What Happened to David E. Kelley?
David E. Kelley is a prolific American television writer, producer, and former attorney, renowned for creating numerous hit legal dramas and character-driven series such as 'L.A. Law,' 'Ally McBeal,' and 'Big Little Lies.' He continues to be highly active in the industry, with multiple new and ongoing projects across major streaming platforms, including 'Presumed Innocent,' 'The Lincoln Lawyer,' and 'Margo's Got Money Troubles,' and has recently ventured into wildlife documentary production with 'Live Migrations' in August 2026.
Quick Answer
David E. Kelley remains one of television's most active and influential creators, continuing to develop and produce a diverse slate of series. In 2024, his legal thriller 'Presumed Innocent' premiered on Apple TV+ and was renewed for a second season, while 'The Lincoln Lawyer' saw its third season debut on Netflix. 2026 has been particularly busy, with the premiere of 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' on Apple TV+ starring his wife Michelle Pfeiffer, and the announcement of several new projects including adaptations of 'The Bonfire of the Vanities' and Michael Connelly's 'Nightshade.' Most recently, in August 2026, Kelley launched a new wildlife series called 'Live Migrations' on YouTube.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Begins as Story Editor on 'L.A. Law'
David E. Kelley starts his television career as a story editor for the acclaimed legal drama 'L.A. Law,' quickly rising through the ranks.
Creates 'Picket Fences'
Kelley creates 'Picket Fences,' a drama series that earns critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards.
Marries Michelle Pfeiffer
David E. Kelley marries actress Michelle Pfeiffer, with whom he later has two children.
Launches 'The Practice' and 'Ally McBeal'
Kelley simultaneously creates two highly successful and influential legal dramas, 'The Practice' and 'Ally McBeal,' both of which win numerous awards.
Wins Emmys for Outstanding Comedy and Drama in the Same Year
Kelley becomes the only producer to win Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy ('Ally McBeal') and Outstanding Drama ('The Practice') in the same year.
Inducted into Television Academy Hall of Fame
David E. Kelley is inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to television.
Premieres 'Big Little Lies'
Kelley creates and writes 'Big Little Lies' for HBO, a critically acclaimed limited series based on Liane Moriarty's novel, marking a new era of adapting literary works.
Receives International Emmy Founders Award
David E. Kelley is honored with the 2024 International Emmy Founders Award at the 52nd International Emmy Awards Gala for his four-decade career.
Apple TV+ Premieres 'Presumed Innocent'
The legal thriller 'Presumed Innocent,' created by Kelley and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, debuts on Apple TV+ and is later renewed for a second season.
Netflix Releases 'The Lincoln Lawyer' Season 3
The third season of 'The Lincoln Lawyer,' based on Michael Connelly's 'The Gods of Guilt,' premieres on Netflix, with Kelley as a creator.
David E. Kelley Productions Reaffirms Commitment to L.A.
Kelley's production company moves into new Santa Monica headquarters and commits to filming all current projects, including 'Big Little Lies' season 3 and 'The Lincoln Lawyer,' in Los Angeles.
Apple TV+ Premieres 'Margo's Got Money Troubles'
Kelley's new dramedy 'Margo's Got Money Troubles,' starring Michelle Pfeiffer, launches on Apple TV+ and is renewed for a second season.
Announces 'Welcome to Catalina' and 'Myron Bolitar' Projects
Kelley announces two new series in development: 'Welcome to Catalina' for HBO Max, adapting Michael Connelly's 'Nightshade,' and 'Myron Bolitar' for Netflix, based on Harlan Coben's series.
Launches 'Live Migrations' Wildlife Series
David E. Kelley partners with Norcross Productions to launch 'Live Migrations,' a new YouTube series focusing on animal migrations, starting with sockeye salmon.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
David E. Kelley, born on April 4, 1956, has carved out an unparalleled career in television, transitioning from an attorney to one of the most celebrated writers and producers in the industry. His early success began with 'L.A. Law' in the late 1980s, where he rose to executive producer, followed by the creation of critically acclaimed and Emmy-winning series like 'Picket Fences,' 'Chicago Hope,' 'The Practice,' and 'Ally McBeal.' Kelley is notable for his distinctive writing style, often featuring quirky characters and addressing complex social and legal issues.
In recent years, Kelley has continued his prolific output, largely shifting his focus to streaming platforms and adapting popular novels. This new chapter began prominently with HBO's 'Big Little Lies,' which garnered significant critical acclaim and awards. His commitment to storytelling has seen him develop projects for Amazon, ABC, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and Peacock.
His activity has shown no signs of slowing down. In November 2024, Kelley was honored with the International Emmy Founders Award at the 52nd International Emmy Awards Gala, recognizing his four-decade career and lasting impact on global television. The year 2024 also saw the premiere of 'Presumed Innocent' on Apple TV+ in June, a legal thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal, which was quickly renewed for a second season. Additionally, the third season of his Netflix hit 'The Lincoln Lawyer,' based on Michael Connelly's novels, premiered in October 2024, with a fourth and fifth season reportedly in the works.
The year 2026 has been particularly busy for Kelley. In April, his new dramedy 'Margo's Got Money Troubles,' based on Rufi Thorpe's novel and starring his wife Michelle Pfeiffer, premiered on Apple TV+ and was subsequently renewed for a second season. Further expanding his slate, in April 2026, Kelley teamed up with director Matt Reeves for a series adaptation of Tom Wolfe's 'The Bonfire of the Vanities' for Apple TV+. May 2026 brought news of two more major adaptations: 'Welcome to Catalina' for HBO Max, based on Michael Connelly's 2025 bestseller 'Nightshade,' and 'Myron Bolitar' for Netflix, based on Harlan Coben's book series, with Kelley serving as showrunner.
Beyond scripted television, Kelley ventured into a new genre in August 2026 with 'Live Migrations,' a YouTube series in partnership with Norcross Productions, focusing on wildlife migrations, beginning with sockeye salmon. This diverse range of projects underscores Kelley's continued relevance and creative drive in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape. His production company also reaffirmed its commitment to filming all current projects in Los Angeles, including 'Big Little Lies' season 3, 'The Lincoln Lawyer,' 'Welcome to Catalina,' and 'Presumed Innocent,' moving into a new Santa Monica headquarters in September 2025.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if David E. Kelley made different choices?