Family Law (2021– ) User Reviews

... one reviewer gave it a '1' after watching half of the 1st episode

[bjarias · 8/10 · 12 January 2023]

... a-good-series... well-written-acted-produced, but it is what it is, that's to say don't be surprised watching-complaining it's not what you want... fine, disagree with it, yet don't give it a lousy rating because you don't like these types of shows... many folks don't like-watch horror-shows, or rom-coms, or whatever... blasting them with poor-reviews kinda pointless

... all we can ask of any-all programming is that it consistently entertain us.. be worthwhile watching for those limited number of hours we spend with it.. Family Law with all its actors does-accomplishes-this, and they've done a pretty good job of it, now going into a third season... bravo.

Good show

[dianedentelle · 8/10 · 24 October 2021]

I find the show funny, entertaining, I like the subject matter they address on the show (addiction, gay issues, family dunamics). I have always really liked Victor Garber.

Not Guilty! (Of Being a Guilty Pleasure)

[owen-watts · 7/10 · 12 February 2022]

Despite some Lifetime channel overtones and some atrocious musical choices (the theme being the worst offender) Family Law ended up as one of my favourite series of 2021. Jewel Staite plays a disgraced lawyer who's trying to do better and working with her dysfunctional family in their law firm. It's a silly premise but there's buckets of character and Family Law is steeped in this relentlessly pragmatic empathy that's both comforting and addictive. The casting is brilliantly authentic and the Vancouver setting (for once just being itself) feels different. Yes it's cheesy, but not as brash as an American equivalent would be and the writing is snappy and consistent; each new case has a solid point to make and it's woven together by the travails of the Svensson clan. Also, Victor Garber, people. I'm glad they shot another season at the same time and I'm deeply up for more. A true guiltless pleasure.

Very smart series as well as entertaining

[JohnRayPeterson · 9/10 · 23 October 2021]

After watching six of the first season's ten episodes, I can't wait to see the next four in the weeks to come. The series is currently available only in Canada via one broadcast network and two geolocation restricted streaming services, but I fully expect this to widen once those who review series for the content provider purchasers, networks, cable and streaming services have. It is addictive for two reasons. The first is that the story is an ongoing one which means there is an important element, the primary one really, to the key characters' relationship, and it is that the relationship, which develops from one episode to the next, is one you could not predict, certainly not after the six episodes I've watched.

To say that the law practice headed by the father, the senior Mr. Svensson, his son Daniel and daughters Abigail and Lucy (she's the consulting psychologist of the firm, not a lawyer), all children from different mothers, is a dysfunctional family, simply understates the situation; they clearly are. It is not a show simply written for laughs; it is witty that's for sure, but comical, not so much as it is an interesting observation of human and family relations and life today.

The writers have managed to knit together a blanket of personalities which are all flawed, and human relations, all full of tribulations and surprises, and that's just the members of the family law practice; the cases they take on present even more of life's trials (pardon the pun) and tribulations. Throughout, you get a sense of love, but one that seems to percolate if not brew. You can't tell where it's all going, you can only hope and wait till the following episode.

To add to your viewing pleasure is a great looking setting, Vancouver; the cinematographers have much to use with this city and they make the most of it. I've been to that city several times and the series makes me want to go back agin. The cast was well picked, starting with a most recognizable Victor Garber as head of the family practice and an experienced and talented Jewel Staite as the black sheep of the very extended family; I like the other family members as well as the key supporting ensemble. You will love them too, unless your family dysfunctions are irredeemable; I don't think theirs are.

Well done, Jewel Staite, Victor Garber, et al, including everyone behind the camera

[dave42c · 29 November 2021]

Sep 7, 2022 review: Just finished season 2, and I liked it even better than season 1. I really hope they get season 3 made ASAP!

-------

Nov 29, 2021 review: As a Jewel Staite fan, I enjoyed this interesting & realistic show.

Family/people are flawed.

And imperfect parents can make the struggle to be kind, patient & understanding even more challenging and interesting.

Also, pursuing our desires can, sadly, hurt others.

This show finds a pretty balanced approach to portraying all these contradicting issues.

Looking forward to season 2.

Favourite show

[debrep · 10/10 · 16 January 2022]

This is my favourite show. Can't wait to see more episodes. It is so addictive. I will be watching for more. Love it. Love all the characters. My husband is also a big fan.

Haven't I seen this before?

[robert-27698 · 6/10 · 4 October 2021]

When i read the synopsis for this show the first thing I thought of was it sounds a lot like Bluff City Law which aired for 1 season. It had Jimmy Smits in it and I actually didn't mind it.

I'm currently 10mins in and feel it is a carbon copy of that show but just not as polished. Very similar plot lines and story for BCL's first episode.

Rating is for first episode only but will give ep 2 a shot and see if it loses that "seen it" feel.

Great show so far

[carsonlatimer · 10/10 · 10 October 2021]

Good to see a Canadian series that has a great storyline.

Liberalism at it's worst

[mhartfor · 1/10 · 26 November 2021]

I had such high hopes for this series with Jewel and Victor as the stars. Then I watched it and it got worse and worse pushing liberalism down our throats constantly instead of quality scripts and acting. Given how many formerly good and experienced actors in this show it should be great acting inspite of poor writing but we don't even get that.

Great

[bugger-17071 · 10/10 · 30 October 2021]

A very well-written show. Each week it deals with a different legal case which is usually pretty interesting. The main character, Abigail is very likeable, and the show also has a heart, there are many heartfelt or emotional moments which just make you feel things.

There is a fascinating bigger overarching story about the relationship Abigail has with her father, which the show explores in a delicate and intelligent way. I am happy I started watching this series and I recommend giving it a chance :).

So Many Unlikeable Characters

[jhuebel · 5/10 · 31 October 2021]

Bleh. So many unlikeable characters. Jewel Staite's character is particularly unlikeable. I'm a fan of hers, but everything about this character is gawd awful. Victor Garber isn't much better.

Hopeful

[lnadle · 10/10 · 19 September 2021]

Hopefully continues to be an intelligent show with humor.

A Start of Something Great

[matte_1009 · 10/10 · 19 September 2021]

Look, we are one episode in but already of to a good start.

Is it the new Suits? No.

Is it good in it's own way? Yes.

Great storyline, great casting and room to build assuming us viewers give them the chance.

Lets see how the season continue but with good writing I could easily see this show evolve into something great.

Fab Family Law

[Samfalls · 22 October 2022]

Love this series! Terrific to discover Season Two after viewing Season One some months ago. Half way thru Season Two now &enjoying even more. Anything with Victor Garber is always great & though I was unfamiliar with other actors previously, I'm impressed with them. Each episode is enthralling, unique & super interesting. Just hope we get a Season Three...this is such a cool, well acted, intelligent & interesting series with great characters. Highly recommend this entertaining show. Family Law could be an off putting title; each episode does have great comic relief & eccentric characters. Super!

Now nearly finished Season 3...love it! So disappointed to be near end of this eminently watchable series...please make Season 4...not finished with Family Law & all the great characters comprising this intelligent Practice etc.

Brilliant chemistry

[kinneycory · 10/10 · 28 September 2021]

It's great to see Jewel and Victor working together on screen. Two very accomplished actors can bring a scene together and these two do it consistently throughout each episode. Tonally, this show hits the sweet spot for Canadian audiences and will no doubt appeal to international audiences seeking an optimistic alternative with a wider release. The solid writing that comes out episode after episode makes me believe this show will have legs for many seasons to come.

Good what terrible people

[djhorchak · 5/10 · 3 October 2022]

Usually in a TV Show you have engaging characters ones you pull for, and vile characters the ones you hope lose. The entire cast is just people you want bad things to happen to. If some of the characters don't become likeable this show will be gone. Some may like it just because it's an hour long train wreck but most viewers will quickly tire of this. Shows whether full of happy nice pretty people that everyone likes or all bad don't last. Can you imagine Harry Potter without Snape and Voldermort or the hateful supporters? Even the Smurfs have Gargamel. Heck I guess the Care Bears and Barney are all nice but who over 3 watches them?

Jewel is back!

[rwdempsey-576-931999 · 10/10 · 21 September 2021]

So excited to see Jewel as a series regular again. I enjoy the synopsis of the show itself and think it had a pretty good start. It seems to have quite a bit of heart to it which I enjoy.

The main characters two step siblings that work at the firm come off as huge jerks. Hope that changes because they are so unlikable and entitled in the first episode I don't want to watch their scenes and could care less about them.

Excited this got a second season before the first aired!

Little Merit

[pietclausen · 4/10 · 30 September 2021]

After seeing episode 1 I was unimpressed, but refrained from writing an opinion. With episode 2 it is a little better, but forget about calling it a series with good legal arguments in a court battle. It keeps trying to raise your emotions, but doesn't make it a likable series.

A series of little merit so far, only get's a rating of 4 for being rather poor.

Excellent

[schonkenc · 10/10 · 19 October 2021]

This series is one of the best I have seen in years. This is not only entertaining but relatable characters and story lines. I would recommend this to everyone who loves a great drama with good humour.

Great Canadian Production

[drbreakwell · 8/10 · 11 July 2023]

Was sceptical at first. However, before the first season ended, I was hooked on the concept. I began pulling for the daughter, who is the "black sheep" of the family. The newest family member to struggle getting the approval of his father is her 1/2 brother. During season 2 Abby finds herself fighting with her estranged husband, who at the end of season 1 was preparing to move back in, but she catches her hubby cheating and now she is fighting to keep custody of her kids. Can't wait to see the next episodes. Abby is now getting wooed by a cute fireman. The other ire is with the paralegal and the new temp receptionist. This too is a scenario that may prove interesting. I sure hope this series continues. It is well-done.

Refreshing Take on Legal Series

[leiladodd · 10/10 · 28 September 2021]

Love the concept, characters are unique and entertaining, interesting and thought provoking subject matter!

well job

[Kirpianuscus · 28 August 2022]

Obvious, it is a series of characters, less story. Its humor is charming for the courage to be a honest one , not polite, not predictable, not nice or comfortable. And the subjects - family relations, law and its corners , work relations and not the most ordinary cases just works.

For many reasons, after waves of sitcomes, Family Law seems what you real deserves. Because the teritorries explored are very familiar but not very often object of searches for series directors.

A provocative trip across reactions, not soft dialogues, help not so generous and intense fights with reasonable armistices.

Short, some spices, some clever solutions and adorable characters.

I'd watch anything with Victor Garber but...

[jeffkresse-814-345969 · 5/10 · 3 October 2022]

...this is not one of them. The attorney father that abandoned his first family to go on to two more takes back his recovering alcoholic daughter, also an attorney, to work in his office after she gets censured for arriving late and puking-hungover to court. Ha ha ha, very funny so far. Harboring great enmity toward her father, the daughter manipulates a case to get retroactive child support from a man who answered an ad for a woman to get her pregnant with no strings attached. Other shows with father-daughter work relationships like Just Shoot Me (´97 - 03) were funny. Expecting laughs from this show is like tuning into any History Channel show searching for aliens, Hitler or you name it, and expecting to get a credible answer at the end. Five stars are for Garbar only.

I made an account to write this review

[wkeulemans · 10/10 · 6 January 2022]

I cannot wait for the next season.

The characters are all flawed, but their progression and growth as people is beautifully handled. Bit by bit they give us information as to how and why they are what they are. The cases are interesting, but it's the people who make this show work. I laughed often, and was in tears more than once, and I really felt for the characters.

So glad season 2 is coming!

The highest praise I can think of - I sat through ads to watch this, and I never do that, my tv isn't even tuned in, I watched it on my phone!

No patience

[didikhadem · 3/10 · 16 June 2023]

I love Victor Garber in any film I've seen him in for the past 20+ years. He becomes the character and conveys them to the core. He must be one of Canada's best in the film industry.

But I just can't make it through a full episode watching Jewel Staite. We're there no other actors available? It's very disappointing that a more skilled actor wasn't selected for the lead role. She doesn't come across as "real", just speaking the script. I'm shocked it has a second season.

I have to admit the writers are very good, witty. I look forward to them working on other shows with more convincing lead actors.