Where to start withThe Good Wife
4 versions · originally a series, 2009
Themes: Scandal, Redemption, Second Chance, Female Empowerment, Moral Ambiguity.
Start with The Good Wife (Michelle King, 2009) — the series. The Good Wife exists in 4 versions across media, beginning as a series in 2009; each is ranked below by what it does best.
These legal dramas navigate the intersection of personal scandal, professional reinvention, and the complex moral compromises required to survive high-stakes litigation.
✦ Most fans start here
The Good Wife (2009)
The original tv
✦ Start hereThe Good Wife
Michelle King · Series · 2009
The Good Wife (2009) serves as the definitive origin, establishing the core archetypes of the franchise through Alicia Florrick’s compelling journey from humiliated political spouse to formidable, independent defense attorney.
2017 series
The Good Fight
Michelle King · Series · 2017
The Good Fight (2017) functions as a direct sequel, expanding the legal universe to explore institutional corruption and the professional fallout facing Diane Lockhart after the original series concludes.
2017 series
Striking Out
Series · 2017
Striking Out (2017) offers a thematic adaptation that shifts the focus to a younger solicitor navigating the fallout of infidelity, grounding its narrative specifically within the realm of family law.
2024 series
Elsbeth
Robert King · Series · 2024
Elsbeth (2024) isolates the franchise's penchant for unconventional legal brilliance, pivoting into a procedural format that follows a fan-favorite character as she applies her unique perspective to NYPD investigations.
Common questions
Is The Good Fight a direct continuation of The Good Wife?
Yes, The Good Fight is a spinoff series that follows the events of The Good Wife. It centers on characters introduced in the original series and continues the legal and political themes established throughout the run of The Good Wife.
What is the correct viewing order for The Good Wife and its related shows?
You should watch The Good Wife first to understand the foundational characters and legal world. Once you finish The Good Wife, you can proceed to the spinoffs The Good Fight and Elsbeth, which expand upon the universe established in the original series.
Is Elsbeth connected to the universe of The Good Wife?
Yes, Elsbeth is a spinoff series featuring a character who originated in The Good Wife. While it functions as its own narrative, it exists within the same creative universe as The Good Wife and shares the same production pedigree.
How does Striking Out compare to The Good Wife?
Striking Out is a legal drama similar in premise to The Good Wife, as it follows a lawyer navigating professional and personal upheaval. While they are separate productions, fans of the legal setting and character-driven conflicts found in The Good Wife often appreciate the tone of Striking Out.