“Suits,” a series that concluded its television run four years ago, has become the surprise hit of the summer.
The nine-season drama, which aired on the USA Network from 2011 to 2019, recently shattered records on Netflix.
Garnering a staggering 3.14 billion minutes of watch time, it dethroned “Manifest,” the previous record-holder with 2.49 billion viewing minutes, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter.
“Suits” Dominates Netflix Charts
It might seem like “Suits” is omnipresent right now, and that’s because it is.
The show’s first season ranked as the eighth-most-watched series on Netflix from July 17 to July 23, marking its fourth consecutive week in the Top 10, with over 20 million hours viewed according to Netflix data.
Demand for “Suits” surged by 27 percent in its first month on Netflix compared to the month prior, noted Brandon Katz, an industry strategist for Parrot Analytics.
Factors Driving the Renewed Interest
Star Power and Social Media Influence
The renewed interest in “Suits” stems from various factors, including its star-studded cast, engaging episodes, and organic growth through social media.
“Suits” narrates the story of Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), who uses his photographic memory to secure a job as a legal associate for the successful attorney Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), despite never having attended law school.
Throughout the series, Ross and Specter win numerous cases while Ross conceals his secret.
The Meghan Markle Effect
The show featured many notable actors, including Meghan Markle, now Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who played Rachel Zane, a paralegal aspiring to rise within the law firm.
The show aired before Meghan became romantically involved with Prince Harry. After Meghan’s departure, Katherine Heigl joined the cast.
Although “Suits” concluded in 2019, it has followed in the footsteps of series like “Breaking Bad,” “Gilmore Girls,” and “The Office,” all of which found a second life through streaming to new audiences who missed the original run.
The Streaming Revolution and Content Revival
Streaming Services: The New Frontier
“There is clear value to be found in certain titles even after they have ended,” said Katz. “Suits” viewers are also seeking out similar shows with comparable themes and formats, such as procedurals like “Blue Bloods” and “The Blacklist.”
According to Katz, genres that once attracted large audiences on broadcast TV, such as procedurals and sitcoms, continue to be popular on streaming platforms.
Algorithmic Boost and Personalized Thumbnails
Netflix employs individual account information to tailor thumbnail images for shows, enticing viewers to click.
Katz suggested that those who have watched Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s docuseries might see thumbnails showcasing Meghan, further driving interest in “Suits.”
Social Media and Audience Engagement
The streaming success of “Suits” has spilled over into social media, with the hashtag #SuitsOnNetflix trending on X (formerly Twitter).
Fans have been sharing their favorite moments, and TikTokers are creating videos reenacting and parodying scenes.
The series has received positive reviews from fans, boasting an 87 percent average audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Several audience reviews from late July highlight why the show is resonating, with one viewer describing it as a “guilty pleasure” that leaves you wanting to watch another episode.
Critical Reception: Then and Now
Initial Skepticism and Long-Term Appeal
Despite its current popularity, “Suits” wasn’t always universally loved.
Early critical reviews labeled it as “nonsensical” and “ludicrous” due to its cast and storyline.
Critics pointed out several flaws, such as the unrealistic portrayal of Harvey Specter and Mike Ross having expertise in all areas of law, the rapid pace of litigation, and the implausible premise.
Audience Endorsement
However, the show has won over a loyal fan base.
Corey Holmes, a fan of “Suits” since 2013, mentioned that he and his friend Alex Charles would use the phrase “Suits life” whenever successful things happened in their careers.
Despite being a long-time fan, Holmes is still puzzled by the show’s recent streaming resurgence, likening its appeal to the satisfaction derived from watching “Law & Order.”
The Power of Nostalgia and Binge-Watching
A Second Life Through Streaming
The resurgence of “Suits” can be attributed to the power of nostalgia and the appeal of binge-watching.
Streaming platforms like Netflix have given older series a second chance to find new audiences.
This phenomenon has breathed new life into “Suits,” allowing it to reach viewers who may have missed it during its original run.
The Comfort of Familiarity
In times of uncertainty, viewers often turn to familiar shows for comfort. “Suits,” with its engaging storylines and charismatic characters, provides a sense of familiarity that resonates with audiences.
The show’s blend of drama, humor, and legal intrigue offers an enjoyable escape, making it an ideal choice for binge-watching.
The Legacy of “Suits”
Influencing Future Legal Dramas
“Suits” has left a lasting impact on the genre of legal dramas. Its unique premise and compelling characters have set a benchmark for future shows in the genre.
The success of “Suits” on streaming platforms highlights the enduring appeal of well-crafted storytelling and strong character development.
Inspiring New Generations
The show’s revival on Netflix has introduced “Suits” to a new generation of viewers.
Younger audiences are discovering the series for the first time, ensuring that its legacy continues.
The themes of ambition, loyalty, and justice explored in “Suits” resonate with viewers of all ages, making it a timeless classic.
Conclusion
The resurgence of “Suits” is a testament to the enduring power of compelling storytelling and the transformative impact of streaming platforms.
As the series finds new fans and rekindles the interest of old ones, it serves as a reminder that great television can transcend time and continue to captivate audiences long after its original run.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did “Suits” become popular again?
“Suits” experienced a resurgence due to its availability on Netflix, where it reached a new audience.
Factors such as its engaging storyline, star-studded cast, and the influence of social media also contributed to its renewed popularity.
2. Who are the main characters in “Suits”?
The main characters in “Suits” include Mike Ross (played by Patrick J. Adams), a legal associate with a photographic memory, and Harvey Specter (played by Gabriel Macht), a successful attorney.
Other notable characters include Rachel Zane (Meghan Markle), Louis Litt (Rick Hoffman), and Donna Paulsen (Sarah Rafferty).
3. How many seasons of “Suits” are there?
“Suits” has a total of nine seasons, which aired from 2011 to 2019 on the USA Network.
4. Did Meghan Markle’s involvement in “Suits” contribute to its popularity?
Meghan Markle’s involvement in “Suits” likely contributed to its popularity, especially after she became the Duchess of Sussex.
Her role in the series and subsequent high-profile marriage to Prince Harry garnered additional attention for the show.
5. Are there any similar shows to “Suits” on streaming platforms?
Yes, fans of “Suits” may enjoy other legal dramas and procedurals such as “Blue Bloods,” “The Blacklist,” and “Law & Order.
” These shows share similar themes of legal and procedural drama with compelling characters and storylines.