# In 2004, executives “shrieked in horror” at James Spader. It gave his career a second wind

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-2004-executives-shrieked-in-horror-at-james-spader-it-gave-his-career-a-second-wind/
- Published: 2026-10-26T05:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-26T05:22:48+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/2004-executives-shrieked-in-horror-james-spader-gave-career-second-wind/
- Topics: Entertainment, Horror

## Key points

- Alan Shore brought Spader renewed success on television.
- ABC executives initially objected to his casting.
- He won three Emmys across The Practice and Boston Legal.

## Summary

James Spader’s unusual screen presence limited his prospects as a conventional film leading man, but helped revive his career on television. David E Kelley cast him as morally complex lawyer Alan Shore in the final season of The Practice, despite network executives’ initial objections.

Shore’s popularity led to the spin-off Boston Legal, where Spader continued the role for five seasons. He won an Emmy for The Practice and two more for Boston Legal; Kelley said ABC had thought Spader was not a suitable face for a network show, but came to see him as the only choice.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.