Perry Mason Original Series Run and Network History
The original Perry Mason television series ran for nine seasons on CBS from 1957 to 1966. The show starred Raymond Burr as defense attorney Perry Mason and became one of the longest-running legal dramas of its era. Its consistent broadcast schedule and high ratings made it a staple of 1960s American television programming.
Following the cancellation of the original series, Perry Mason returned in a different format with Perry Mason TV movies that aired from 1985 to 1993. These television movies continued the story and featured Raymond Burr reprising his role until his death in 1993. The combined run of the original series and the TV movies spans multiple decades of television history.
Perry Mason Revival Series and Recent Seasons
A modern Perry Mason revival series premiered on HBO in 2020, starring Matthew Rhys in the lead role. The revival is set in 1930s Los Angeles and follows a different version of the character than the original series. The show was renewed for a second season, which aired in 2023, continuing the updated storyline.
The HBO revival has received critical acclaim for its production values and performances, earning multiple award nominations and wins. The series is produced by HBO Entertainment and has been praised for its period-accurate depiction of post-war Los Angeles. The show's renewal for additional seasons remains subject to network decisions and production schedules HBO.
Perry Mason Total Episode Count and Legacy
The original Perry Mason series produced a total of 271 episodes across its nine-season run. The TV movies added another 30 made-for-television films to the franchise. The revival series has produced a smaller but critically noted collection of episodes per season.
The Perry Mason franchise remains one of the most recognizable legal drama properties in television history. The character has been adapted into books, films, and multiple television iterations over the decades. The show's influence on the legal drama genre is widely documented in media and entertainment analysis Forbes.