Key Takeaways:
– USA Network frequently pushed for unnecessary changes in Suits, a popular legal drama.
– The show’s creator, Aaron Korsh, consistently resisted these tweaks to keep his original vision alive.
– Korsh believed that viewers cared more about the main characters than the weekly clients or ‘puppies’ the network wanted to introduced.
– Despite potential drawbacks, the Meghan Markle factor added an extra layer of popularity to the show.
– Patrick J. Adams, an integral part of the series, shares his insights on where his character would be today through his podcast.
Behind The Scenes Of Suits
Suits was no ordinary legal drama. It was the epitome of fast-paced, high-stakes action in the courtroom, thanks to sophisticated characters and razor-sharp dialogue. Unlike other shows, it didn’t follow the network’s every directive. USA Network often pushed for unnecessary adjustments that didn’t match the show’s unique appeal. Yet, the creator of Suits, Aaron Korsh, resisted these changes consistently, keeping his original vision intact.
The Battle Against the Network’s ‘Puppy’
One of the most frequent requests by the network was to include a new client or ‘puppy’ every week, driving up the episodic drama. Korsh, however, disagreed with this approach. He firmly believed that the audience cared more about the lead characters—Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) and Mike Ross (Patrick Adams)—than these ‘puppies’. To stick to his beliefs, Korsh would include and shoot scenes with these clients but would then remove them from the final edit. Remarkably, no one noticed, or at least they didn’t object.
The Evolution Of Suits
Even though Suits began almost like a procedural show in its first season, it soon transitioned into a highly serialized storyline under Korsh’s guidance. He asserts that the show can hold audience’s attention without relying on weekly clients as plot devices. However, it’s not to say that having a case-of-the-week format was entirely a bad thing. It just wasn’t Korsh’s preference. Drawing viewers was more about the unique charm of the characters and their personal journey, which became evident as the series progressed.
The Meghan Markle Effect
The popularity of Suits received an unexpected boost when Meghan Markle, who played Rachel Zane, started dating Prince Harry. Her royal romance added to the buzz around the show. Interestingly, the royal family even had some input on certain scripts, which was met with mixed feelings by Korsh. But there’s no denying it gave the show added appeal internationally.
Patrick J. Adams on His PostSuits Life
Recently, Patrick J. Adams, known for his portrayal of Mike Ross, shared his thoughts on where he believes his character would be today. In his podcast “Sidebar: A Suits Rewatch Podcast”, he envisions Ross and Rachel living a laid-back life in Seattle, running their law firm while also taking care of their kids. He hopes Meghan Markle might join an episode of the podcast someday, adding another dimension to the afterlife of their beloved characters.
In conclusion, the journey of Suits has been a testament to the strength of vision and storytelling. Despite pressures and tweaks suggested by the network, the show managed to maintain its unique charm and popularity, largely due to its charismatic characters and strong-willed creator. It’s proof that sometimes less is indeed more, especially when it comes to capturing the spirit of a legal drama. As the show continues its successful run on Netflix, these insights give viewers a fascinating glimpse into its behind-the-scenes dynamics.
