USA Network Broke One Of Its Own Rules In Order To Make Suits
The hit legal drama Suits only reached the screen because USA Network abandoned its rigid “two-person show” mandate to accommodate an ensemble cast. Creator Aaron Korsh originally pitched the 2011 series with Harvey Specter and Mike Ross leaving their firm to satisfy the network’s preference for smaller, character-centric projects. USA Network president Jeff Wachtel ultimately reversed this policy, allowing the characters to remain at Pearson Hardman, a decision that sustained the show for nine seasons.
Why USA Network avoided ensemble casts
The network’s hesitation toward ensemble shows stemmed from the massive success of its “Blue Sky” era, defined by hits like Monk and Psych. According to historical network data, Psych debuted in 2006 as the year’s highest-rated scripted premiere with over 6 million viewers, maintaining an average audience of 2 million throughout its eight-season run. Monk, which ran from 2002 to 2009, achieved critical success with eight Emmy Awards and a finale that drew over 9 million viewers. Because these smaller, character-driven projects consistently performed well, the network was initially wary of investing in larger ensemble casts.
The 2009 finale of Monk was a ratings juggernaut for USA Network, drawing an audience of over 9 million people after a seven-year run.
The pivot that defined the series
The transition from a two-person premise to an ensemble was a direct result of a conversation between Korsh and Wachtel. While Korsh initially tailored his pitch to fit the network’s restrictions, Wachtel recognized the potential for a different approach. “Jeff said, ‘We don’t do ensemble shows.’ Then [he] takes a second and he goes, ‘But maybe we should. Leave them in the firm,’” Korsh told Entertainment Weekly. This shift allowed for the complex workplace dynamics that became central to the show’s identity.
The decision to keep the characters at the firm represents a strategic evolution in network television. By moving away from the “two-person” formula, USA Network enabled the creation of a workplace ecosystem that could support long-term narrative growth, which likely contributed to the show’s enduring appeal and its successful resurgence on streaming platforms in 2023.
What could happen next for the franchise
Following the show’s massive resurgence on Netflix in 2023, industry observers suggest a reboot could be on the horizon. While no official production timeline has been confirmed, the sustained interest in the series indicates that the brand remains a valuable asset for the network. Any future iteration would likely build upon the ensemble structure that Wachtel and Korsh established, though the direction of such a project remains subject to ongoing industry discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the creator originally plan for Harvey and Mike to leave the firm?
Aaron Korsh originally wrote the characters to leave the firm because he believed USA Network’s programming restrictions only allowed for two-person shows.
What was the “Blue Sky” era of USA Network?
This era refers to the period during which the network saw significant success with intimate, character-centric series like Monk and Psych.
Did the decision to keep the characters at the firm pay off?
Yes, the series ran for nine well-received seasons and experienced a surge in popularity when it was added to Netflix in 2023, sparking discussions about a potential reboot.
Would you watch a revival of the series if it featured the original ensemble cast?