I’ve heard the Perry Mason books were much more gritty than the TV show was. Never read one but I mean to.
They are really good. Many of PM shows were taken from the books, some closer, some broader, but, the concept is there.
I have read a number of the books and watch the show on ME-TV whenever I can. They are just GOOD.
And when shows like “Svengoolie” top the “Trends” on X, there is something going on.