Summary

• Suits' streaming success on Netflix has made it the break-out show of the year, paving the way for a potential new series in the franchise with a larger fan base.
• Reviving Suits faces barriers such as the difficulty of bringing back the original cast, but the issues surrounding writers' strikes and lack of a platform have been resolved.
• While the previous Suits spin-off failed due to a lack of the original cast, the new show can still succeed if it includes several original characters or captures the same vibe and tone that made the original enjoyable.

The failed Suits' streaming domination makes it the break-out show of the year, and naturally, there's interest in reviving the franchise now that it has a far bigger fan base. After months of constant speculations, it is finally coming to fruition, with a new series in development.

Previously creator Aaron Korsh candidly revealed the biggest barriers to bringing Suits back. He cited the dual Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the lack of platform, and the difficulty of bringing the original cast back. The WGA protest is over, and optimistically, it's only a matter of time before the actors get a fair deal themselves. Meanwhile, NBCUniversal is pushing for Korsh to expand the Suits universe with a new series. That leaves the final issue as the only remaining barrier to a revival, however, it's also the biggest hurdle. If handled wrongly, it could result in a disappointing fresh installment as evidenced by Suits' first spin-off's failure.

Suits' New Show Won't Be Focused On The Original Characters

When Suits first started, its primary focus was the relationship between Mike and Harvey. The show's events kickstarted after the pair met, and the initial seasons tackled their partnership and how their secret tied them together. Over the years and as Suits diversified its storytelling, however, it grew to become a true ensemble. The cast's chemistry was one of its best assets, with each character bringing a different kind of energy and vibe to the table. Given this, it's understandable that there's some expectation that the new show will feature several of the original characters.

Realistically, however, it's impossible to bring Suits' key characters back for the new endeavor. Everyone is busy with their respective careers, and even if they are interested in reprising their respective roles, it will be difficult to coordinate all of their schedules to be regulars in the in-development series. It's no secret that bringing the remainder of the cast back in the final season was already difficult enough. Moreover, Meghan Markle's retirement from Hollywood essentially rules out Rachel's appearance. Her ties to Mike make it tricky to involve Patrick J. Adams in any capacity more than a cameo.

Pearson's Cancelation After 1 Season Proves Suits Needs The Original Cast To Work

In 2019, the legal drama's first and only spin-off, Pearson premiered on the USA Network. Suits, which stemmed from her desire to relocate back to Los Angeles, was the launching pad for the project. In the offshoot, Jessica chose to leave her cushy job in New York and pursue something that was more fulfilling. Further motivated by wanting to maintain a romantic relationship with fellow lawyer, Jeff, she decided to move with him to Chicago, where Jessica was supposed to start a new life and career as a player in Chicago's political arena.

Unfortunately, Pearson was canceled by USA Network after just one season because of low ratings, leaving several plot lines without a resolution. This highlights the fans' clamor for the ensemble of Suits; it's difficult to make a new show work with just one familiar character. Jessica was a fascinating character, but because she was the only familiar face in the offshoot, the public didn't care much. Without Harvey for her to banter with or Louis to expertly manipulate, Pearson just wasn't that appealing anymore, and the new Suits show may face the same issue.

How Suits' New Show Can Still Work

This doesn't mean that Korsh and NBCUniversal should give up on this new project. There are still ways to make it work, especially in light of Suits' popularity boom in recent months. However, they need to the lessons taught by Pearson's failure. At the very least, the new Suits show needs to feature several of the original cast . Whether that's following Mike and Harvey in Seattle or Jessica recruiting her former subordinates in Chicago, it's up to the creators. Secondly, it can simply be an entirely new ensemble, but it's integral that it captures the same vibe and tone that makes the original Suits so enjoyable to watch.