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CBS Making New Comedy About Law School

By William Vogeler, Esq. on December 12, 2017 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

If you were going to create a television show about law school, it would have to be a sitcom.

At least, that's what CBS is planning. "Class Action" is loosely based on the law school experiences of Jay McGraw, who was a student at Southern Methodist University's law school.

According to reports, the story follows a law student looking for the easy way out but ends up in over his head. Wait, isn't that what happens to law students in real life?

Dr. Phil's Son

McGraw is Dr. Phil's son, and they will executive produce the show. McGraw, for his part, is pushing "Class Action" as his second project for CBS. He and his father co-produce "Bull," which is inspired by Dr. Phil's career as the head of a trial consulting firm.

McGraw earned his law degree from SMU's Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas. He has written successful books for teens, but nothing about his law school experience.

Variety, which published an "exclusive" about the developing sitcom, had few details about the new show's story line. The hook apparently comes when the main character finds himself in a class with an "eclectic group" of law students who have to argue actual cases in court.

The magazine also reports the show will be shot from a multi-cam perspective. The humor, it seems, will have to come from the writers.

The Writers

Veteran writer Dan O'Shannon will write the script, along with relative newcomer John Cochran. Cochran broke into the business after winning "Survivor."

Cochran won the 26th season of the reality game show and the $1 million prize. In a post-show interview, Cochran said he wanted to be a comedy writer.

One thing led to another, and after he developed "Bob's Your Uncle," the next thing is "Class Action." There has to be something funny about that.

Law students are going to need it after finals.

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