Thanks to streaming, ‘Suits’ is wearing pretty well
“Suits” is having a moment. The soapy, high-voltage legal drama ran on the basic-cable USA Network from 2011-19, with a cast that included Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Gina Torres, Sarah Rafferty, Rick Hoffman, and Meghan Markle.
Markle is the only member of that ensemble who can be considered a household name, and that has to do with her title (and experiences) as the Duchess of Sussex, not with “Suits.”
While “Suits” always had loyal fans and was an important part of the USA Network’s prime-time lineup, it was not a particularly buzzy series in the wider culture.
It is now. Three developments, in rapid succession, attest to the newfound cachet of the series.
First, “Suits” became a streaming phenomenon last year, breaking viewership records on Netflix, with viewing minutes reportedly in the tens of billions. The series could also be viewed on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service.
Then, last month, NBC confirmed that a “Suits” spinoff is in the works, set in Los Angeles and titled, inevitably, “Suits L.A.”
Finally, it was announced this week that “Suits” will make its broadcast debut this fall. All nine seasons of the series will be aired on MyNetwork TV, a syndication service owned by the Fox Corporation. That means that fans new and old will be able to watch the series for free.
“Suits,” which is no longer in active production, was not exactly an awards magnet during its run — a fact alluded to by Adams and Macht during January’s Golden Globes ceremony, when they presented the award for Outstanding Drama series.
“There’s nothing more dramatic or anxiety-inducing than waiting all night to hear that your category [has] finally arrived,” said Macht.
Replied Adams dryly: “Yes, that’s true. It’s hard to imagine having to wait so long to see your show get that kind of recognition.”
Bottom line: Revenge is a TV dinner best served cold.