Critics called the premise “ridiculous,” “stupid,” and “ill-conceived.” From the beginning, our team who launched “Suits” on USA Network had no idea that the show would become a global phenomenon.
When the series first launched on June 23, 2011, we were nervous about its prospects. It's a series about fake lawyers for a network that just brought Dule Hill out on a series about fake psychics. Earnestly?
So how did Suits from 'The Third Life' (which first aired in reruns on Amazon Prime Video after nine seasons in the US before moving to Netflix and Peacock) become one of the most popular series despite the wide range of options available to viewers? Has it been done? More importantly, what can we learn from its belated popularity?
First, this revival is a testament to the work of creator and showrunner Aaron Korsh, the great actors, and the large ensemble of the entire crew.
Second, the series' recent popularity may be due in part to the relentless power of the Netflix platform and algorithm. This served the series in a way that made it “must-see TV.” How could you turn away from the pilot scene where Gabriel Macht's powerful law firm partner Harvey Specter meets Patrick J. Adams' cunning Mike Ross?
Mike says: “Give me this and I will work as hard as it takes to educate the idiots at Harvard and become the best lawyer you’ve ever seen.” It's an exciting scene, and one that convinced us to greenlight the show.
There is another reason too. “Suits” are easy! Being around good-looking people in an upscale environment is easy on the eyes. As you scroll through social media, you'll feel at ease with a plot that isn't too complicated to follow. A character that is easy to root.
In a current television landscape filled with viewer landmines, including gratuitous violence, increasingly graphic sex, and plot twists that require a Juris Doctorate in storytelling, “Suits” is a welcome breath of fresh air with its simple charm.
But easy appeal and AI-based algorithms don't tell the whole story. Audiences are having a deeper connection with ‘Suits.’
In the first global study of entertainment and spirituality, a Harris This is not surprising, considering our current environment brings negativity and conflict to us every day.
'Suits' is rich in themes that audiences crave, such as using one's natural talents to do the 'right thing'.
Mike's superpower is photographic memory. While he uses his gifts falsely (and ends up in prison for it), his North Star continues to use his powers to help those in need.
Harvey is a tough, cocky, “win-at-all-costs” closer, but he discovers a softer side by aspiring to be like Mike. He too wants to use his powers for good and find the love and family that has always been missing in his own life.
In an uneasy society where basic values like family, friendship, heroism, and integrity are increasingly neglected, 'Suits' offers more than a little hope. I hope that despite our flaws and mistakes, we can all somehow be saved.
The friendship between the characters, their unwavering loyalty to each other, and their commitment to doing what is right resonate deeply with audiences looking for inspiration and connection.
'Suits' proves that TV doesn't have to push the envelope to grab viewers' attention. This can be done by tapping into the core human needs that we all need in one form or another: love, happiness, family, and fulfillment. ‘Suits’ helps provide that in some small way for millions of next-generation fans. We're glad we took that gamble 13 years ago.
Easier said than done. But there are many more similar cases.
Chris McCumber is the former president of USA Network and Blumhouse Television.
(Pictured top: “Suits” starring Patrick J. Adams and Gabriel Macht)