Amazon orders David E. Kelley court drama

Amazon Prime Instant Video has ordered a court drama from Ally McBeal creator David E. Kelley starring Billy Bob Thornton and William Hurt.

Trial will debut exclusively on Amazon in the UK, Germany, Austria, Japan and the US next year.

Kelley is writing the show with Jonathan Shapiro (The Practice), with the pair executive producing alongside Ross Fineman. David Semel (Madam Secretary) is directing.

Trial stars Thornton as a down-and-out lawyer involved in “in the ultimate David vs Goliath battle fought in the 21^st century American legal system”.

“Billy Bob Thornton, William Hurt and David E. Kelley are world-class talents who have achieved longstanding success in captivating storytelling,” said Roy Price, Vice President, Amazon Studios. “We are excited to bring this series to our members next year.”

The news comes after Amazon ordered its first UK-created original series, The Collection, with BBC Worldwide, Lookout Point and Federation Entertainment.

Trial also comes as Amazon Studios, Amazon’s content production arm, also revealed a second season of Mozart in the Jungle would debut in the UK, Germany, Austria and the US on December 30.

Creator Kelley is behind shows including Ally McBeal, The Practice, Chicago Hope and Boston Legal.