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Raising the Bar was a legal drama television series that aired on TNT from 2008 to 2009. Created by Steven Bochco, the series followed the lives and cases of young lawyers who were trying to make a name for themselves in the legal world. With an ensemble cast that featured Melissa Sagemiller, Currie Graham, Gloria Reuben, Jane Kaczmarek, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, J. August Richards, Natalia Cigliuti, Teddy Sears, Jonathan Scarfe, Stacy Hall, and Autumn Reeser, the show was hailed for its strong performances, compelling storylines, and realistic portrayal of the legal profession.

The series revolved around the lives and work of the public defenders and district attorneys who were part of the New York City legal system. Sagemiller played the lead character of Michelle Ernhardt, a public defender who was highly dedicated to her job and committed to defending her clients, no matter how difficult their cases may be. Her colleagues included Graham as the idealistic but ambitious district attorney, Reuben as the calm and collected supervisor of the public defender's office, and Kaczmarek as the no-nonsense judge who presided over their cases.

Gosselaar portrayed the role of Jerry Kellerman, a defense attorney who was known for taking on cases that others would not. His unpredictable nature and unconventional methods often put him at odds with his colleagues, but also made him a valuable asset to his clients. Richards played Marcus McGrath, a public defender who struggled with a troubled past but remained committed to fighting for justice. Natalia Cigliuti played the role of Roberta "Bobbi" Gilardi, another public defender who often clashed with Michelle over their approaches to cases.

The show also explored the personal lives of its characters, with Teddy Sears playing the role of Charlie Sagansky, Michelle's on-again-off-again love interest. Jonathan Scarfe played the role of district attorney Nick Balco, who had a complicated history with Michelle. Stacy Hall played the role of assistant district attorney Julius Cain, who was introduced in the second season of the show, and Autumn Reeser played the role of attorney Samantha "Addy" Adderley, who joined the series in the second season as well.

Throughout the series, the characters tackled a wide range of cases, from murder and assault to identity theft and drug trafficking. They also faced personal challenges, such as romantic relationships, family conflicts, and career setbacks. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of the legal system, with attention paid to the details of courtroom procedure and legal strategy. The series also tackled social issues such as racial inequality, police misconduct, and the death penalty.

Raising the Bar was well-received by critics and audiences alike, with many praising the strong performances of its cast and the quality of its writing. However, despite its critical success, the show was cancelled after just two seasons. Fans of the series were disappointed by the cancellation, but the show remains a beloved part of the TNT lineup and a testament to the talent of its cast and creators.

In conclusion, Raising the Bar was a compelling legal drama series that tackled complex issues and featured a talented cast. While it may have been short-lived, the show left a lasting impact on its viewers and is remembered as a standout entry in the genre.

Raising the Bar is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (25 episodes). The series first aired on September 1, 2008.