The world just can’t seem to get enough of saucy legal dramas, and this fall, Hulu’s “All’s Fair” hit screens with a star-studded cast including Kim Kardashian, Niecy Nash, Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson and Naomi Watts, all under the direction of Ryan Murphy.
But despite all that talent, critics haven’t been kind: The reviews are harsh, with many calling it a messy, uneven attempt at primetime drama. If you’ve already suffered through it — or just want something better — don’t worry. Here are a few shows that deliver the legal intrigue, personal drama, and star power “All’s Fair” promised, but actually deliver.
‘Scandal’
While “Scandal” takes place in the cutthroat world of politics rather than a law firm, it shares plenty with “All’s Fair:” high stakes, bold moves, and drama that never lets up. Just consider the titles themselves: one is literally “Scandal,” and the other nods to the age-old adage “all’s fair in love and war,” a timeless excuse for questionable behavior.
“Scandal” stars Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, a powerhouse in D.C. politics who runs a crisis management firm and may or may not be entangled romantically with the president. The show ran for seven seasons on ABC, cementing Shonda Rhimes’ reputation as the queen of frothy, irresistible primetime drama.
Watch on Hulu or Netflix
‘Damages’
Damages – Official Series Trailer | Glenn Close, Rose Byrne, Ryan Phillippe | FX – YouTube
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Glenn Close is arguably the most prestigious casting choice in “All’s Fair,” and her television history proves she’s no stranger to the small screen. Chief among her TV work is “Damages,” where she portrays Patty Hewes, a ruthlessly brilliant lawyer fully invested in the high-profile cases that come across her desk.
While the legal battles form the backbone of the show, the heart lies in the complex, sometimes fraught relationship between Patty and her ambitious mentee, Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne). Running for five seasons on FX, “Damages” earned Close an Emmy, solidifying her status as television royalty.
Watch on Hulu
‘The Good Wife’
Watch the Complete Series of The Good Wife | Now Streaming | Hulu – YouTube
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With Glenn Close, Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash and Sarah Paulson on its roster, “All’s Fair” has assembled some of TV’s most accomplished actors. Similarly, “The Good Wife” brings together a powerhouse team, led by the incomparable Julianna Margulies.
The show follows Alicia Florrick as she returns to law after years as a stay-at-home mom, stepping back into the high-powered world she once left behind when her husband lands in jail following a scandal involving corruption and prostitution. Over seven seasons on CBS, “The Good Wife” blended courtroom intrigue, personal drama and political machinations into one addictive package.
Watch on Paramount Plus
‘Suits’
Like “All’s Fair,” “Suits” thrives on the tension between professional ambition and personal entanglement. The series follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a brilliant young man who climbs the ranks at a top law firm despite never earning a formal law degree.
“Suits” also features arguably the only person who’s been under public scrutiny longer than Kim Kardashian: Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, who joined the cast in a pivotal role. The show ran for nine seasons, building a massive audience after hitting streaming platforms and even spawned a short-lived spinoff, “Suits LA.”
Watch on Netflix or Peacock
‘American Horror Story: Delicate’
AMERICAN HORROR STORY: DELICATE Official Trailer (2023) – YouTube
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At first glance, a horror anthology like “American Horror Story” may seem worlds apart from “All’s Fair,” but the two share a commitment to high-stakes spectacle and star-making turns. The 12th season, “Delicate,” gave Kim Kardashian a prime opportunity to prove herself as a serious actor, playing Siobhan Corbyn, a PR professional guiding the career of Anna (Emma Roberts).
Kardashian’s performance, which earned generally positive reviews, was a stepping stone toward her starring role in “All’s Fair,” demonstrating that she could hold her own beyond the reality-TV realm.
Watch on Hulu
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