Network: USA Network
Episodes: 23 (hour)
Seasons: Two
TV show dates: January 20, 2011 — June 15, 2012
Series status: Cancelled
Performers include: Sarah Shahi, Michael Trucco, Virginia Williams, Baron Vaughn, and Ryan Johnson.
TV show description:
Kate Reed (Sarah Shahi) is a firm believer that justice can always be found — even if it’s not always in the courtroom. Once a lawyer at her family’s esteemed San Francisco firm, Kate’s frustration with the legal system led her to a new career as a mediator.
Now a partner in the law firm founded by her late father, Kate is smart, passionate, and an expert in the art of alternative dispute resolution. Unfortunately, Kate clashes constantly with her partners at Reed & Reed, particularly her steely stepmother Lauren and ambitious up-and-coming attorney Ben.
Though decades younger than her late husband, Teddy Reed, attorney Lauren Reed (Virginia Williams) was no trophy wife. Now that Teddy’s passing has left her the managing partner of Reed & Reed, she’s the one holding the reigns at the respected firm — much to her defiant stepdaughter Kate’s chagrin-and she’ll do whatever it takes to keep Reed & Reed afloat. And though often the meticulous, tightly-wound, and sometimes chilly yin to Kate’s freewheeling yang, Lauren is slowly beginning to find her footing at the firm and prove that there’s a lot more to her than a sleek chignon and a steely gaze.
Money-hungry and a fixture on San Francisco bus ads, flashy up-and-coming lawyer Ben Grogan (Ryan Johnson) is the newest addition to Reed & Reed. After Ben made Lauren an offer she couldn’t refuse, Kate finds herself with a new partner — one who seemingly has no shame, no scruples, and no mute button. Ben’s cash and client list might be the only thing that can save Reed & Reed.
Luckily for Kate, she’s got a resourceful assistant at the office to back her up. Leonardo “Leo” Prince (Baron Vaughn) is unflappable and has the uncanny ability to anticipate Kate’s needs. Dedicated to his harried boss and supportive of her at-times unconventional methods, Leo believes in his work and is proud to help Kate make the world a better place.
Kate’s personal life is no less complicated than her professional one, thanks to an on-again, off-again relationship with ex-husband Justin.
An Assistant District Attorney for the City of San Francisco, Justin Patrick (Michael Trucco) sees the world-and the law-in black and white. His considerable faith in the legal system is a viewpoint completely different from Kate’s. This conflict results in regular bouts of philosophical warfare between the two. Justin’s principles are not as endearing to his less scrupulous boss, the San Francisco D.A., but no amount of pressure will stop Justin from standing up for what he believes in.
Episode 23 — Finale
When Kate handles a mediation between the RTN news network and two former employees who claim they were fired because of their sexual orientation, she discovers that the network may have in fact fired them to cover up a story one of the women was investigating. Which begs the question: who is RTN trying to protect?
Kate, Ben and the RTN researcher, Rachel, start digging into the story, a dirty real estate deal between the city and a developer called Selex, and make a very surprising discovery: Aaron Davidson, Justin’s shady boss and opponent in the District Attorney race, was somehow involved.
But in order to take Davidson down, they’re going to need real proof. As it happens, there is someone who can get them the records they need from Selex: Robin Archer. Although he agrees to help in an attempt to woo Lauren back, Kate can tell he’s hiding something. And when Lauren gets a visit from the FBI, it becomes clear that Kate’s not the only one wondering what’s really going on with the mysterious billionaire.
As for what’s going on with Kate’s love life, that’s just as murky. Justin is ready to take their rekindled relationship to the next level, but with Kate’s doubts mounting and Ben still waiting in the wings, her romantic future may be more uncertain than ever.
First aired: June 15, 2012
What do you think? Do you like the Fairly Legal TV series? Are you sorry to hear that it’s been cancelled and that there won’t be a third season?
I loved loved loves this show!! I can’t believe its cancelled especially only after 2 seasons!! This and common law are /were 2 of my favorite shows. Really wish they wud consider bringing it back! !
mostyoung adults don’t watch a lot of tv 50 or older do, common law wasreally good fairly legal these reality shows r getting out of control that is all that is coming on.
Just wrote about “Common Law” being cancelled and now “Fairly Legal”? I loved this show….Kate was such a smart, refreshing, doesn’t back down character without having to be bitchy, stupid, or someone who gave up on her morals and beliefs for someone else consistently. I PRAY (yes, I said pray) USA brings this show back because while I am a fan of Annie Walker’s butt kicking character on “Covert Affairs” it’s nice to see someone who can be tough without resorting to actual physical violence and doesn’t make out/fall into bed with everyone she meets. Again I am a huge… Read more »
Too bad another show with a concept different than the standard run of the mill stuff bites the dust… I thought the show refreshing and entertaining.
This was one of your better shows, not like everything else blood,guts,rape violence is a good serene show pees me off that your taking it off air take your stupid shows off not
this was a fun and light hearted show that I think had a good message to young women every where.
Wish they would bring Fairly Legal back. Great chemistry between actors… sorry to see this one go.
Love this show!! I wish they would reconsider and bring it back for at least another season!
now we will never know if Kate and Ben hook up
This was an excellent show and I looked forward to watching it all week long. What a disappointment to find out it was cancelled. Would soooo love to see it come back again.
faaarrr toooo good a show 2b axed …feel good shows should be allowed 2 develop & increase their folllowing …such a poor decision !!!
loved the sassy girl intent on getting justice, not just a win at any price….one of few good TV worth watching is dumped??? whats with that??? hope they will reconsider….a fan
I am really sad that there is not another season. I have loking forward to seeing what happens next. Please bring it backs
I’m so sad to hear it has been cancelled! Loved the show. It was by far the best. Want to see more. BRING IT BACK, PLEASE! Wish I could do more.
Plz being it back