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?
Unreal another amazing show cancelled. At least netflix gives them another life. You would like networks like USA would actually troll nexflix reviews looking for shows to revive… I know this was a USA show. USA rarely makes this big of a mistake.
LOVED THIS SHOW!!!!! Why was it Cancelled??????
I have to say I’m a little pissed off they didn’t leave things on a better note. It didn’t seem like that was a series finale. They left everyone questioning and wanting more. It’s not fair. I LOVE THAT SHOW.
Oh I soo agree!
Got to thinking about this show, wondering what had happened, now it was canceled, not very wise from the producers nor the network. Such an engaging show, of everything I have watched, this was the one that I looked forward to.
A very good, very entertaining show – bring it back
Missing Fairly Legal. So sorry it was dropped.
Sure wish they would bring back Fairly Legal!
What is wrong with USA this is a slick show and it has lots of fans please reconsider bring the show back
Very disappointed this show has been cancelled. Been waiting for its return, looked on line to find USA cancelled it. BIG MISTAKE…..
Absolutely loved the show fairly-legal, there was a special feeling about the show, god no murders, no blood and guts, no foul language, you know what they say good things come to an end and this is true with this show at least we had 2 years, even though channel 7 here in New South Wales, Australia showed it at 11.30 on sunday nights,
I love this show. It is entertaining and has just enough humor to give it bite. Bring on season 3
Very, very disappointed with USA
Canceling the TV show “Fairly Legal” onUSA Network was a HUGE mistake!!! This is a great TV show like “White Collar” & “Covert Affairs” broadcast by the USA Network. Like both of these 2 shows, it has a great cast, smart & clever script writing with fantastic locale scenery/cinematography that is sorely lacking on most network TV shows in recent years!!! To the USA Network execs in charge, please reconsider & bring this show back as a mid season replacement after a brief hiatus. I would recommend a Tuesday or Wednesday 9:00 PM time slot, when White Collar & Covert… Read more »
Agreed !!!
The dumbing down of America continues when smart, witty shows like this one are cancelled, yet reality TV shows thrive.
Same said for Battle Creek ,Forever and the list goes on
This was a very fun, clean show and, as usual, it has been dropped into nowhere. Getting so that there is nothing intelligent and entertaining to watch on TV any longer. Going to the bookstore…………..
Unhappy about this being cancelled when Bob’s Burgers was picked up for another season. Is this the mentality of the studio execs?