Damages is a beloved legal drama (Image: FX)
Legal drama fans will love this “gripping” series with two Hollywood favourites. Damages is an American legal thriller created by writing and production trio Daniel Zelman, Glenn Kessler, and Todd A. Kessler.
The plot revolves around a ruthless lawyer called Patty Hewes (played by Glenn Close) and her newest protégée, recent law school graduate Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne). Each season features a major case that Patty and her firm take on, while also examining the complex relationship between Ellen and Patty. The first two seasons centre on Patty’s law firm Hewes & Associates in New York City, while later seasons focus more on Patty and Ellen’s relationship, as well as Ellen’s attempts to distance herself from Patty, both personally and professionally.
The show premiered in 2007 on FX and aired for three seasons, before moving to the Audience Network in 2010. It then aired for two more seasons, before concluding in 2012. Damages instantly won the hearts of viewers after uniquely weaving in flashbacks throughout each high-stakes case.
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The series is streaming for free on ITVX (Image: Sony Pictures)
The show has received critical acclaim since its release and various award nominations, with Glenn Close and Rose Byrne both earning Primetime Emmy Award nominations for their performances. Glenn went on to win the prestigious gong twice for her role in seasons one and two.
Other established actors in the cast include Ted Danson, Tate Donovan, William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden, Timothy Olyphant, Martin Short, Lily Tomlin, John Goodman, Ryan Phillippe, Dylan Baker, Janet McTerr, and John Hannah.
While lead star Glenn was already a well-known name in Hollywood by the time the series aired, Australian actress Rose was only just launching her career in the US. She was soon catapulted into fame with her memorable roles in Bridesmaids, Spy, Platonic, and Physical. The Sydney-born star also earned her first Oscar nomination this year for her breathtaking role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.
If you’d like to immerse yourself in Patty and Ellen’s high-stakes legal world, you can now stream all 59 episodes of Damages for free on ITVX. The show has continued to be praised by viewers, with many preferring it to other well-known legal dramas, including Scandal and Suits.
Glenn Close and Rose Byrne lead the cast (Image: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
One IMDb user wrote: “Masterpiece. This is for sure one the best shows I have ever watched in my life hands down. I tend to say that after finishing a show I like but this is just crazy deep fantastic writing with incredible characters and a mind blowing ending in a good way. I loved the duo in every season and how their relationship keeps changing every season – it was just an amazing watch.”
Another added: “Damages is compelling TV at its best, with enough twists and turns to satisfy the most heavy adrenaline junkie. It’s not for the faint of heart, as it contains some scenes that rival The Shield for shock value. I promise, you’ll never be bored. If you like mystery, drama, whodunnits, and mesmerising serial shows, this one is for you!”
A third said: “TV at its best – I loved the Wire and Breaking Bad was awesome but Damages is supreme story telling. Instantly addictive,” with another similarly sharing: “Let me just say DAMAGES is one of the very best shows that I have seen, it is no ordinary legal drama – phenomenal.”
A fourth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: “Brilliant writing, outstanding performances, gripping seasons. Can’t take my eyes off the TV!”
Damages is available to stream on ITVX