or


[03/10/04 - 12:00 AM]
'Practice' Closes Doors with Spin-Off in Mind
By Brian Ford Sullivan (TFC)

CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- ABC has pulled the plug on "The Practice" after eight seasons, a source close to the series confirmed today. But "The Practice" universe may live on as the show's closing episodes will set up a potential spin-off of the veteran drama.

The proposed offshoot, which was initially discussed by ABC last week (read the story), would spawn from the events started in the March 21 episode, "War of the Roses," in which James Spader's character is abruptly fired from Young, Frutt & Berluti, files a wrongful termination suit and retains the services of a high-profile law firm headed by power-drunk, legal legend Denny Crane (guest star William Shatner) to go head-to-head with his former employer.

The untitled spin-off would star Spader, Rhona Mitra and possibly Jessica Capshaw and revolve around their experiences as they join Crane's firm. No other details were mentioned. It's also not clear if Shatner, or fellow guest star Vince Colosimo ("Lantana") who also works at said firm, would be involved in the new project.

To date this season, "The Practice" has averaged 9.52 million viewers for its 15 first-run installments, down 16% in year-to-year comparisons. David E. Kelley and Robert Breech are the executive producers of the series, which comes from David E. Kelley Productions in association with 20th Century Fox Television.

In addition, ABC issued a press release this afternoon confirming the news:

THE EMMY AWARD-WINNING DRAMA, "THE PRACTICE," WILL END ITS CURRENT RUN ON SUNDAY, MAY 16 AND EVOLVE INTO A NEW LEGAL DRAMA FOR ABC NEXT FALL

On the heels of a creative resurgence which resulted in overwhelming critical acclaim, "The Practice," the multiple Emmy Award-winning drama from renowned writer/producer David E. Kelley, will end its current run on Sunday, May 16, at the end of its eighth season, and then evolve into a new drama set in the high priced, high end world of civil law. The new series will join ABC's schedule next fall, it was announced today by Susan Lyne, president, ABC Entertainment, David E. Kelley, and Gary Newman and Dana Walden, presidents, Twentieth Century Fox Television.

Current plans have several of the characters from "The Practice" going to work for this new firm, which viewers will be introduced to at the end of this season. Additional information on the new series will be announced at a later date.

In commenting on the announcement, Ms. Lyne stated: "David, with the help of a truly extraordinary cast, accomplished the impossible this season; they breathed new life into a show that had been on the air for seven years. Now its time to take this series to the next level by moving it to a bigger, more complex law firm where David can introduce new characters and a broader range of legal and personal stories."

David E. Kelley commented: "This is very gratifying. Last year it seemed that the series was over. Instead, we've been given the opportunity to evolve and go on. We look forward to the future."

"Everyone at the studio has taken enormous pride in our association with 'The Practice' since the series began eight years ago," commented TCFTV president Dana Walden. "It's one of television's finest shows, and proof that when you combine rich, complex characters with extraordinary storytelling, audiences respond, and they respond enthusiastically."

Continued TCFTV president Gary Newman: "David now plans to build on the incredibly strong foundation he created in 'The Practice,' and we know it's going to be every bit as compelling. We're thrilled to be involved in this exciting new series, and we can't wait for viewers to get a look at David's next great franchise."

In addition to multiple Emmy honors, "The Practice" has also earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Series, a Peabody Award, a Viewers for Quality Television Award, an American Bar Association Silver Gavel Award and, most recently, the coveted Humanitas Prize in 2002 and 2003, respectively. The series stars Michael Badalucco as Jimmy Berluti, Jessica Capshaw as Jamie Stringer, Steve Harris as Eugene Young, Camryn Manheim as Ellenor Frutt, Rhona Mitra as Tara Wilson and James Spader as Alan Shore.

"The Practice" was created by David E. Kelley. Mr. Kelley and Robert Breech are executive producers. "The Practice" premiered on March 4, 1997, and is produced by David E. Kelley Productions in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television.





  [march 2004]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
 


· BOSTON LEGAL (ABC)
· PRACTICE, THE (ABC)





[08/29/25 - 10:46 AM]
National Geographic Documentary Films Announces Global Acquisition of Streaming Rights to Werner Herzog Documentary "Ghost Elephants" Following Venice World Premiere
The documentary will make its U.S. premiere at the Telluride Film Festival this weekend.

[08/29/25 - 10:08 AM]
"Prison Break" Turns 20: Executive Producer Dawn Olmstead Curates Episode Collections on Hulu
It's been 20 years since Michael Scofield entered Fox River State Penitentiary on a mission: break brother Lincoln out.

[08/29/25 - 09:01 AM]
Video: "French Lover" - Official Trailer - Netflix
When a jaded actor meets a down-on-her-luck waitress in Paris, their unexpected love story begins - but will it survive the glare of the spotlight?

[08/29/25 - 08:02 AM]
Video: Prime Video Unveils Paris Trailer and New Cast for the Final Episodes of "The Summer I Turned Pretty"
Joining the series in recurring roles are Corinna Brown, Fernando Cattori, Isaline Prevost Radeff, and Jahz Armando.

[08/29/25 - 05:43 AM]
"Sounds of Summer" - Feel-Good, Music-Packed Movie About Swedish Pop Icons Gyllene Tider Makes Exclusive US Debut Thursday, September 18, 2025 on Viaplay
Directed by Per Simonsson and named after the band's most enduring hit, "Sounds of Summer" is a breezy, very inspiring 97-minute ride that follows Gessle from small-town outsider to pop trailblazer.

[08/29/25 - 03:01 AM]
Video: "RIV4LRIES" - Official Trailer - Netflix
At a middle school in Pisa, no one has ever challenged the cool kids - until new girl Terry arrives with bold ideas and the rivalries begin.

[08/29/25 - 02:01 AM]
Video: "Love Is Blind: UK" Season 2 - The Reunion - Official Trailer - Netflix
Who's saying "I still do?" Emma and Matt host this season's couples and special guests as tea is spilled and secrets are revealed in a fiery reunion.

[08/28/25 - 02:03 PM]
Wonder Project Announces October 5 Streaming Subscription Launch Date on Prime Video and Premiere Date for "House of David" Season Two; Unveils First Look Images of the Hit Drama Series
Season Two of the biblical drama series House of David from Wonder Project and Amazon MGM Studios follows the aftermath of the battle between David and Goliath and David's rise to the throne.

[08/28/25 - 12:12 PM]
Video: "The Hospital" - A Comedy Improv Sketch Show - Premieres Wednesday, September 10
The Hospital offers a "behind-the-scenes" look at what happens when you mix improv comedy with total medical negligence.

[08/28/25 - 11:02 AM]
Shudder Launches Biggest Ever Programming Event "Season of Screams" - Featuring a Monster Lineup of New Films, Series and Live Watch Parties on Shudder TV - From September 1 Through December 31
Shudder's "Season of Screams" features highly anticipated films such as the acclaimed Dangerous Animals, a new installment in the popular "V/H/S" franchise - "V/H/S/Halloween" - and the found footage breakout hits "House on Eden" and "Hell House LLC: Lineage."

[08/28/25 - 11:01 AM]
MGM+ Greenlights "Words + Music," Inspired by the Critically Hailed Audible Original Series, Featuring Grammy Winners Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, John Legend and Alanis Morissette
"Words + Music" is set to premiere this fall on MGM+ in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

[08/28/25 - 10:06 AM]
ESPN Unveils Deep Roster of NBA Game Commentators for 2025-26 Season
Veteran analyst Tim Legler will join ESPN's lead NBA broadcast team, which includes Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Breen, analyst and NBA Champion Richard Jefferson and reporter Lisa Salters.

[08/28/25 - 10:05 AM]
HBO Original Two-Part Documentary "Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television" Debuts September 9
The project takes audiences on a two-part journey through the history of Black representation on television, showcasing how Black artists and creators both shaped and revolutionized the medium while confronting the systemic challenges that have often undermined their contributions.

[08/28/25 - 10:01 AM]
Video: National Geographic Documentary Films Unveils Trailer for "Lost in the Jungle," the Unbelievable Story of Four Indigenous Children Who Survived a Plane Crash in the Amazon, Ahead of World Premiere at Telluride Film Festival
For the first time ever, the four Indigenous children who survived the Colombian plane crash on May 1, 2023 - and then endured 40 days alone in the jungle - share their extraordinary story of survival, told in their own words.

[08/28/25 - 09:38 AM]
Video: Tubi Debuts Trailer for Stand-Up Comedy Special "Rel Talk" from Lil Rel Howery
"It feels amazing to bring this special to my city, my people, and now to the millions of folks watching on Tubi," said Howery.