Fans of legal dramas are in for a treat with a gripping series featuring two Hollywood heavyweights that has been hailed as a masterpiece and better than Scandal and Suits.
What is Damages?
Damages is an American legal thriller created by the writing and production trio Daniel Zelman, Glenn Kessler, and Todd A. Kessler. The storyline centres on a cutthroat lawyer named Patty Hewes, portrayed by Glenn Close, and her latest protegee, fresh law school graduate Ellen Parsons, played by Rose Byrne. Each series features a landmark case that Patty and her firm tackle, while also exploring the intricate dynamic between Ellen and Patty.
The opening two seasons are set around Patty's law firm Hewes & Associates in New York City, while later series shift focus to Patty and Ellen's relationship, as well as Ellen's efforts to break free from Patty's influence, both personally and professionally.
Broadcast History and Critical Acclaim
The show made its debut in 2007 on FX and ran for three seasons before transferring to the Audience Network in 2010. It subsequently aired for two further seasons before wrapping up in 2012. Damages immediately captured viewers' hearts by uniquely weaving flashbacks throughout each high-stakes case.
The series has garnered widespread critical acclaim since its launch, along with numerous award nominations. Both Glenn Close and Rose Byrne received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for their performances, with Close winning twice for her portrayal in seasons one and two.
Star-Studded Cast
The ensemble cast also features established names including Ted Danson, Tate Donovan, William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden, Timothy Olyphant, Martin Short, Lily Tomlin, John Goodman, Ryan Phillippe, Dylan Baker, Janet McTeer, and John Hannah.
While lead star Glenn Close was already a household name in Hollywood when the series launched, Australian actress Rose Byrne was only beginning to establish her career in the US. She quickly rose to prominence through memorable performances in Bridesmaids, Spy, Platonic, and Physical. The Sydney-born talent also secured her first Oscar nomination this year for her breath-taking role in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.
Streaming on ITVX
For those wanting to dive into Patty and Ellen's high-stakes legal universe, all 59 episodes of Damages are now available to stream free on ITVX. The programme continues to receive acclaim from audiences, with many rating it above other renowned legal dramas, including Scandal and Suits.
Fan Reactions
One IMDb reviewer commented: "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 fan enthused: "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 viewer declared: "TV at its best - I loved the Wire and Breaking Bad was awesome but Damages is supreme story telling. Instantly addictive," while another similarly gushed: "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 devoted fan mirrored these feelings, exclaiming: "Brilliant writing, outstanding performances, gripping seasons. Can't take my eyes off the TV!"
Damages is available to stream on ITVX.
