The Good Wife

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 22, 2009
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 252 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 239 out of 252
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 252
  3. Negative: 7 out of 252
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User Reviews

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  1. kevinb.
    Oct 20, 2009
    10
    Intoxicating series.
  2. monaLUVSjosh
    Feb 7, 2011
    10
    Love, love, LOVE this show! There aren't many scripted dramas on network television that were worth watching, until The Good Wife showed up last year. I record the show every week and recommend it to anyone who will listen!
  3. ClaireD.
    Sep 26, 2009
    9
    Off to a good start. This show has the potential to go beyond its ripped from the headlines premise to become a really satisfying show. Julianna Margulies is perfect in the role.
  4. AJR.
    Sep 28, 2009
    9
    Best of the new season, so far.
  5. WillN
    Dec 1, 2009
    10
    Considering the wealth of retried formulas and overwrought reality TV, this show is a breath of fresh air. Actors are given a good script and a chance to act. Bravo to Julianna on an outstanding week to week performance, kudos to the rest of the cast as well.
  6. Tony
    Feb 2, 2011
    10
    What could have been another standard network procedural is actually a fascinating and intelligent show about much more than a lawyer. Margulies, Charles, Baranski, and Panjabi are absolutely flawless in their roles, and the serialized drama is to die for. This is the best drama on network television.
  7. aletheia
    Dec 20, 2010
    10
    Excellent series, combining courtroom drama, crime stories, politics & social commentaries that are very relevant to today's era, plus romance subplots that are done in mature way. Great cast, and classy storytelling, never trashy. I didn't expect it to be so good in the first place, but ended up being entirely hooked.
  8. wanderlust8
    Mar 12, 2011
    10
    Great show. I really love the way it deals with current issues and events head on. The characters are interesting and show a great deal of depth to be explored over the course of multiple seasons.
  9. TraciA
    Oct 10, 2009
    10
    I am definitely hooked. Julianna plays her character very well. Any drama show, that has you chuckling, is a good show.
  10. FriedaW.
    Oct 5, 2009
    10
    This show is excellent. I wouldn't miss it.
  11. philipw.
    Oct 8, 2009
    8
    This is a better than average prime time (not cable) series. It's good to get Margullies back, with her minimal affect and her classy look. At worst it's an average court room drama series, and the court room stuff is rather weak and unrealistic, and at best it's a well written soap opera about a wronged wife who is trying to make it on her own in spite of not knowing quite This is a better than average prime time (not cable) series. It's good to get Margullies back, with her minimal affect and her classy look. At worst it's an average court room drama series, and the court room stuff is rather weak and unrealistic, and at best it's a well written soap opera about a wronged wife who is trying to make it on her own in spite of not knowing quite what to do with erring husband Noth, who I hope will be out of prison soon so he can be the real pain in the ass he has the potential to be.… Expand
  12. StanS
    Nov 20, 2009
    10
    I hope that it maintains the high standard set so far. It is great to see Peter Riegert rose from Delta House to court judge.
  13. VirgieP
    Nov 4, 2009
    10
    Juliana Margolies is brilliant. She really knows the subtleties of acting. No chewing up the scenery for her, rather understated, nuanced acting. Bravo!!
  14. Lisa
    Oct 16, 2009
    6
    The legal plots are all "Been there, seen that" and therefore are rather boring. It's a shame that interesting characters are not given much interesting material. Scenes here and there are outstanding, but if this series is just going to be "case of the week" on a regular basis, what a terrible shame.
  15. Jennifer
    Oct 28, 2009
    8
    I watch this show every week. It is pretty good and interesting enough. It is however, every other legal show that has ever been on TV. The only difference is the main characters personal life and how she is coping with it and balancing the return to her career as a lawyer.
  16. MeiB.
    Sep 22, 2009
    9
    I'm hooked, enjoyed the pilot immensely. A clever way to introduce her character, thought it was very well-written. Julianna did a great job making Alicia so believable in such a typically awkward, stressful situation that many of us can relate to on a human level.
  17. Annoula
    Dec 31, 2011
    10
    This is my gift to all of those who have done their best and contributed in such a great way in order to produce 'the good wife'.TGW deserves to be awarded all the time.It combins everything someone looks for in a legal drama which is mystery,romance,real corruption and last but not least seriousness.the finale was the best of all and it really made me wonder what will happen next!
  18. DanniBoi
    Oct 5, 2015
    10
    It is what is to be expected and even more, with new characters in it and awesome plot twist soon to be reveal and expected. Like to experience once more the start of Alice in this way and now the battle between what it is going to be a fun ride.

    #TeamEli
  19. truerock
    Apr 29, 2020
    9
    The character development is gradually coming together. My wife has to keep explaining to me why certain characters do or say various things. Perhaps this is not a guy show or it is just me - regardless... i'm hooked and love the series.
  20. TVCritical
    Jan 30, 2012
    8
    There is an enigmatic nature to this show that makes it subtlely different and very different. This show is very watchable and that watchability probably comes forth due to the unique execution of dialouge and the full character based nature of the dialouge that's filled with a lot of depth and the use of body language, body movement, and facial expressions in the show.
  21. jwaggon
    Sep 26, 2010
    8
    Julianna Margulies is amazing! I love the ongoing storyline but I don't enjoy having to watch boring court cases mixed in. I love the characters and the drama between them.
  22. Kaizoku2793
    Feb 13, 2011
    7
    The drama between Julianna Margulies' and Chris Noth's character adds an interesting premise to an overdone plot. The politics is the shows strong point.
  23. WeddingPhotog
    Nov 18, 2010
    10
    Such a well written show! I'm not a fan of Julianna but her acting here is superb. Chris Noth plays his character so well. I look forward to watching every episode. I'm glad they're showing this show on a weekly basis. Not like the first season where some weeks gone by without am episode shown.
  24. drlowdon
    Mar 23, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After the first few episodes I was concerned that The Good Wife was going to be little more than another procedural drama in which the "case of the week" was neatly wrapped up before the end credits rolled. Anchored by a superb lead performance from Julianna Margulies, and supported by a cast of well written characters, it soon revealed itself to be far more interesting than that however.

    Admittedly a few episodes do rely on coincidences or leaps of logic to wrap up the cases in time but the exploration of the moral issues of defending potentially guilty clients, and the fact the protagonists don't always win, help raise the procedural elements of the show above many other legal dramas. On top of the cases of the week you also have the issue regarding Alicia Florrick's (Margulies) district attorney husband and his ongoing corruption/sex scandal that adds another element to the show.

    Now for season two!    … Expand
  25. Lolcano
    Feb 5, 2012
    9
    SOME HIGH SCORES HERE! Well look, I won't merely add to the chorus: this series is very good. In fact the second series is the best thing on television in 2011 - hands down. It demands some time from the viewer to work out what's what and who's who, but between a deft appreciation of court life, corporate strategies and an overarching plot concerning political elections and sexual intrigueSOME HIGH SCORES HERE! Well look, I won't merely add to the chorus: this series is very good. In fact the second series is the best thing on television in 2011 - hands down. It demands some time from the viewer to work out what's what and who's who, but between a deft appreciation of court life, corporate strategies and an overarching plot concerning political elections and sexual intrigue there is so much to offer! Excellent acting, directing, writing and editing. HOWEVER: series 1 is somewhat pedestrian and dull and series 3 is nowhere near as good as series 2 (in fact the opening episode was laughably bad). I don't think that the series will have more to say... but what it has had to say so far is certainly worth listening to!… Expand
  26. AJ21
    Apr 28, 2012
    10
    Love it! Week after week the story line, characters and acting continue to rivet me to this show. May The Good Wife have a long life! It's not often that network tv produces edgy drama so let's relish it while we can.
  27. rachiebabie
    Sep 27, 2013
    9
    Excellent writing and acting. Great character development. I typically tend to hate procedural show,s but the characters are so compelling, and depicted so realistically that it is addicting. And to think, I would have never watched this series had I not been sick...I guess in this case my stomach flu was a blessing? I guess we'll find out in the future seasons.....
  28. TheTrevmeister
    Aug 10, 2012
    10
    The best law show ever and one of the best shows on TV. Dynamic and likeable characters. Realistic events. Great acting. Good directing. Slight hidden humour. Need I go on?
  29. tomizawa
    Mar 7, 2015
    10
    I heard about this show because my parents used to watch it all the time. I thought it'd be boring. Boy, was I wrong. After watching the first episode, I had to catch up to the show. The directors and writers of this show are real craftsmen, and so are the actors. Cinematographic quality and detail as well as the speed on a TV show are what make this show so addictive. It's more than a TVI heard about this show because my parents used to watch it all the time. I thought it'd be boring. Boy, was I wrong. After watching the first episode, I had to catch up to the show. The directors and writers of this show are real craftsmen, and so are the actors. Cinematographic quality and detail as well as the speed on a TV show are what make this show so addictive. It's more than a TV show; it's an experience.… Expand
  30. bobster
    Apr 26, 2013
    10
    Best show on TV. THE BEST!!!!! Great writing. Great acting!!!! I watch this every week. So much different than other crime/legal series. I hope it stays
  31. ashkan89
    Jun 21, 2014
    10
    The best show on TV- network or cable. The Good Wife's phenomenal 5th season excels in a way no show has succeeded so far. it has reached its creative peak. The show has always been great, but it has now merited induction into the annals of dramatic television. Anchored by Julianna Margulies' extraordinary performance, Josh Charles and Christine Baranski's brilliantly nuanced supportingThe best show on TV- network or cable. The Good Wife's phenomenal 5th season excels in a way no show has succeeded so far. it has reached its creative peak. The show has always been great, but it has now merited induction into the annals of dramatic television. Anchored by Julianna Margulies' extraordinary performance, Josh Charles and Christine Baranski's brilliantly nuanced supporting turns, and thrilling writing from Robert and Michelle King, The Good Wife has redefined the hour- long, network drama.… Expand
  32. WyoBear
    Nov 11, 2013
    9
    I really enjoy the crafty dialog and well developed characters. There are plenty of twists to keep things interesting. My wife and I look forward to watching this show every Sunday!
  33. NaimRG
    Nov 15, 2013
    10
    Great show packed with great drama and story that make no wonder millions of people gather every week to watch it. The acting is excellent, no deny. I especially LOVED the fifth season, and every time end I end up wanting more and more. Not a good job, but a GREAT job, creators and actors of the show deserve our applause. Well done.
  34. raviopatra
    Jul 8, 2014
    10
    Julianna Margulies is a terrific performer and this show helps her throw the best performance of her career. The story is very well-written and well-acted with such continuity. All the intrigues and politics with all the legal battles are undeniably good.
  35. TG1234
    May 5, 2014
    10
    LOVE THIS SHOW!! The beauty of The Good Wife is that it is original. Yes, it has to do with lawyers and politicians which may not be all that original, but Alicia is the protagonist and she juggles the role of a successful lawyer (now a named partner at her own firm), the wife of a power-hungry, womanizing politician and a mother of two teenagers. Add in the relationship between her andLOVE THIS SHOW!! The beauty of The Good Wife is that it is original. Yes, it has to do with lawyers and politicians which may not be all that original, but Alicia is the protagonist and she juggles the role of a successful lawyer (now a named partner at her own firm), the wife of a power-hungry, womanizing politician and a mother of two teenagers. Add in the relationship between her and Will, Diane, Khlainda, her mom, her mother-in-law, her quirky brother and Eli Gold among many others (odd clients with smart and funny cases), this show has depth, suspense, comedy, intrigue and ignites many mixed feelings in its viewers. It certainly offers a much needed break from the overplayed dramas of the ER and police stations and the conversations it sparks up among my friends and I from our character views, favourite scenes and overall plot reactions and predictions are priceless. That is the true testament of a great show! Keep it up!… Expand
  36. brianlucifer
    Jul 29, 2014
    8
    Being a fan of "The Practice", I wasn't too sure I would like this mellowed down female driven legal drama. The first couple of episodes actually reinforced my doubts but as I continued watching a few of the characters, the emphasis on their strong character in due course and the mysterious Kalinda Sharma got me hooked on to it. Simultaneously, the series taking on shades of a politicalBeing a fan of "The Practice", I wasn't too sure I would like this mellowed down female driven legal drama. The first couple of episodes actually reinforced my doubts but as I continued watching a few of the characters, the emphasis on their strong character in due course and the mysterious Kalinda Sharma got me hooked on to it. Simultaneously, the series taking on shades of a political drama over time which was actually well blended. Well I enjoyed it and already on to Season 2.… Expand
  37. borderlinefilms
    Aug 5, 2014
    9
    Sorry...................................................................................................................................
    Wrong season.
  38. jlizada
    Sep 22, 2014
    10
    The Good Wife is easily one of the best shows on TV. I do not know how they'll top the 5th season but odds are they'll do a great job with the 6th. The first episode of the 6th season did not disappoint. I am looking forward to more from this show!
  39. notforbreakfast
    Nov 1, 2014
    10
    It's smart, dark, and personal. Quite frankly, "The Good Wife" is engrossing and powerful, with acting and writing that could kill. It is just as amazing as cable.
  40. serious_critic
    Nov 14, 2014
    10
    This is easily one of the best shows currently on TV. Ridley Scott still has the chops after all these years. The Good Wife is as well written as most of Aaron Sorkin's scripts, and the characters are both intriguing and multifaceted. I hope this show keeps up the great writing and keeps its spot on the much coveted Sunday night prime time slot.
  41. Ripandread
    Oct 28, 2015
    10
    What can I say that others have not? This is a great show. Even with the different career changes Alicia Florak has made hasn’t lowered the quality of “The Good Wife”. Now that Alicia is her own boss gives the show’s writers even more material to use.
  42. sapphine
    Feb 13, 2017
    9
    alicia has been an inspiration to me, she has an awful husband and yet she manage to pick up herself and shine through every possible matter. this show has interesting plot, not only it has a good drama but also updated case. really worth to watch!
  43. Kaustav
    Mar 21, 2018
    8
    The Good Wife is a good show. I do not intend to pursue this beyond the first season to objectively ascertain whether this is a great show or one that is to memorable one or not. What I am certain about is this that Julianna Margulies was surely the one who had to be The Wife, Mrs. Florrick. She was made for this role through and through.
    I had seen clips and portions of the show on cable    The Good Wife is a good show. I do not intend to pursue this beyond the first season to objectively ascertain whether this is a great show or one that is to memorable one or not. What I am certain about is this that Julianna Margulies was surely the one who had to be The Wife, Mrs. Florrick. She was made for this role through and through.
    I had seen clips and portions of the show on cable years back and it just felt unique and well-fitting to the eyes of a teenager who was starved when it came to shows, much more so when it came good ones with a legal background. Even six years, my opinion of that particular aspect of that doesn't change - Florrick, Noth. Czuchry and Baranski are quite easy on the eyes and heavy on the details but want stood out for me throughout the season were the characters of Kalinda Sharma exotically played by Archie Panjabi and Eli Gold swaggered to life by Alan Cummings.are the ones I really would want to watch more, unfortunately if it means more family drama, used-up tropes and a sense of defeatist disinterest that crops up once take a break from a binge view or on reaching the last quarter of the season. I guess I will be happy with the memory of this enjoyable season.
    There are quite a few interesting court cases and even more so to depict the quirks and whatnot of people at the helm of the legal world of Chicago, Illinois. Notably, egotistical judges whose personal habits and preferences drip over onto choices made about law and justice and about un-convicted creepy murders who always are a bit too close for comfort.
    If you want a better legal show, watch Boston Legal. If you want Margulies and fireworks, however inconsistent and subjective that might be, watch this show for however long it might take. At least a season of it would be good for knowledge of this sort of show.    … Expand
  44. All_ButTrU4
    Jan 3, 2022
    9
    Excellent writing and acting. Great character development. I typically tend to hate procedural show,s but the characters are so compelling, and depicted so realistically that it is addicting
  45. SimboTheKing
    May 29, 2021
    8
    I'll readily admit that through the first 8 or so episodes (just off the top of my head) I wasn't too sold on The Good Wife, it all felt a bit generic and too network drama-ish. I kinda believed that I wouldn't really even make it through season 1 let alone make it watch season 2. However, all of a sudden, something just clicked and I became a fan of it.

    The court drama isn't that    I'll readily admit that through the first 8 or so episodes (just off the top of my head) I wasn't too sold on The Good Wife, it all felt a bit generic and too network drama-ish. I kinda believed that I wouldn't really even make it through season 1 let alone make it watch season 2. However, all of a sudden, something just clicked and I became a fan of it.

    The court drama isn't that believable really but it is entertaining however the character drama is were the show really excels. I'm always in two minds about whether I prefer characterisation or story when it comes to shows and normally I fall on the characterisation side. This season further cements my opinion - the acting and writing elevate what is not, on the surface, a particularly interesting premise into one that kept me engaged. A huge amount of praise goes to all the cast but especially Julianna Margulies - it's not easy being a leading character (especially a leading women) but she manages it excellently. I'd definitely say give this show a chance if you're a fan of great characterisation; the premise may seem a little shallow but the writing more than makes up for it.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Best TV Season of 2009
26
#26 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
7
#7 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Philadelphia Daily News
    Reviewed by: Ellen Gray
    70
    Slightly harder-edged than "Amy," but just as estrogen-fueled, the best-timed show of the new season is a combination of the crime-centered procedurals CBS favors and a drama about the kind of family most of us have speculated about at one time or another.
    Read full review
  2. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Storm
    80
    Of course she cracks the fascinating weekly case, but it will be her continued efforts to make it again in the world of work, now that she's so old and doddering, and deal with her family, that will make The Good Wife worth watching week after week.
    Read full review
  3. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    80
    CBS's The Good Wife is both a well-written legal drama and a terrific showcase for actress Julianna Margulies, who elevates the already-good material with her perceptive, open performance.
    Read full review
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