The Practice is an American legal drama created by David E. Kelley centring on the partners and associates at a Boston law firm. The series was broadcast for eight seasons from 1997 to 2004, initially as a mid-season replacement. The Practice won many Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series in 1998 and 1999. As part of the fictional universe in which many shows produced by David E. Kelley are set The Practice had crossover story arcs with Gideon's Crossing, Boston Public, and Ally McBeal in addition to its own more jovial spin-off series Boston Legal, which was broadcast from 2004 to 2008.