The Defenders

The Defenders (1961-1965)

EndedScripted showDrama, Crime, Legal

Together, Lawrence Preston and his son Kenneth represent defendants in complex legal cases.

Network
Scheduleevery Thursday at 20:30 (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S04E30Only a ChildMay 13, 1965
S04E29The Bum's RushMay 6, 1965
S04E28The ProsecutorApr 29, 1965
S04E27Youths and Maidens on an Evening WalkApr 15, 1965
S04E26A Matter of Law and DisorderApr 8, 1965
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'The Defenders' premiere?

'The Defenders' premiered on September 16, 1961.

Who were the main characters in 'The Defenders'?

The main characters in 'The Defenders' were Lawrence Preston, Kenneth Preston, and Helen Donaldson.

What was the genre of 'The Defenders'?

'The Defenders' was a legal drama television series.

Who were the creators of 'The Defenders'?

'The Defenders' was created by Reginald Rose and Herbert Brodkin.

In what city was 'The Defenders' set?

'The Defenders' was set in New York City.

What was the premise of 'The Defenders'?

'The Defenders' followed the lives of two defense attorneys and their struggles to uphold justice in the courtroom.

Did 'The Defenders' tackle controversial social issues?

Yes, 'The Defenders' was known for addressing controversial social issues of the time in its episodes.

Who played Lawrence Preston in 'The Defenders'?

E.G. Marshall portrayed the character of Lawrence Preston in 'The Defenders'.

Who played Kenneth Preston in 'The Defenders'?

Robert Reed portrayed the character of Kenneth Preston in 'The Defenders'.

Who played Helen Donaldson in 'The Defenders'?

Joan Hackett portrayed the character of Helen Donaldson in 'The Defenders'.

Did 'The Defenders' receive critical acclaim?

Yes, 'The Defenders' received critical acclaim for its intelligent writing and powerful performances.

How many seasons did 'The Defenders' have?

'The Defenders' had a total of four seasons.

Did 'The Defenders' win any awards?

Yes, 'The Defenders' won several awards, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards.

Were there any notable guest stars on 'The Defenders'?

Yes, 'The Defenders' featured appearances by notable guest stars such as William Shatner and Gene Hackman.

Did 'The Defenders' address political issues?

Yes, 'The Defenders' often delved into political issues, reflecting the turbulent times of the 1960s.

What was the impact of 'The Defenders' on television?

'The Defenders' was considered groundbreaking for its realistic portrayal of legal and social issues, paving the way for more socially conscious television shows.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Chicago P.D.
Running

Chicago P.D.

District 21 of the Chicago Police Department is made up of two distinctly different groups. There are the uniformed cops who patrol the beat and go head to head with the city's street crimes. And there's the Intelligence Unit, the team that combats the city's major offenses - organized crime, drug trafficking, high profile murders and beyond. These are their stories.

GenreDrama, Crime
Chicago Fire
Running

Chicago Fire

No job is more stressful, dangerous or exhilarating than those of the Firefighters, Rescue Squad and Paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51. These are the courageous men and women who forge headfirst into danger when everyone else is running the other way and whose actions make the difference between life and death. These are their stories.

High Potential
Running

High Potential

High Potential follows Morgan, a single mom with an exceptional mind, whose unconventional knack for solving crimes leads to an unusual and unstoppable partnership with a by-the-book seasoned detective.

LOL: Last One Laughing UK
Running

LOL: Last One Laughing UK

Famous for his dark humour, one-liners and THAT laugh, Jimmy Carr challenges 10 of Britain's funniest comics to spend the day together without so much as a titter. The rules are simple: laugh and you're out. Over the course of the series, they will use every ounce of their comedic talents to try and break their opponents - without cracking up themselves. And it's not just their rivals they need to watch out for. The series is packed with comedy cameos, format twists and surprises designed to lure laughs from both the players and the viewers. It's a stellar line up of British comedy talent as you've never seen them before, but who will be crowned the inaugural winner of Last One Laughing UK?

GenreComedy
9-1-1
Running

9-1-1

9-1-1 is a fast-paced exploration into the lives and careers of first responders – cops, paramedics, firefighters – the people who put their lives on the line to save others.