A pilot of LA Law has been ordered at ABC, which will serve as a sequel to the similarly-titled original series. Premiering in 1986 on NBC and running until 1994, LA Law featured an ensemble cast and told the story of the fictitious Los Angeles-based law firm McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney, and Kuzak. The series regularly dealt with social issues such as women's reproductive rights, racism, homophobia, sexual harassment, HIV/AIDS, and domestic violence. But, in the same vein, the legal drama was also notable because of its humor and ability to shine a light on the tensions between the wealthy senior lawyer protagonists and their less well-paid junior staff.
A hit with critics and audiences, LA Law garnered 15 Emmy Awards throughout its run. It also featured appearances by future stars such as Lucy Liu, David Schwimmer, and Don Cheadle. It also featured Blair Underwood, who joined the show as a regular cast member in season 2 to play Jonathan Rollins. Back in December 2020, it was reported that Underwood would reprise his role as Jonathan for a sequel to LA Law that was planned at ABC.
According to Deadline, ABC has decided to give the green light to the LA Law pilot. Set to be written by Marc Guggenheim and Ubah Mohamed, with Anthony Hemingway producing, the pilot will see the firm of McKenzie Brackman reinvent itself to specialize and litigate only the most high-profile and incendiary cases. Underwood’s character, meanwhile, has gone from an idealistic lawyer to one that is entrenched in his ways. This leads to clashes with the millennial JJ Freeman over how to decide the best way to move forward and effect important political and legal change.
It’s noted that, although the project will focus on a new generation of lawyers, original cast members are expected to make appearances if the project moves beyond a pilot. In addition to starring in the updated version of LA Law, Underwood will also serve as executive producer alongside Jesse and Dayna Bochco. The latter two producers are connected to the late Steven Bochco, who co-created the original series with Terry Louise Fisher. Jesse, a television director, also played a crucial role in bringing the project together. Dayna, Bochco’s widow, was most recently an executive producer on the Disney+ show Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.
LA Law has been reportedly moving slowly through the developmental process at ABC. However, after Underwood and Hemingway were approached for projects, ABC made the decision to move ahead with a new take on the legal drama. Thanks to its reputation with both audiences and critics, and its bevy of Emmy wins, there will be plenty of interest in seeing how the pilot fares. If it succeeds, network television and even some streaming services could see an increase in courtroom shows that would be reminiscent of the 1990s.
Source: Deadline