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    Why Suits Was One of the Best TV Shows Ever Made

    By Updated:7 Mins Read
    A group of five professionally dressed individuals positioned close together, with a man in a gray suit at the center, surrounded by two women and two men, each wearing formal attire, against a light background.

    When Suits first premiered in 2011, no one could have anticipated the long-lasting impact it would have on television. Over nine seasons, the show captivated audiences with its razor-sharp dialogue, well-developed characters, and a perfect blend of legal drama and personal intrigue. As one of the standout legal dramas of the 2010s, Suits left an indelible mark on pop culture, maintaining high viewer engagement throughout its entire run. It’s a testament to the show’s remarkable quality that even years after its finale, Suits Was One of the Best TV Shows Ever Made.

    Here’s why Suits deserves its place among the greatest television dramas.

    Four people dressed in formal attire posing together at the Golden Globes event.

    Sharp, Intelligent Writing

    One of the defining characteristics of Suits was its crisp, intelligent writing. The show was created by Aaron Korsh, who seamlessly blended legal jargon with accessible, relatable dialogue. The writing was often fast-paced, with characters constantly engaging in witty exchanges, creating an atmosphere that was both intense and entertaining.

    A man in a suit and a woman in a white sweater stand in an office setting with shelves of books behind them.

    Three men in suits stand in an office setting with serious expressions, with a painting and city view visible in the background.

    The ability to craft complex legal cases while simultaneously developing emotionally-driven personal stories made Suits stand out from other legal dramas. The writing didn’t just entertain—it challenged viewers to think critically about the decisions the characters were making.

    A woman standing with hands on hips facing a man seated at a desk in an office, both engaged in conversation. The office has modern decor with a large desk, chair, and city view through the windows.

    Strong, Multi-Dimensional Characters

    Suits excelled in its creation of multi-dimensional characters who grew and evolved over time. Harvey Specter, played by Gabriel Macht, is one of the most iconic characters in TV history. Known for his confidence, charm, and cutthroat nature, Harvey is a corporate lawyer who initially seems to have it all figured out. However, as the series progresses, his emotional depth is revealed, showing a man who struggles with vulnerability, loyalty, and personal relationships.

    A group of six well-dressed individuals, including both men and women, standing and sitting in a modern office environment with glass walls and stylish furniture.
    Suits Was One of the Best TV Shows Ever Made

    On the other side of the partnership is Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a brilliant but uncredentialed young man with a photographic memory. Mike’s rise through the legal world without a law degree is central to the show’s premise, and his journey from an underdog to a respected lawyer is one of the most engaging aspects of the series. The dynamic between Harvey and Mike—the mentor-protégé relationship—was a driving force of the show, and their bond became one of the best examples of character development in television.

    A man in a suit and tie standing with his arms open in an office setting, with large windows and a radiator in the background.

    Beyond the two leads, Suits had an outstanding supporting cast, including Louis Litt (Rick Hoffman), Jessica Pearson (Gina Torres), Donna Paulsen (Sarah Rafferty), and Rachel Zane (Meghan Markle). Each of these characters brought something unique to the show. Louis Litt’s neurotic but endearing personality, Jessica Pearson’s commanding leadership, and Donna Paulsen’s unmatched wisdom and intuition were pivotal in making the show more than just a legal drama. Every character was given time to shine and evolve, which contributed to the richness of the series.

    A man in a suit with a serious expression, sitting in an office setting.
    Suits Was One of the Best TV Shows Ever Made

    The Mentor-Protege Dynamic

    At the heart of Suits was the complex and evolving relationship between Harvey and Mike. When Harvey takes a chance on hiring Mike, despite knowing his lack of formal education, the show sets up one of the most compelling mentor-protégé dynamics in TV history. The two men form a bond that is equal parts professional and personal, with Harvey acting as a mentor, guide, and protector to Mike.

    A man in a pinstriped suit with a white shirt and dark tie stands confidently in an urban setting.

    Their relationship goes through numerous trials, with Mike often challenging Harvey’s authority and moral compass. Over the course of nine seasons, they experience moments of betrayal, reconciliation, and mutual growth. Mike matures into a skilled lawyer, while Harvey learns how to open up emotionally, thanks to Mike’s influence.

    A man and a woman smiling at each other, dressed formally with blurred lights in the background.

    This dynamic gave the show its emotional depth. While legal battles raged on, the personal growth of these two characters and their loyalty to one another remained the heart of the show.

    A man in a business suit with a patterned tie and pocket square stands in an office, looking intently at another person out of frame. He is in front of a bulletin board with various notices, and there is a trash can nearby.

    One of the reasons Suits kept viewers coming back was its ability to mix personal drama with high-stakes legal cases. The show was set in a world of corporate law, where billion-dollar deals, insider trading, hostile takeovers, and legal grey areas were part of daily operations. The legal cases were intense, often life-altering for the clients involved and, at times, for the lawyers themselves.

    Three individuals stand in a corridor, appearing serious. The woman in the center wears a red blouse, the man on the left is in a suit and tie, and the woman on the right wears a gray suit.

    Unlike many legal dramas that focus on courtroom scenes, Suits took place mostly in boardrooms and behind closed doors, where deals were negotiated, and strategies were crafted. The stakes were always high—not just for the clients, but also for the firm and the lawyers’ reputations.

    A person in a suit and tie sits on a ledge, leaning against an ornate metal grate with legs extended, wearing black sneakers.

    Each case had its own unique twist, with characters often having to navigate ethical dilemmas and legal loopholes. The show’s ability to merge procedural legal drama with ongoing narrative arcs kept the audience engaged and on edge.

    A group of well-dressed individuals seated around a poker table with cards in hand, surrounded by stacks of poker chips and glasses of whiskey.

    Stylish Aesthetic and Setting

    Suits was more than just a show about law—it was a show about power, prestige, and luxury. Set in New York City, the backdrop for Suits was sleek and stylish, with high-end office spaces, luxury apartments, and designer fashion playing a significant role in the visual appeal of the series.

    Two men in suits standing in a courtroom, one speaking into a microphone, with a wooden panel backdrop and people seated in the background.

    Harvey Specter’s collection of Tom Ford suits became as iconic as his character. The sleek modernism of the Pearson Specter Litt law firm, with its glass walls and towering views of Manhattan, provided a sense of opulence that matched the high-stakes legal battles. The sharp fashion choices weren’t just about style—they were a reflection of the characters’ power and control in a world where appearances mattered just as much as legal expertise.

    Three people in business attire stand side by side in an office, with shelves of books and decorative items in the background. The man on the left wears a black suit and gray tie, the man in the center wears a blue suit with a purple tie, and the woman on the right wears a black dress.

    The show’s aesthetic, from its costume design to its cinematography, helped elevate Suits beyond just a typical legal drama. It was a visual feast that portrayed the lavish world of corporate law with elegance and flair.

    Two men in suits walking in an urban setting, both with serious expressions, surrounded by a blurred background of people and city elements.
    Suits Was One of the Best TV Shows Ever Made

    Strong Female Characters

    Suits is praised for its portrayal of strong female characters who were not only integral to the plot but also powerful in their own right. Jessica Pearson was the managing partner of the firm, and her intelligence, authority, and ability to handle pressure made her one of the most respected characters in the series. Her leadership was portrayed with nuance, showing both her professional brilliance and personal struggles.

    Side-by-side images; left shows a woman seated with serious expression in a scene, right shows her smiling at an event, wearing a strapless black dress and necklace against a backdrop with logos.

    Donna Paulsen, initially Harvey’s secretary and later the firm’s COO, was another standout character. Known for her sharp wit, loyalty, and emotional intelligence, Donna was the glue that held the firm together. She often provided the moral compass for Harvey, Mike, and others, and her relationship with Harvey was one of the most compelling emotional arcs of the series.

    A woman in a black dress is sitting on a sofa in a modern office setting at night, talking on the phone. The room is dimly lit with a cityscape visible through the window behind her. Decorative pillows and potted plants are arranged around her.

    Rachel Zane, played by Meghan Markle, also brought depth to the show. As Mike’s love interest and a paralegal aspiring to become a lawyer, Rachel’s journey of self-discovery and growth paralleled the main storyline, and her relationship with Mike added emotional stakes to the legal battles.

    Split image showing a woman on the left in a white sleeveless top with dark wavy hair, and on the right smiling in an outdoor setting, wearing a light-colored coat and sweater, with her hair tied back.

    Cultural Impact and Legacy

    Suits left a lasting legacy, not just as a TV show but also as a cultural phenomenon. Louis Litt’s catchphrase “You just got Litt up” became a fan favourite, and the show’s unique blend of legal jargon, pop culture references, and corporate strategy made it a hit among viewers worldwide.

    A man and a woman sitting on a bench, both dressed in formal attire with a modern building in the background.

    The show also gained renewed attention after Meghan Markle’s engagement to Prince Harry in 2017. Her role as Rachel Zane brought even more eyes to the series, especially as fans followed her real-life transition from actress to Duchess of Sussex.

    Two women sitting on a bench in a small room, both looking at each other seriously, one with red hair and wearing a light dress, the other with dark hair wearing a brown cardigan and patterned skirt.

    The influence of Suits is also evident in its spinoff, Pearson, which followed Jessica Pearson as she navigated the world of Chicago politics after leaving the law firm. While Pearson didn’t achieve the same level of success as Suits, it underscored the lasting appeal of the characters created by Aaron Korsh.

    Two men in suits standing in a courtroom, one speaking into a microphone, with a wooden panel backdrop and people seated in the background.

    Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence

    Suits was a masterclass in combining legal drama with rich character development, stylish presentation, and emotional depth. Whether it was the intense courtroom battles, the clever negotiations, or the personal relationships that developed over time, Suits always had something to offer. Its ability to balance sharp, intelligent writing with heart and complexity is what makes it one of the best TV shows ever made.

    Five people in business attire, two women and three men, standing in an office with a cityscape view through large windows.
    Suits Was One of the Best TV Shows Ever Made

    From its iconic characters to its high-stakes legal drama, Suits is a show that redefined what a legal drama could be, proving that beneath the suits and legal briefs, it was always about the people and their stories.

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