Critics called the premise “ridiculous,” “idiotic,” and “ill-conceived.” Given that start, our team that launched Suits on USA Network never expected the show to become a global phenomenon.
When the series premiered on June 23, 2011, we were nervous about its prospects. A show about a fake lawyer from the network that just brought you Dule Hill in a show about a fake psychic. Seriously?
More from Variety
So how did Suits, in its “third life” (after nine seasons on USA, reruns first aired on Amazon Prime Video before moving to Netflix and Peacock), become one of the most watched series despite the multitude of options available to viewers? And more importantly, what can we learn from its late-season popularity?
First, the resurrection is a testament to the work of creator and showrunner Aaron Korsh, the large ensemble of great actors, and the entire production team.
Second, its recent popularity is due in part to the relentless power of the Netflix platform and algorithm, which presented the series in a way that made it a “must-see once in a lifetime” viewing experience. How could anyone turn away from the scene in the pilot where Gabriel Macht’s powerful law firm partner, Harvey Specter, meets Patrick J. Adams’ wily Mike Ross?
“Give me this…” Mike says, “and I’ll work as hard as I have to to teach those Harvard idiots a lesson and become the best lawyer you’ve ever seen.” It’s a riveting scene, and the one that convinced us to greenlight the show.
And there’s another reason: Suits is easy! It’s eye candy with good-looking people in high-end settings. It’s eye candy with storylines that aren’t too complicated to follow while simultaneously scrolling through social media. It’s characters that are easy to root for.
In today’s television landscape, which is full of minefields for viewers, including gratuitous violence, increasingly explicit sex and plot twists that require a law doctorate in storytelling, Suits, with its understated charm, is a welcome change of pace.
But simple charm and AI-powered algorithms don’t tell the whole story. Audiences build a deeper connection to Suits.
In the first global study of its kind on entertainment and spirituality, a Harris X poll found that viewers increasingly want positive stories that focus on family, friendships, inspiration and redemption. This is not surprising given the current climate that bombards us with negativity and conflict on a daily basis.
At its core, Suits is rich in themes that audiences crave, like using our natural talent to do “the right thing.”
Mike’s superpower is his photographic memory. Although he uses his gift under false pretenses (and ultimately ends up in prison for it), he continues to use his power to help those in need.
Harvey is the tough, cocky closer who wants to win at all costs, but he also discovers his softer side, striving to be like Mike, to use his power for good and to find the love and family that have always been missing in his life.
In a society that often feels stranded and where basic values such as family, friendship, heroism and integrity are increasingly being neglected, Suits offers more than just a little hope. Hope that, despite our mistakes and weaknesses, we can all somehow get back on our feet.
The friendship between the characters, their unwavering loyalty to one another, and their commitment to doing the right thing resonate with audiences seeking inspiration and connection.
Suits proves that television doesn’t have to push the envelope to engage viewers. It just has to address the basic human needs that we all need in one form or another: love, happiness, family and fulfillment. Suits is helping to provide that in a small way for its millions of next-generation fans. We’re glad we took that risk 13 years ago.
This is easier said than done, but there are many more such cases.
Chris McCumber is the former president of USA Network and Blumhouse Television.
(Pictured above: “Suits” stars Patrick J. Adams and Gabriel Macht)
The best of diversity
Subscribe to Variety’s newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
