---
title: "Goliath"
year: 2016
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/goliath-2016"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 67384
imdb_id: "tt4687880"
status: "Ended"
seasons_count: 4
episodes_count: 32
community_rating: 7.6
vote_count: 483
content_rating: "TV-MA"
---

# Goliath (2016) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/goliath-2016

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Goliath is an American legal drama television series created by David E. Kelley and Jonathan Shapiro. The show ran for four eight-episode seasons on Amazon Prime Video between 2016 and 2021. The series stars Billy Bob Thornton, Nina Arianda, Tania Raymonde, and Diana Hopper. The narrative centers on Billy McBride, a character who was once a powerful lawyer but has become a burned-out, disgraced ambulance chaser who spends more time in a bar than in a courtroom. The plot follows McBride as he reluctantly agrees to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the largest client of Cooperman and McBride, which is the massive law firm he helped create. Alongside a ragtag team, McBride uncovers a vast and deadly conspiracy. This case pits the group against the ultimate Goliath in a life or death trial that offers McBride a chance at redemption or revenge against the firm that expelled him. The series explores these legal and personal stakes throughout its broadcast run.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A washed-up lawyer takes on a powerful firm in a deadly conspiracy."

### Why Watch
- Strong central performance by Billy Bob Thornton
- Complex legal and political intrigue
- Well-paced storytelling with high stakes

### Caveats & Content Note
- Slow start may deter some viewers
- Violence and adult themes
- Tone & Suitability: Suitable for adults due to strong language, violence, and mature themes.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: gritty, intense, twisty, dark, realistic

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Amazon Prime Video | None |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Amazon Prime Video | None |
| **Canada (CA)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Amazon Prime Video | None |
| **Australia (AU)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Amazon Prime Video | None |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Season 1 (8 Episodes)
## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 32
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 12 (38%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 20 (63%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: David E. Kelley, Jonathan Shapiro
- **Networks / Studios**: Prime Video

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Billy Bob Thornton** as *Billy McBride*
- **Nina Arianda** as *Patty Solis-Papagian*
- **Tania Raymonde** as *Brittany Gold*
- **Diana Hopper** as *Denise McBride*
- **Julie Brister** as *Marva Jefferson*
- **Ana de la Reguera** as *Marisol Silva*
- **William Hurt** as *Donald Cooperman*
- **Shelby Rabara** as *Sumi Sen*
- **Mark Duplass** as *Tom Wyatt*
- **Maria Bello** as *Michelle McBride*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is Goliath based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional legal drama.

### Q: Where can I stream Goliath?
It is available on Amazon Prime Video.

### Q: How many seasons does Goliath have?
The series ran for four seasons.

### Q: Who stars in Goliath?
Billy Bob Thornton plays the lead role of Billy McBride.

### Q: What is the show's main theme?
It explores justice, corruption, and redemption within the legal system.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Goliath (TV series) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goliath_(TV_series))
- [Goliath (TV Series 2016–2021) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4687880)
- [Goliath | Bible, Giant, Philistine, David, & Facts | Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Goliath-biblical-figure)
- [Goliath - Where to Watch and Stream - TV Guide](https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/goliath/1000373621/)
- [The Mystery of Biblical Giants, From Goliath to the Nephilim](https://ewtn.co.uk/article-the-mystery-of-biblical-giants-from-goliath-to-the-nephilim/)
- [Goliath (TV Series 2016-2021) — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/67384-goliath)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*