Perry Mason aired on television primarily between 1957 and 1966 as a CBS courtroom drama, with later TV movies in the 1980s and 1990s, and a modern HBO series in the 2020s. This overview outlines the main runs, revival efforts, and spin-offs so you can quickly identify which years each version aired and how they relate to one another.
Original CBS Series (1957–1966)
The classic Perry Mason show is an American television series that ran on CBS from September 1957 to May 1966. It starred Raymond Burr as the defense attorney and featured 271 episodes across nine seasons. The series set a high bar for courtroom dramas and remains the definitive portrayal of the character for most viewers.
Key Broadcast Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Series Title | Perry Mason | TV credits |
| Network | CBS | Network archives |
| First Episode Air Date | September 21, 1957 | Broadcast records |
| Final Episode Air Date | May 22, 1966 | Broadcast records |
| Episodes | 271 | Series documentation |
| Lead Actor | Raymond Burr | Cast listings |
TV Movies in the 1980s and 1990s
After the original series ended, Perry Mason returned in a series of TV movies. These films aired on NBC and CBS between 1985 and 1995, with Raymond Burr reprising his role in most entries. The movies updated the character for later decades while preserving the core elements of legal defense and storytelling.
Notable TV Movies
- The Case of the Notorious Nun (1985) — NBC
- The Case of the Malicious Mariner (1986) — NBC
- The Case of the Avenging Ace (1988) — CBS
- The Case of the Killer Kiss (1993) — CBS
Modern HBO Series (2020s)
In the 2020s, HBO launched a new Perry Mason series titled Perry Mason, focusing on a fresh storyline set in 1930s Los Angeles. This is a limited series rather than a continuation of the courtroom formula, exploring different themes while drawing on the legacy of the name.
Key Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Series Title | Perry Mason | HBO press materials |
| Premiere Year | 2020 | Broadcast records |
| Lead Actor | Matthew Rhys | Cast listings |
| Format | Limited series | Program description |
Comparison of Major Perry Mason TV Runs
Understanding the different eras helps clarify which years the name appeared on TV and in what format. The original series is the longest and most consistent, while the movies and modern series offer focused, shorter engagements.
| Period | Format | Years Active | Primary Network | Key Actor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1957–1966 | Weekly series | 1957–1966 | CBS | Raymond Burr |
| 1985–1995 | TV movies | 1985, 1987, 1989, 1993, 1995 | NBC/CBS | Raymond Burr (mostly) |
| 2020 | Limited series | 2020 | HBO | Matthew Rhys |
Summary of Air Dates by Format
To answer directly: Perry Mason was on TV as a weekly series from 1957 to 1966, appeared in TV movies from 1985 to 1995, and was reimagined in a limited series in 2020. These periods cover all mainstream U.S. television appearances under the Perry Mason name.
For viewers exploring the franchise, starting with the original 271-episode run is recommended to appreciate the character’s roots, while the movies and modern series offer complementary stories that reflect changing television styles.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Perry Mason air in syndication after 1966?
Yes, the original episodes were sold into syndication and aired in reruns for decades following the network finale in 1966, which helped keep the character familiar to audiences. They are regarded as continuations of the Perry Mason brand, with Raymond Burr starring in most, but they are generally categorized as TV movies rather than a continuing weekly series. It is a period drama reboot that uses the name and setting broadly, not a direct continuation of the courtroom storylines from the 1950s and 1960s.