Drama
United States of America
The Defenders aired from 1961 to 1965 and was created by Reginald Rose, who is also known for creating the classic TV series, 12 Angry Men. The show was highly acclaimed and won numerous Emmy awards, including Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series for two consecutive years.
E. G. Marshall played Lawrence Preston, a distinguished and respected defense attorney who had a sharp legal mind and a deep commitment to justice. His son, Donald Preston, played by Robert Reed, was his junior partner, and the two worked together to defend their clients against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Filled with thought-provoking storylines and complex characters, The Defenders tackled controversial issues head-on, such as capital punishment, racism, and freedom of speech. The show was praised for its ability to handle these issues with sensitivity and intelligence, and for challenging viewers to think critically about the legal system and the role of lawyers in society.
Over its four-year run, The Defenders featured an impressive roster of guest stars, including William Shatner, Robert Duvall, Martin Sheen, and Ossie Davis, among others. It remains a classic of the legal drama genre and is considered one of the greatest TV shows of all time.
