Synopsis

Why We Love It

"This excellent legal drama was the 60’s alternative to the slick Perry Mason as it observed a father and son team of defense attorneys who often clashed over their socially relevant cases. Well conceived by Reginald Rose (Twelve Angry Men). This marks the first time this series has been available and the extras, from the good folks at Shout Factory, are solid." – Floyd County Times

"The Defenders is one of the most important television series to air on an American broadcast network. It won more than a dozen Emmys, including three consecutive trophies for best drama (a record not broken for another two decades, by Hill Street Blues). At a moment when the dramatic anthology was on its deathbed, and ongoing series were often (fairly or not) thought of as meritless escapism (Newton Minow’s “vast wasteland” speech depends on this context), The Defenders created the template for what we now think of as quality television." – The Classic TV History Blog

"'The Defenders' offered viewers an early glimpse of what risk-taking, quality TV could deliver." – The Los Angeles Times

"One of the best legal dramas ever broadcast finally arrives on DVD. New viewers might be struck by how the show is both boldly progressive and oddly old-fashioned at the exact same time, but the strength of the writing, the directing, and the performances make it irresistible even so. Highly Recommended." – DVD Talk

“…I cannot stress enough what a sure thing this show is to anyone who appreciates good writing, good acting, ambitious stories, and entertainment that actually expects viewers to have an IQ above double-digits. Give The Defenders a try. You won't be disappointed.” – David Hofstede, Comfort TV

“Finally, the first season of this indispensable television series is being released on DVD; among the guest stars in the 32 episodes included in the eight disc set are Jack Klugman, William Shatner, Ossie Davis, Richard Thomas, Frank Gorshin, Eva Gabor, Robert Duvall, Robert Loggia, Martin Sheen, Julie Newmar, and many more...Well worth watching – and still compelling viewing today, immaculately restored.” – Wheeler Winston Dixon, Frame By Frame

Trailer

Bonus Features

• The Studio One Presentation Of The Defender (1957) Starring Ralph Bellamy, Steve McQueen And William Shatner
• Original And Extended Version Of The Pilot Episode
• New Interviews With Associate Producer Bob Markell And Writer Larry Cohen
• Interview With Actor E.G. Marshall

Product Information

Episodes