The Practice
Drama with a passion for justice; teens and up.
Parents say
Based on 1 review
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this legal drama has strong adult themes, including drugs, violence, sexual harassment, and murder -- both related to the cases that the lawyers deal with and in their own lives. The main characters are all adults, and most of them talk about or get involved in sexual relationships at some point during the show's run. Between the mature storylines and the sometimes-complex legal technicalities that the series deals with, this one isn't for kids.
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What's the Story?
THE PRACTICE is an award-winning series that mixes drama, quick wit, and dry humor in order to tell a story about the professional lives of the attorneys at the Boston law firm of Donnell, Young, Dole, and Frutt. Led by Bobby Donnell (Dylan McDermott) -- whose able partners are Eugene Young (Steve Harris), Lindsay Dole (Kelli Williams), and Ellenor Frutt (Camryn Manheim) -- the firm passionately represents litigants in high-profile criminal and civil cases. Among those who add to the drama are supporting characters like loyal attorney Jimmy Berluti (Michael Badalucco) and Assistant District Attorney Helen Gamble (Lara Flynn Boyle). The cases they take on are rarely mundane, and many present complex issues with strong political and moral implications -- not surprising, considering that the show was created by David E. Kelley, who has a reputation for churning out quirky, complicated dramedies like Ally McBeal and Picket Fences. Over the course of the series' run, many of the original characters left, to be replaced by new partners and colleagues, including recent law school graduate Jamie Stringer (Jessica Capshaw) and -- during the final season -- morally challenged lawyer Alan Shore (James Spader).
Is It Any Good?
The firm's cases often introduce strong and sometimes-disturbing subject matter -- including sexual harassment, race-related crime, and capital murder. But by dealing with these issues, the show poses some very serious questions about how we view our society and our legal system. The Practice looks at how the modern justice system copes with society's changing -- and complicated -- legal, moral, and ethical issues. Yes, viewers get a glimpse of the lawyers' personal lives, but in the end the series is really about the practice of law and the professional (and not-so-professional...) relationships that emerge as a result of working together within the legal profession.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the realities of the legal profession. What do lawyers have to know in order to represent their clients in the best possible way? Is justice always served in the courtroom? Why does it take such a long time for a case to be tried? Why is the law so complex? How do loopholes and other technicalities affect the legal system? Families can also discuss professional behavior in the workplace. What kind of relationships are appropriate with co-workers?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 4, 1997
- Cast: Camryn Manheim, Dylan McDermott, Steve Harris
- Networks: FX, Syndicated
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: October 18, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Law & Order
Dead bodies + courtroom drama = mature teens only.
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Boston Legal
Crass legal dramedy not appropriate for kids.
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