The Practice

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  • TV-14
  • 1997
  • 8 Seasons
  • 7.7  (10,315)

The Practice is a legal drama television series that chronicles the activities of the partners, associates, and staff members of the Boston law firm Robert Donnell and Associates. The show premiered on Fox in 1997 and ran until 2004. Throughout its run, the Practice received wide critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the legal world, compelling storylines, and strong performances from its talented cast.

Steve Harris stars as Eugene Young, a confident and no-nonsense partner at the firm. Camryn Manheim plays Ellenor Frutt, a passionate and dedicated attorney who often puts her clients' interests before her own. Michael Badalucco portrays Jimmy Berluti, a likable but unorthodox lawyer with a tendency to take on the underdogs. Dylan McDermott stars as Bobby Donnell, the firm's charismatic founder, and leader, who frequently finds himself torn between his professional obligations and his personal loyalties.

Lisa Gay Hamilton plays Rebecca Washington, a talented and ambitious lawyer who joins the team in the later seasons of the show. Marla Sokoloff portrays Lucy Hatcher, a young and idealistic attorney who becomes Bobby's assistant. Kelli Williams is cast as Lindsay Dole, a tough but compassionate lawyer who often takes on difficult child custody cases. Lara Flynn Boyle plays Helen Gamble, a successful attorney who struggles to balance her personal and professional lives.

Bill Smitrovich stars as D.A. David McClaren, Bobby's arch-nemesis, who frequently clashes with the Donnell and Associates team in the courtroom. Chyler Leigh plays Claire Wyatt, a law student who joins the law firm as a clerk and works her way up the ranks to become an attorney. James Spader portrays Alan Shore, an eccentric and brilliant lawyer who later becomes a partner at the firm.

Jason Kravits plays Richard Bay, the firm's comptroller, who is known for his quirky personality and love for magic tricks. Jessica Capshaw is cast as Jamie Stringer, a young and ambitious lawyer who becomes the object of Bobby's affections. Rhona Mitra plays Tara Wilson, a seductive artist whom Bobby defends in a high-profile case. Ron Livingston portrays Alan Lowe, an attorney who temporarily replaces Bobby as head of the firm.

Holland Taylor plays Judge Roberta Kittleson, a tough but fair judge who often hears cases involving the Donnell and Associates team. John Larroquette plays Joey Heric, a wealthy businessman who frequently hires the firm for his legal needs.

The Practice covers a wide range of legal cases and issues, including murder trials, corporate fraud, civil lawsuits, and family law disputes. Through its complex storytelling and nuanced character development, the show explores the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers, judges, and clients alike.

The Practice was praised for its realistic depiction of the legal system, as well as its sensitive and honest portrayal of controversial social issues such as abortion, racism, and LGBTQ+ rights. The show also tackled timely topics such as domestic terrorism, police brutality, and the death penalty.

In addition to its compelling storylines, The Practice was known for its strong performances and memorable characters. The show's ensemble cast received critical acclaim for their performances, with many of them earning Emmy nominations and awards for their work on the show.

Overall, The Practice was a groundbreaking legal drama that set the standard for subsequent series in the genre. Despite ending its run over 15 years ago, the show remains a fan favorite and a critical darling, a testament to its enduring legacy and influence on the television landscape.

The Practice is a series that is currently running and has 8 seasons (205 episodes). The series first aired on March 4, 1997.

The Practice
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Seasons
Cheers (a.k.a Adjourned: Series Finale)
22. Cheers (a.k.a Adjourned: Series Finale)
May 16, 2004
At Crane, Poole & Schmidt, Denny Crane (William Shatner) and Alan Shore appear before Judge Eugene Young, and Hannah Rose (Rebecca De Mornay) recuperates from the punch she suffered at the hands of Ellenor. Meanwhile, Jamie takes a position at Berluti's new legal shingle, and Ellenor invites Bobby Donnell (guest star Dylan McDermott) to help his former colleagues bid an official goodbye to the old firm, as they each embark on the next phase of their professional lives.
New Hoods on the Block
21. New Hoods on the Block
May 2, 2004
Eugene considers an exciting new offer for his future... could this mean the end of the practice? Meanwhile, Jimmy is shaken by an ominous run-in with neighborhood lawyer Lenny Pescatore (Vincent Pastore), as their turf war heats up, and Ellenor clashes with sexy and ruthless attorney Hannah Rose (Rebecca De Mornay) of Crane Poole & Schmidt.
Comings and Goings
20. Comings and Goings
April 25, 2004
Eugene is presented with an offer he finds hard to refuse, and Ellenor is shocked when she hears the news, knowing full well that any departure by Eugene would mean the beginning of the end of the practice. Meanwhile, Jimmy is confronted by crooked lawyer Lenny Pascatore (Vincent Pastore), who claims that the neighborhood only has room for one practicing attorney. Across town at Crane, Poole & Schmidt, Denny Crane ruffles some feathers by making Tara his personal paralegal, and Hannah Rose (Rebecca De Mornay) enlists Shore's help in handling an assault case involving two hockey players.
The Firm
19. The Firm
April 18, 2004
Jimmy Berluti takes the firm by surprise when he leaves to pursue his own practice, and Alan Shore gets an immediate taste of what life is like at the law firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt.
The Case Against Alan Shore (3)
18. The Case Against Alan Shore (3)
March 28, 2004
In a dramatic courtroom showdown, Alan Shore sues his former friends and partners at Young, Frutt & Berluti for wrongful termination, but is it justice he's after, or simply revenge.
War of the Roses (2)
17. War of the Roses (2)
March 21, 2004
Tensions between Shore and Eugene rise to the boiling point when Shore retains the services of a high-profile law firm to go head-to-head with Young, Frutt & Berluti in the face of his abrupt firing from the firm.
In Good Conscience (1)
16. In Good Conscience (1)
March 14, 2004
There are major shake-ups at the firm, as tensions rise between Eugene and Alan Shore. Meanwhile, the firm takes the case of a young man who is suing the doctor he feels is responsible for the death of his wife during childbirth. Kelli Williams returns to the show to make her directorial debut.
Mr. Shore Goes to Town (3)
15. Mr. Shore Goes to Town (3)
March 7, 2004
With childhood friend Paul Stewart's freedom hanging in the balance, Alan Shore braces for the jury's return.
Pre-Trial Blues (2)
14. Pre-Trial Blues (2)
February 22, 2004
Alan Shore and Jimmy Berluti's mutual antagonism began the moment they met, and tensions mount when Shore is forced to seek Jimmy's help with the case of his childhood friend, Paul Stewart (Patrick Dempsey). Meanwhile, Catherine Piper (Betty White) makes a shocking revelation that could have a devastating impact on the outcome of the trial.
Going Home (1)
13. Going Home (1)
February 15, 2004
When his best friend from childhood is accused of murdering his mistress, Alan Shore returns home to defend him.
Avenging Angels
12. Avenging Angels
January 18, 2004
Jimmy Berluti and Jamie Stringer defend an elderly man, Walter Josephson, who is accused of killing a member of the local Irish mob, and Alan Shore agrees to help a friend - by any means necessary - who discovers his wife is cheating on him.
Police State
11. Police State
January 11, 2004
When the police torture a man they believe shot one of their own, Eugene, barely able to contain his emotion, takes the lead in seeking justice.
Equal Justice
10. Equal Justice
December 7, 2003
Alan Shore uses unorthodox tactics when he's appointed by the court to defend a young man accused of murder. Meanwhile, Tara must try her first case when she's thrown into covering Shore's previously scheduled client.
Victims' Rights
9. Victims' Rights
November 30, 2003
Alan Shore defends a twelve-year-old girl who is trying to escape an arranged marriage in her home country. Meanwhile, Eugene tries to help a man who is seeking justice for the brutal murder of his wife.
Concealing Evidence
8. Concealing Evidence
November 23, 2003
Alan Shore uses questionable, if not illegal, tactics in representing his clients - Ted Grayson, a mentally unstable man accused of murder, and Karen Evanson, a woman who claims her husband's suicide was induced by a prescription drug.
Rape Shield
7. Rape Shield
November 9, 2003
As a court-appointed attorney, Berluti takes an unexpected path in defending a man accused of rape. Meanwhile, Eugene and Ellenor confront both Jamie and Alan Shore when evidence of some questionable behavior comes to light.
The Lonely People (2)
6. The Lonely People (2)
November 2, 2003
Eugene and Jimmy's defense of the leader of a white supremacist group takes an unexpected turn when surprising new developments come to light. Meanwhile, Shore continues in his quest to free Roland Huff from prison, and Jamie and Eugene must come to terms with their differences.
The Heat of Passion (1)
5. The Heat of Passion (1)
October 26, 2003
Eugene struggles to defend a white supremacist whom he was appointed by the court to represent. Meanwhile, the sexual tension between Tara Wilson and Alan Shore grows, and Jamie and Eugene's interracial relationship is tested.
Blessed Are They (3)
4. Blessed Are They (3)
October 19, 2003
Alan Shore is troubled by Sheila Carlisle's (Sharon Stone) increasingly erratic behavior and fears for her mental - and legal - competence. Meanwhile, Shore is ordered by the court to represent a man who refuses to divulge his identity for fear that the unsavory nature of his crime will be made public.
Cause of Action (2)
3. Cause of Action (2)
October 12, 2003
Eccentric attorney Sheila Carlisle (Sharon Stone), whom Alan Shore hired on a temporary basis without consulting anyone else, takes on a lawsuit on behalf of the firm; and Ellenor finds herself in a moral dilemma when faced with the truth about her client.
The Chosen (1)
2. The Chosen (1)
October 5, 2003
Alan Shore agrees to help friend Sheila Carlisle (Sharon Stone), a successful attorney who claims God speaks to her, and who has subsequently been fired from her law firm for being mentally incompetent. Meanwhile there are startling new developments in the case of Brad Stanfield (Chris O'Donnell), whom Ellenor and Jamie are defending for allegedly poisoning his pregnant wife.
We the People
1. We the People
September 28, 2003
Alan Shore (James Spader), an ethically challenged anti-trust lawyer who was recently fired from his firm for embezzling, approaches Ellenor, a friend from the past, about a job. She reluctantly agrees to give him a chance, but first he must prove himself by taking over a case. Meanwhile, Eugene and Jimmy defend a woman who, fed up, shot a neighborhood drug dealer in cold blood, and Ellenor and Jamie take on the case of Brad Stanfield (Chris O'Donnell), a man who stands accused of murdering his pregnant wife.
Description
Where to Watch The Practice
The Practice is available for streaming on the FOX website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Practice on demand at Amazon, Vudu, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    March 4, 1997
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (10,315)