The Practice is an American legal drama television series created by David E. Kelley that aired on ABC from March 4, 1997, to May 16, 2004, spanning eight seasons with a total of 168 episodes
. The show focuses on the partners and associates at a Boston law firm, led by senior defense attorney Bobby Donnell, who take on challenging and often ethically complex cases, including defending murderers and rapists
. The series is known for exploring the conflict between legal ethics and personal morality, often presenting serious ethical dilemmas faced by the attorneys, with occasional light comedic elements
. It won multiple awards, including the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series in 1998 and 1999, a Golden Globe, a Peabody Award, and an American Bar Association Silver Gavel Award
. The main cast over the years included Dylan McDermott as Bobby Donnell, Steve Harris as Eugene Young, Camryn Manheim as Ellenor Frutt, Michael Badalucco as Jimmy Berluti, and James Spader as Alan Shore, who joined in the later seasons and won an Emmy for his role
. The show underwent a major cast and budget revamp by its eighth season, which helped revive ratings before it ended and led to the spin-off series Boston Legal
. In summary, The Practice is a critically acclaimed legal drama centered on a Boston law firm's attorneys navigating complex legal and ethical challenges, known for its gritty realism and award-winning storytelling
