NBCUniversal is developing a new series set in the same legal drama world as the hit show Suits, according to Deadline. The new show will not be a reboot or sequel, but will feature new characters and settings. Rumors suggest that the setting for the new series will be Los Angeles, in contrast to the original show which was set in New York City. Series creator Aaron Korsh is reportedly in the early stages of developing the new show.
The decision to create a companion show comes after Suits unexpectedly became the most-streamed title in the United States for 12 consecutive weeks, according to Nielsen data. The original show, which starred Meghan Markle as ambitious young paralegal Rachel Zane, gained popularity when it was added to Netflix in June, attracting viewers with its catalogue of 134 episodes spanning nine seasons. Suits is also available on NBC’s streaming platform Peacock.
This new series will be the third spin-off from Suits, following the one-season spin-off Pearson, which starred Gina Torres and was set in Chicago. Fans of the original show have been excited about the possibility of a new series, especially after Suits co-star Patrick J. Adams shared a number of photos from the show on Instagram, leading fans to speculate if the series could be coming back.
Suits tells the story of Mike Ross, played by Patrick J. Adams, a law school dropout who cons his way into a prestigious law firm and falls in love with paralegal Rachel Zane, played by Meghan Markle. The show gained a dedicated fan base during its run, but ratings consistently dipped over time. Meghan and Patrick left the show at the end of season seven, with their characters getting married and leaving for Seattle.
The return of season 8, which excluded Meghan and Patrick, averaged 1.2 million viewers, 100,000 less than its seventh season. The show was ultimately canceled in January 2019 after its ninth 10-episode installment. However, the show has experienced a surge in viewership on streaming platforms in recent months, setting a viewing time record for an acquired series in June and July.
The announcement of a new Suits series has generated excitement among fans who hope for the return of their favorite characters. With the success of the original show and the enduring popularity of legal dramas, the new series is sure to attract a dedicated audience. With new characters and settings, the show has the potential to capture the same excitement and intrigue that made Suits a hit in the first place.