15 Reasons to Watch ‘All Rise’

When All Rise premiered, it could easily have been just another legal drama. Yet from a diverse cast led by Simone Missick as a Black, female, and newly-appointed judge to the stories told from all sides of a Los Angeles courthouse, it made a name for itself from the start.

From there, a series of important storylines have kept viewers coming in strong enough numbers to seal a season two renewal. It may be a while before we see that season on our screens, so this is a great time to get on board. Here are some reasons why you should.

A brief disclaimer: All items in this list pertain to what we see on screen. While recent news of upheaval in the writers’ room reflects on issues with power and privilege behind the scenes, all items in the list still hold true. I encourage people to watch now more than ever and to use their leverage to stand up for marginalized voices.

1. We see all sides of the legal system

There are plenty of dramas that make cops and lawyers their heroes. Recently, we’ve seen several shows with protagonists defending those who are judged by the legal system and society. We’ve even had a show or two about judges.

All Rise has them all.

In having main characters from so many areas of the legal system, the show tells us that every part of that system has benefits and flaws– and that they are united in the pursuit of justice. Every character is passionate about trying to make a difference no mater which side they stand on.

2. The characters are majority female and majority POC

CBS has been pumping out crime and legal dramas for a long time. For nearly all that time, the procedurals, like the scope of TV in general, have been very male-driven and very white, making this show stand out even more.

There is only one white man in a cast comprised of female, Black, and Latinx characters. In the larger picture, this may be just a step in the right direction, but it’s a positive sign for progress. On-screen representation matters, especially in such influential roles.

3. Amy and Mark

Their ship is a relatively new one and has been rushed at times. Still, there’s a lot of dramatic potential in the history between these two. With their decision to quarantine together — and with Lindsay Gort being added as a series regular — that potential is looking up.

4. The guest stars are fully realized characters

Procedurals can struggle with telling episodic stories while ensuring their main characters’ plots are at the center of the show. Too often, characters we only see for a handful of scenes are little more than plot tools for fear they will take attention away from recurring figures.

Nearly everyone who walks into this courthouse has a story told in full.

More often than not, that also makes them sympathetic and relatable, but even the exceptions to that rule feel real. That we are so caught up in their tales in just one episode speaks to how powerful those stories are.

5. There are very few real villains

Characters we’re meant to openly dislike are rare on All Rise.

The ones who do actively go against our protagonists are given reasons for doing so. Often these come with painful and justified arguments but even less justified threats at least come with motives we can comprehend.

6. It shines a light on issues that have largely been in the dark

While All Rise’s attention to hot-button topics is one of its most acclaimed qualities, many issues it tackles are worthy of equal attention and go largely unnoticed by the public and media. Some examples are abuses in prisons to the treatment of Black women seeking medical help.

Even in a fictional setting, seeing these issues discussed on television is an important first step to getting the world to talk about them, too. The show ensures that the stories centered around these issues tell viewers as much as they can.

7. Sara and Emily

Friendships are the backbone of this show, full stop. It’s an important feature when television often skims over the importance of any relationship not involving romantic love. The platonic love these two ladies have for each other is so important.

We see it it moments of both humor and pain, especially as Sara supports Emily on a long path to recovery. Sara herself is also the show’s greatest under-used asset. Season 1 touched on her own story, but we deserve to hear so much more.

8. Luke and Emily

Can we all agree that Lemily should at least be in the running for one of the best new ships of the year? Okay, I am biased, but these two have had us on board since the very first episode.

With Emily still cautious from her abuse and divorce, there have been a few bumps in the road, but they serve to make the romance feel fully realized. Luke is exactly the kind of boyfriend she needs, respecting her boundaries and doing everything he can to help her find trust again.

9. It’s unapologetically relevant and timely

All Rise never shies away from controversial and emotional topics.

An illegal immigrant flees ICE in a moment where everyone has on opinion on the subject. Luke is attacked by a fellow officer in a time where incidents of police brutality regularly make headlines.

The show also takes clear sides in most of these matters, even as it strives for fairness across the board, which can rub some the wrong way. With so many shows twisting themselves to present all sides as equal, though, it’s refreshing and important to see bold stances.

10. The cast

Simone Missick holds and richly deserves the leading role on All Rise.

At the same, this is a true ensemble drama and one that avoids having mysteriously unpopular characters. Each main character is loved by most fans, in no small part because each has a unique and important place.

11. Lola and Robin

If you come into a show eager to begin shipping the main character with potential love interests, you may be disappointed to learn Lola is married from the start.

However, you really shouldn’t be disappointed as the relationship between Lola and her husband Robin is a refreshingly healthy, loving, and balanced one.

This isn’t to say they face no obstacles. Significant ones arise as work opportunities make their marriage a long-distance one. What results are open discussions about their feelings and their love. We hope to see more of them and their representation for strong Black couples.

12. The balance of drama and humor

Incorporating both comedy and drama into a show is a tricky task.

All Rise does this well and with a careful hand. Moments of friendship, love, and humor are welcome breaks amidst tension and emotion, but they never veer the plot off track or take anything from its heart.

13. The virtual episode

As we all know, the ongoing pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives. The shutdowns of filming are comparatively small issues in such a crisis but have nevertheless left us missing many forms of entertainment. With its own production stopped, All Rise could have simply cut its season short.

Instead, with the cast recording from their own homes, it put together a quarantine-centered episode as a season finale.

The result is something both truly special and a perfect fit for the show. It feels personal, not only for our characters’ vulnerabilities but for how we see ourselves in them.

14. Emily’s abuse storyline

From Lola’s struggles in her new role to Mark’s uneasy relationship with his father, every character gets well-written and poignant personal drama. It’s hard to pick from them, but the very real portrayal of survival after domestic violence stands out.

Jessica Camacho gives us Emily speaking frankly about her pain, pushing it away when forced to represent an abuser, and finally breaking down from the weight of it. She’s a survivor and a warrior. Her path isn’t easy and won’t be for a long time, but she fights it for all who share her truth.

15. Lola and Mark

Is there any other way to finish off this list? It took less than one episode for these two to hook us with their chemistry. Iconic friendships are already rare on television are often nonexistent between men and women. We’re all too happy to let LoMark set the bar.

Of course, there are plenty of people who would like to see a romance develop somewhere down the line. Still, every stairwell chat they have shows that such a relationship would be something different, not something more. They’re already everything we could want.

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Will you be tuning in to All Rise Season 2? What are some of your favorite things from Season 1 that you’d like to see more of? Sound off in the comments!

All Rise airs on CBS.

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