TV series
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the courtroom.
Alan Shore and Denny Crane lead a brigade of high-priced civil litigators in an upscale Boston law firm in a series focusing on the professional and personal lives of brilliant but often emotionally challenged attorneys. A spin-off of long-running series The Practice.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
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Alan Shore and Denny Crane lead a brigade of high-priced civil litigators in an upscale Boston law firm in a series focusing on the professional and personal lives of brilliant but often emotionally challenged attorneys. A spin-off of long-running series The Practice.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Terminally ill Daniel Post needs Denise and Shirley's help after running afoul of the law. Meanwhile, Alan defends Jerry after his driving habits lead to trouble.
Directed by Mike ListoWritten by David E. Kelley, Corinne BrinkerhoffGuest stars Christian Clemenson, Denis Arndt, Parker Posey, Currie Graham, Henry Gibson, Marisa Coughlan, Jane Lynch, Armin Shimerman
Episode 2
Crane Poole & Schmidt's new lawyer makes his mark while defending a man charged with killing a judge. Meanwhile, Denny's Internet romance creates trouble at the firm, and Alan helps a cross-dresser who's out of a job.
Directed by Bill D'EliaWritten by David E. KelleyGuest stars Gary Anthony Williams, Craig Bierko, Takayo Fischer, Tyler Labine, Ashton Holmes, Meredith Eaton, Anthony Heald, Marisa Coughlan
Episode 3
Shirley finds an unlikely--but familiar--foe in court when her ex-husband, Ivan, wants to get rid of his postnuptial agreement to his current wife. Meanwhile, Coho engages in questionable practices in an important case, and Denny's online date avers that size doesn't matter.
Directed by James BagdonasWritten by David E. Kelley, Janet LeahyGuest stars Craig Bierko, Meredith Patterson, Tyler Labine, Ashton Holmes, Meredith Eaton, Anthony Heald, Mark L. Taylor, Armin Shimerman
Episode 4
Denny is attracted to feisty lawyer Bethany Horowitz as they try a case against an HMO, and Alan grows more attracted to Shirley as they defend a homeless man accused of cannibalism. Meanwhile, Coho continues his defense of accused murderer Scott Little.
Directed by Robert YannettiWritten by David E. Kelley, Susan DickesGuest stars Craig Bierko, Mike Binder, Tyler Labine, Currie Graham, Ashton Holmes, Betty White, Meredith Eaton, Henry Gibson
Episode 5
The media spotlight intensifies as Coho's high-profile murder case goes to trial; Alan finds himself defending Jerry Espenson--again--but also sees another familiar face in court; and Denny's feelings for Bethany grow.
Directed by Lou AntonioWritten by David E. KelleyGuest stars Christian Clemenson, Craig Bierko, Lake Bell, Chris Diamantopoulos, Harvey Levin, Tyler Labine, Ashton Holmes, Meredith Eaton
Episode 6
A shocking allegation of Oedipal proportions in the Scott Little case threatens to torpedo Coho's defense; Alan seeks outside help to breathe some life into his relationship with Sally.
Directed by Jeff BlecknerWritten by David E. KelleyGuest stars Craig Bierko, Lake Bell, Tyler Labine, Ashton Holmes, Meredith Eaton, Anthony Heald, Jane Lynch, Armin Shimerman
Episode 7
Halloween brings Denise startling news about Daniel Post; Denny meets Bethany's mother; Jerry needs Alan's help with a federal jury matter; and the fallout from the Scott Little case continues for Coho when he's sued by the Hooper's nosy neighbor.
Directed by Mike ListoWritten by David E. Kelley, Lawrence BrochGuest stars Christian Clemenson, Craig Bierko, Ned Bellamy, Tom Verica, Meredith Eaton, Marisa Coughlan, Delta Burke, Stuart Pankin
Episode 8
Shirley finds herself attracting the attention of the eccentric Lincoln Meyer; Denny, Bella and Bethany prepare themselves for the results of his paternity test; and Alan helps Jerry with his defense in a difficult murder case.
Directed by Steve RobinWritten by David E. KelleyGuest stars Christian Clemenson, Craig Bierko, Cameron Daddo, Michael Ensign, Missi Pyle, John Thaddeus, Patrick Breen, Ellen Bry
Episode 9
Lincoln's obsession with Shirley takes a dangerous turn; Jerry and Alan's collaboration in a murder trial leads to a scotch-and-cigar session, which makes Denny jealous.
Directed by Bill D'EliaWritten by David E. KelleyGuest stars Christian Clemenson, Craig Bierko, Cameron Daddo, Michael Ensign, Missi Pyle, John Thaddeus, Patrick Breen, Ellen Bry
Episode 10
Alan represents a mother fighting for custody of her preteen daughters, who happen to be white-supremacist singers; a woman reaches for the heavens to blame someone for her husband's death by lightning strike; a girl wants to be emancipated from her family; and Shirley and Alan's wager becomes public at the office Christmas party.
Directed by John TerleskyWritten by Sanford Golden, David E. Kelley, Phoef Sutton, Karen WyscarverGuest stars Christian Clemenson, Gary Anthony Williams, Craig Bierko, Jessy Schram, Annie Wersching, Christine Dunford, Meredith Eaton, Marisa Coughlan
Episode 11
Alan goes to New Orleans to help a New York attorney with the defense of a doctor on trial for euthanizing five patients during Hurricane Katrina. Meanwhile, Clarence is thrown out of an all-female gym, and Coho tries to woo Denise.
Directed by Tom VericaWritten by David E. Kelley, Janet Leahy, Craig TurkGuest stars Gary Anthony Williams, Craig Bierko, Ann Cusack, Maree Cheatham, Nia Long, Merrin Dungey, Matt Letscher, Dakin Matthews
Episode 12
Self-proclaimed patriot Denny needs Alan's assistance when his name shows up on a federal no-fly list; Shirley and Vanessa help a teacher in a wrongful-death suit after a student dies in class; Clarence adds another identity to his repertoire of characters.
Directed by Adam ArkinWritten by David E. Kelley, Andrew Kreisberg, Janet LeahyGuest stars Gary Anthony Williams, Craig Bierko, Zach Grenier, Nia Long, Debra Mooney, Anna Gunn, Meredith Eaton, John Marshall Jones
Episode 13
Denny goes ape when Bella is the target of animal-rights activists, who are being represented by her daughter--and his diminutive ex-girlfriend--Bethany. Meanwhile, Brad has doubts about his secret trysts with Denise; Claire is surprised by a new suitor; and Paul believes a costume party will raise everyone's spirits.
Directed by Eric StoltzWritten by David E. Kelley, David E. Kelley, Karen Wyscarver, Sanford Golden, David E. Kelley, Michael ReiszGuest stars Gary Anthony Williams, Craig Bierko, P.J. Byrne, Shelley Berman, Nia Long, Christopher Neiman, Meredith Eaton, Delta Burke
Episode 14
Shirley tackles a case involving a drug remedy for trauma; Alan, Denny and Bethany help a judge who is unhappy with his sexual orientation; and Denise learns she's pregnant, but is unsure of the father's identity.
Directed by Andrew BernsteinWritten by Corinne Brinkerhoff, Andrew KreisbergGuest stars Gary Anthony Williams, Craig Bierko, Peter MacKenzie, Erica Gimpel, Stacey Travis, Takayo Fischer, Shelley Berman, Ed Begley Jr.
Episode 15
Denny is arrested for illegally exporting human fat to be used as a fuel source; Clarence tries his first case--a homicide--with the help of Bethany and Paul; and a member of the firm leaves.
Directed by Steve RobinWritten by Michael Reisz, Janet LeahyGuest stars Gary Anthony Williams, Craig Bierko, Phil Abrams, Currie Graham, Howard Hesseman, Joyce Guy, Meredith Eaton, Christine Tucci
Episode 16
Alan tries two different cases, including the defense of a therapist who was fired for his belief in UFOs. Meanwhile, Clarence is confused by Claire's dinner invitation; and Bethany tries to bring out Denny's spiritual side.
Directed by Michael PressmanWritten by David E. Kelley, David E. Kelley, Michael ReiszGuest stars Christian Clemenson, Gary Anthony Williams, Jennifer Aspen, Shelley Berman, Patrick Breen, Stephen Tobolowsky, Debra Mooney, Meredith Eaton
Episode 17
At the courthouse, Alan runs into an old flame and coworker, who's looking very guilty in a bloody wedding gown; Claire reluctantly defends a cell-phone thief; and Denny's prejudices are driving a wedge between him and Bethany.
Directed by Mike ListoWritten by David E. Kelley, Susan DickesGuest stars Gary Anthony Williams, Jake Richardson, William Russ, Patrick Renna, Michael Ensign, Debra Mooney, Meredith Eaton, Megan Mullally
Episode 18
The past comes back to haunt Denny when a vengeful man forces the firm to find a different outcome in a decades-old murder trial. Meanwhile, Alan is jailed for contempt of court while defending a prostitute.
Directed by Bill D'EliaWritten by David E. Kelley, Phoef SuttonGuest stars Gary Anthony Williams, Brandi Burkhardt, Stephen Lee, Lawrence Pressman, Mike Hagerty, Meredith Eaton, Mark L. Taylor, Stacey Moseley
Episode 19
Alan and Denny defend an unscrupulous lawyer accused of obstructing justice on behalf of his brother. Meanwhile, interoffice couples Brad and Denise and Claire and Clarence each deal with major relationship revelations; and Denny practices the positive-thinking philosophy known as "the secret" in order to wish Raquel Welch into his life.
Directed by Robert YannettiWritten by David E. KelleyGuest stars Gary Anthony Williams, Phyllis Diller, Frank Whaley, Shelley Berman, Scott Michael Campbell, Don McManus, Mark Edward Smith, Rebecca Metz
Episode 20
Alan faces Jerry in court again in a case involving a department store's sale of allegedly lewd dolls; Shirley and Paul react to Denny's insensitive remark to a potential employee; and Denise considers a colleague's opinion regarding her relationship with Brad.
Directed by John TerleskyWritten by Sanford Golden, David E. Kelley, Karen WyscarverGuest stars Christian Clemenson, Gary Anthony Williams, Kate Hodge, Jaleel White, Gail O'Grady, Michael Bofshever, Jim Jansen, Glen Walker
Episode 21
Denny lusts after Judge Weldon when Alan defends her in a drug case; a sorority girl's expulsion pits Clarence against Jerry; Brad expresses a desire for a military wedding, but it puts Denise in a fighting mood; and Shirley helps a former HIV patient hold on to his most-prized possession.
Directed by Jeff BlecknerWritten by Sanford Golden, Karen Wyscarver, Brooke RobertsGuest stars Christian Clemenson, Gary Anthony Williams, Katherine LaNasa, Shelley Berman, April Grace, Currie Graham, Joey Slotnick, Gail O'Grady
Episode 22
Alan takes on the United States of America based on a client's claims of torture for two years at a detention camp; Jerry pleads with Shirley to rehire him; and Claire defends a lawyer who was tricked into committing a crime by a radio prank.
Directed by James BagdonasWritten by David E. KelleyGuest stars Christian Clemenson, Mitch Pileggi, Meredith Eaton, Bernadette Peters, Gail O'Grady, T.J. Ramini, Leon Russom
Episode 23
Alan defends Brad and Denise's priest after he's arrested on their wedding day on charges of sheltering undocumented immigrants; Jerry helps a woman with a pet duck who was evicted from her apartment; and Denny counts a coveted sports trophy among his possessions.
Directed by Mike ListoWritten by Michael Reisz, Susan DickesGuest stars Christian Clemenson, Cecilia Suárez, Veanne Cox, Shelley Berman, Michael Gross, Kali Rocha, Chuck McCann, Robert Costanzo
Episode 24
Alan and Denny defend brothers charged with murdering their father; and Jerry and Clarence represent a woman with enormous gambling debts who blames her misfortune on a casino.
Directed by Bill D'EliaWritten by David E. Kelley, Corinne BrinkerhoffGuest stars Christian Clemenson, Gary Anthony Williams, Dan Byrd, Josh Zuckerman, Lee Garlington, Kevin Dunn, Aisha Tyler, Leyna Nguyen
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
James SpaderAlan Shore
William ShatnerDenny Crane
Candice BergenShirley Schmidt
Mark ValleyBrad Chase
Julie BowenDenise Bauer
Saffron BurrowsLorraine Weller
John LarroquetteCarl Sack
Tara SummersKatie Lloyd
ABCUnited States
David E. Kelley ProductionsUnited States
20th Century Fox TelevisionUnited States
