ABC: "The Practice" to "evolve into new drama" this fall
posted by tvbarn on March 10, 2004 01:59 PM

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.

(Thank you, Sulena!)