David Edward Kelley is an American television writer, producer, and former attorney who has shaped contemporary American television drama and comedy-drama. Born in 1956, Kelley transitioned from a career in law to screenwriting, bringing a distinct legal and institutional focus to many of his most successful television creations.
Over his prolific career, Kelley has achieved the rare distinction of creating and producing series that have aired across all four major commercial American television networks—ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC—as well as premium cable networks like HBO. His work often balances quirky humor with serious social and legal issues, a signature style that defined many of his signature series.
Among his most notable creations are the legal dramas The Practice and its spin-off Boston Legal, the whimsical comedy-drama Ally McBeal, and medical dramas like Chicago Hope. In more recent years, he has continued to influence the television landscape with acclaimed prestige dramas such as Big Little Lies and Goliath.
