largest Season-To-Season Adult 18-49 Audience Growth for Any Major Network in at Least 25 Years, ABC Announces the Addition of Five New Comedies, Six New Dramas and One New Alternative Series to Its 2005-06 Primetime Schedule - TheFutonCritic.com|work=thefutoncritic.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20050408abc01|title=Breaking News - Grey's Anatomy to Continue Airing Sundays at 10:00 P.M. on the ABC Television Network - TheFutonCritic.com|work=thefutoncritic.com}}</ref> Both [[Rhona Mitra]] and [[Monica Potter]] left the series during the hiatus, while [[Julie Bowen]] was cast as Denise Bauer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=6910|title=Breaking News - Development Update Special: Who's in and Who's Out - TheFutonCritic.com|work=thefutoncritic.com}}</ref> [[Ryan Michelle Bathe]] and [[Justin Mentell]] were later cast as [[Associate attorney|junior associate]]s Sara Holt and Garrett Wells.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20050721abc01|title=Breaking News - Three New Cast Members Join ABC's "Boston Legal" -|work=The Futon Critic}}</ref> The second episode of season 3 introduced [[Craig Bierko]] as Jeffrey Coho and [[Constance Zimmer]] as Claire Simms. In episode 11, guest star [[Gary Anthony Williams]] joined the cast, with Craig Bierko leaving in episode 15.

On June 4, 2007, ''[[TV Guide]]'' announced that [[René Auberjonois]], [[Julie Bowen]], [[Mark Valley]] and [[Constance Zimmer]] would not return for season 4.<ref>Ausiello, Michael. [https://www.tvguide.com/news/exclusive-boston-legal-8243/ "Boston Legal Cleans House, Drops Four Actors!"]. ''[[TV Guide]]'' online, June 13, 2007.</ref> On June 13, 2007, it was announced that actor [[John Larroquette]] (former ''The Practice'' guest star) would join the cast as a senior partner transferred from the New York offices of Crane, Poole & Schmidt, with actress [[Tara Summers]] joining as a young associate. [[Christian Clemenson]] (former ''The Practice'' guest star), who had guest-starred occasionally as Jerry Espenson (a brilliant but socially inept lawyer), was promoted to main cast.<ref>[http://community.tvguide.com/blog/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/700000049 Ausiello Report: Rumor Patrol: Grey's, Heroes, Lost and More!] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616174312/http://community.tvguide.com/blog/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/700000049 |date=June 16, 2007 }} at ''TV Guide''</ref> Production also stated that René Auberjonois, Mark Valley, Julie Bowen, and Constance Zimmer may return in guest roles.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/television-bostonlegal-dc-idUSN1441230420070614 "Larroquette added to 'Boston Legal' bill"]. ''Reuters'', June 14, 2007.</ref> On July 2, 2007, it was reported that both René Auberjonois and Mark Valley would return in recurring roles;<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/television-boston-dc-idUSN0228238620070702 "More cast changes at 'Boston Legal'"]. ''Reuters'', July 2, 2007</ref> It was also announced that [[Taraji P. Henson]] would join the cast in season 4, with [[Saffron Burrows]] appearing in a recurring role. Burrows later became a full-time cast member.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN2526178320070725 "Actress Burrows makes it 'Legal'"]. July 25, 2007.</ref>

On May 13, 2008, ABC announced that ''Boston Legal'' would return for a fifth and final season in the fall.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/boston-legal/100068|title=Boston Legal|work=TVGuide.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://variety.com/2008/tv/features/boston-legal-set-for-fifth-season-1117985459/ | title='Boston Legal' set for fifth season | first=Michael | last=Schneider | work=Variety | date=May 11, 2008}}</ref> Saffron Burrows did not return as a series regular, having joined the cast of ''[[My Own Worst Enemy (TV series)|My Own Worst Enemy]]''. The final season consisted of 13 episodes to reach the "100" episode mark, which facilitated successful syndication.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-bostonlegalfinalseason,0,7596840.story|title=Zap2It|website=[[Zap2it]]|access-date=2008-05-13|archive-date=2014-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826030114/http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-bostonlegalfinalseason,0,7596840.story|url-status=dead}}</ref> There was speculation that ''Boston Legal'' might receive an additional episode order, if the show had another strong showing in the [[Emmy Awards]] and produced solid ratings in its new fall time slot.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-emboston-legalem-is-o_b_103255 | work=HuffPost | first=Ed | last=Martin | title=Why ''Boston Legal'' is One of Broadcast's Best | date=May 31, 2008}}</ref> The season began airing on September 22, 2008.

On June 18 and June 20, 2008, it was reported that Gary Anthony Williams and Taraji P. Henson would not return for season 5 as Clarence Bell and Whitney Rome, respectively.<ref>[http://www.accessatlanta.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/peachbuzz/entries/2008/06/20/clarice_not_bit.html 'Clarice' not bitter about losing role on show] Access Atlanta {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622211407/http://www.accessatlanta.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/peachbuzz/entries/2008/06/20/clarice_not_bit.html |date=June 22, 2008 }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080702144834/http://blogs.bet.com/entertainment/whattheflick/?p=226 BET.com – What The Flick » Working Girl<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> On July 17, 2008, ''Boston Legal'' was nominated for a series-high seven Emmy nominations, including for Best Drama Series for the second consecutive year. Spader, Bergen and Shatner were each nominated for their respective roles.

''Boston Legal'''s two-hour-long series finale aired on Monday, December 8, 2008, at 9:00PM Eastern/8:00PM Central. David E. Kelley stated in an interview with the ''[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]'' on December 7, 2008 that it was ABC's decision to end ''Boston Legal'', and that he "had to fight to bring it back for a short season of 13 episodes".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/2008/12/07/Boston-Legal-s-Kelley-delivers-parting-shots/stories/200812070246|title='Boston Legal's' Kelley delivers parting shots|last=Owen|first=Rob|date=December 7, 2008|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|access-date=December 23, 2008}}</ref>

The show was noted for frequently breaking the [[fourth wall]] throughout its run.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/14/arts/television/beneath-the-quirks-theres-always-a-message-for-the-masses.html | title = THE TV WATCH; Beneath the Quirks, There's Always a Message for the Masses | newspaper = New York Times | date = February 14, 2006 | first = Alessandra | last = Stanley}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Bierly |first1=Mandi |title='Boston Legal': Why I'll miss it |url=https://ew.com/article/2008/12/08/boston-legal-se/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Meredith Corporation |access-date=24 January 2019 |date=December 8, 2008}}</ref>

== Episodes ==
{{Main|List of Boston Legal episodes}}
{{:List of Boston Legal episodes}}

== Reception ==
=== Ratings and audience profile ===
According to [[Nielsen Media Research]], ''Boston Legal'' drew the richest viewing audience on television, based on the concentration of high-income viewers in its young adult audience (Adult 18–49 index w/$100k+ annual income).<ref>[https://www.aintitcool.com/?q=node/31974 "ABC Renews BOSTON LEGAL, MEN IN TREES, BROTHERS, UGLY, HOUSEWIVES, GREY'S, LOST, 7 More For Next Season!!"], Ain'tItCoolNews.com.</ref>

Seasonal rankings (based on average total viewers per episode) of ''Boston Legal'' on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]].

''Note: Each U.S. network television season starts in late September and ends in late May, which coincides with the completion of May [[sweeps]]. All times mentioned in this section were in the Eastern and Pacific time zones.''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Season
! Timeslot
! Season premiere
! Season finale
! TV season
! Season<br />rank
! Viewers<br />(in millions)
|-
! 1
| style="text-align:center;"| Sunday 10:00 pm
| October 3, 2004
| March 20, 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| [[2004–05 United States network television schedule|2004–2005]]
| style="text-align:center;"| '''#28'''
| style="text-align:center;"| '''12.53'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822221617/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_05|archive-date=2009-08-22|title=Disney General Entertainment Content Press}}</ref>
|-
! 2
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| Tuesday 10:00 pm
| September 27, 2005
| May 16, 2006
| style="text-align:center;"| [[2005–06 United States network television schedule|2005–2006]]
| style="text-align:center;"| '''#47'''
| style="text-align:center;"| '''10.30'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=053106_05 |title=ABC Medianet |publisher=ABC Medianet |date=2006-05-31 |access-date=2013-10-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011060406/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=053106_05 |archive-date=2014-10-11 }}</ref>
|-
! 3
| September 19, 2006
| May 29, 2007
| style="text-align:center;"| [[2006–07 United States network television schedule|2006–2007]]
| style="text-align:center;"| '''#62'''
| style="text-align:center;"| '''9.57'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=060507_05 |title=ABC Medianet |publisher=ABC Medianet |date=2007-06-05 |access-date=2013-10-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107155346/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=060507_05 |archive-date=2009-01-07 }}</ref>
|-
! 4
| style="text-align:center;"| Tuesday 10:00 pm<br />Wednesday 10:00 pm
| September 25, 2007
| May 21, 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| [[2007–08 United States network television schedule|2007–2008]]
| style="text-align:center;"| '''#51'''
| style="text-align:center;"| '''9.62'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052808_06 |title=ABC Medianet |publisher=ABC Medianet |date=2008-05-28 |access-date=2013-10-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413172935/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052808_06 |archive-date=2010-04-13 }}</ref>
|-
! 5
| style="text-align:center;"| Monday 10:00 pm
| September 22, 2008
| December 8, 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| [[2008–09 United States network television schedule|2008–2009]]
| style="text-align:center;"| '''#47'''
| style="text-align:center;"| '''9.62'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051909_05 |title=ABC Medianet |publisher=ABC Medianet |date=2009-05-19 |access-date=2013-10-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623063544/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051909_05 |archive-date=2009-06-23 }}</ref>
|}

===Awards===
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Boston Legal}}
[[Primetime Emmy Awards]]:
* 2005 Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (James Spader)
* 2005 Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (William Shatner)
* 2006 Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series (Christian Clemenson)
* 2007 Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (James Spader)
** James Spader also won the 2004 Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for the same role on ''The Practice''.
** William Shatner also won the 2004 Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for the same role on ''The Practice''.

[[Golden Globe Awards]]:
* 2004 Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or TV Movie (William Shatner)

[[Peabody Awards]]
* 2005, as David E. Kelley Productions, in association with 20th Century Fox Television<ref>[http://www.peabodyawards.com/award-profile/boston-legal 65th Annual Peabody Awards], May 2006.</ref>

== Home media ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!DVD name
! Region 1
! Region 2
! Region 4
|-
|Season 1
| May 23, 2006
| July 24, 2006
| August 9, 2006
|-
|Season 2
| November 21, 2006
| March 5, 2007
| February 21, 2007
|-
|Season 3
| September 18, 2007
| January 14, 2008
| October 10, 2007
|-
|Season 4
| September 23, 2008
| October 13, 2008
| December 3, 2008
|-
|Season 5
| May 5, 2009
| May 11, 2009
| August 5, 2009
|-
|The Complete Series
| May 5, 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Boston-Legal-Season-Complete-Collection/dp/B0027CSMY0|title=Amazon.com: Boston Legal Season 1–5 Complete Collection: William Shatner, James Spader, Candice Bergen: Movies & TV|work=amazon.com|date=5 May 2009}}</ref>
| May 11, 2009
| November 18, 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/808336|title=Buy Boston Legal – The Complete Series (28 Disc Tin Set) on DVD-Video from EzyDVD.com.au|work=ezydvd.com.au|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005012353/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/808336|archive-date=2009-10-05}}</ref>
|}

As a former ABC series, the show is available for streaming on Disney platform [[Hulu]].

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote|Boston Legal}}
* {{IMDb title|402711}}
* {{rotten-tomatoes|tv/boston_legal}}
* {{epguides|BostonLegal|Boston Legal}}

{{David E. Kelley}}
{{GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Individual Episode}}
{{Portal bar|Television|United States}}

[[Category:Boston Legal| ]]
[[Category:2000s American comedy-drama television series]]
[[Category:2000s American workplace comedy television series]]
[[Category:2004 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:2008 American television series endings]]
[[Category:2000s American legal drama television series]]
[[Category:American television spinoffs]]
[[Category:American English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Legal comedies]]
[[Category:Peabody Award–winning television programs]]
[[Category:The Practice]]
[[Category:Primetime Emmy Award–winning television series]]
[[Category:Television series by 20th Century Fox Television]]
[[Category:Television series created by David E. Kelley]]
[[Category:Television shows set in Boston]]
[[Category:Television Academy Honors winners]]
[[Category:Television series about lawyers]]
[[Category:American Broadcasting Company comedy-dramas]]
[[Category:American Broadcasting Company legal dramas]]