How Long Was Perry Mason on TV
Perry Mason ran for nine seasons. That span stretches from 1957 through 1966. A total of 271 episodes aired during that original run. The CBS courtroom drama built a loyal following early on. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and how long was perry mason on tv.
Raymond Burr headlined the series as the fictional defense attorney. His character defended wrongly accused clients in Los Angeles. The show often ended with a dramatic courtroom reveal. That signature move became television gold.
The Original Run: 1957 to 1966
The series premiered on September 21, 1957. It held a Sunday night slot for most of its life. Ratings remained strong through the early 1960s. However, viewer tastes shifted by mid-decade.
Key Stats of the Original Series
- Seasons: 9 complete seasons - Total Episodes: 271 episodes - Network: CBS - Star: Raymond Burr as Perry Mason - Premiere: September 21, 1957 - Final Original Episode: May 22, 1966
Production wrapped the main series in 1966. CBS canceled the show after a solid nine-year stretch. Fans mourned the loss of weekly courtroom episodes.
The Revival: A Brief Return in the 1970s
Television brought Perry Mason back in 1973. NBC aired a short-lived revival series titled The New Perry Mason. This version featured a different cast and updated format.
Why the Revival Faded Quickly
The reboot struggled to capture the original magic. Raymond Burr did not return for the revival. Viewers stayed loyal to the classic 1957 version instead. Ratings dropped fast during the 1973-1974 season. The network pulled the plug after just one year.
The TV Movies: 1985 to 1993
Fans did not have to wait too long for more Mason. A series of Perry Mason TV movies began airing in 1985. These films revived the original cast and feel.
TV Movie Details
The NBC movies ran for nearly a decade. Raymond Burr returned to the role for the final time. These made-for-TV specials offered the same courtroom tension. A total of 30 television movies were produced. The last film aired in 1993, shortly before Burr passed away.
The TV Movie Run Breakdown
- First Movie: Perry Mason Returns (1985) - Last Movie: The Case of the Killer Kiss (1993) - Total TV Movies: 30 films - Network: NBC
How Long Did Perry Mason Actually Last on TV?
The original series dominated for nine seasons. The TV movies extended the franchise's life by eight more years. Combined, Perry Mason remained on television from 1957 until 1993. That represents a 36-year presence on American screens.
The show created a blueprint for legal dramas. Matlock, L.A. Law, and The Good Wife all owe debts to Mason's success. His sharp suits and last-minute evidence reveals remain iconic. Even decades later, reruns draw new audiences constantly.
For a deep dive into the show's enduring legacy and production history, check the official CBS broadcast records here.