Suits (2011 — 2019)

Suits (2011–2019), an American legal drama TV series, was created and written by Aaron Korsh and first aired on USA Network on June 23, 2011. Produced by Universal Content Productions, the show is set at a fictional corporate law firm in New York City. The storyline revolves around Mike Ross, who leverages his photographic memory to land a job as an associate for renowned ‘closer’ lawyer Harvey Specter. Despite not having attended law school, Mike’s exceptional LSAT score and passing of the New York State Bar Exam through illegal means enables him to keep his secret hidden while he and Harvey take on lawsuits and close cases.

Season 1 (2011). Mike Ross, a former university student with exceptional memory skills, has found a way to support his grandmother’s expenses. After losing both his parents in an accident at a young age, she became his primary caregiver. In the first episode, Mike takes on a risky task for his friend Trevor, who happens to be a drug dealer, in exchange for a substantial sum of money. He cleverly avoids getting caught in a police operation and instead stumbles into an unexpected job interview with Harvey Specter. Harvey is an extremely confident partner at the prestigious law firm Pearson Hardman, known for their expertise in corporate law and strict hiring policy of only accepting graduates from Harvard University.

Season 2 (2012–2013). After Jessica learns Mike’s secret, she is immediately caught up in the drama of co-founding partner Daniel Hardman’s return to the firm. With tensions already high between Jessica and Harvey, they now find themselves at odds with Louis, who has sided with Hardman in hopes of becoming senior partner. Meanwhile, Mike begins a relationship with Rachel, but after experiencing a personal loss he finds himself involved with others romantically. As if that isn’t enough for Harvey and Donna to deal with, they are facing accusations of withholding evidence and must navigate a delicate balance while trying to keep incriminating information out of Hardman’s hands. The threat from Hardman only continues to escalate, forcing Jessica into a merger with a British firm led by Edward Darby. Amidst all this chaos, Mike confides his secret in Rachel.

Season 3 (2013–2014). With Darby on board, Harvey gains the upper hand in his quest to become a partner. However, the merger leads to a conflict between Louis Litt and his British equivalent. Ava Hessington, one of Darby’s clients, involves Harvey in a lengthy trial against someone he once looked up to, resulting in a murder accusation. Mike understands that his deceitful actions cannot sustain for much longer and decides to leave Pearson Specter, now known as Pearson Specter Litt, for a position in the investment banking industry.

Season 4 (2014–2015). Mike and Harvey find themselves on opposite sides of a takeover battle due to Mike’s new job, resulting in the SEC accusing them of collusion. To please Harvey, Louis resorts to working with shady billionaire investor Charles Forstman through unethical means. However, when Mike is let go from his position, Louis goes to great lengths to convince him to come back to Pearson Specter instead of joining forces with Forstman, as this could potentially expose Louis’ involvement in the illegal dealings. In order to achieve this, Louis pressures Jessica into rehiring Mike by insisting she make him a named partner, something he has desired for a long time. Meanwhile, Rachel and Mike announce their engagement, while Donna decides to leave Harvey’s side and join forces with Louis.

Season 5 (2015–2016). After losing Donna, Harvey turns to a therapist to discuss his strained relationship with his mother. Meanwhile, Louis’s insecurities and attempts to undermine Harvey pave the way for ambitious partner Jack Soloff, who is being manipulated by Hardman. Rachel’s wedding plans and family dynamics are overshadowed by Mike’s secret. Both Mike and Harvey ultimately resign in order to protect their futures and the firm, but things take a turn when Mike is suddenly arrested for fraud. As more people involved in the situation become aware of the truth, Mike faces a formidable prosecutor named Anita Gibbs. In order to spare others from facing charges, he accepts a plea bargain and pleads guilty before turning himself in. While attending the wedding, Mike reveals to Rachel that he cannot marry her now due to his impending prison sentence, but if she still wants him after two years, he will marry her upon his release. As Harvey accompanies him to prison, they say their final goodbyes.

Season 6 (2016–2017). A two-year prison term leaves Mike at the mercy of Frank Gallo, an inmate holding a grudge against Harvey. Few employees remain at Pearson Specter Litt to offer assistance. Rachel takes on a case for her law professor at the Innocence Project, while Jessica offers pro bono help but is preoccupied with personal matters and decides to move on. Mike’s cellmate plays a crucial role in securing his freedom, which he ultimately achieves after secretly catching Frank attempting to commit murder on camera. He struggles with the public revelation of his fraud, but manages to secure a job at a legal clinic. With Harvey’s support, both Rachel and Mike are able to pass the bar exam, and Harvey convinces Mike to return to work at the firm.

Season 7 (2017–2018). The team at the firm struggles with Jessica’s absence, but they adapt as Donna becomes COO and Harvey’s friend Alex joins the group. Harvey finds himself in a new relationship with his former therapist, Paula, while Louis’s therapy sessions with Dr. Lipschitz have mixed results. Rachel officially begins her career as an attorney after passing the bar exam, while Mike continues to work on pro bono cases at the clinic with Harvey’s support. However, one of these cases puts Alex, Harvey, and others in danger. As for personal relationships, Louis reconnects with Sheila and Jessica reconciles with her family in Chicago. Before leaving for Seattle to start their own firm handling class-action lawsuits, Mike and Rachel tie the knot. And just as the season comes to a close, Specter Litt faces a case that could put them at risk due to Robert Zane’s partners Ellen Rand and Eric Kaldor. Upon discovering this information, Zane collaborates with Specter Litt.

Season 8 (2018–2019). Following a brief dispute, the role of managing partner for the newly formed firm is settled in favor of Robert, with Donna retaining her position as COO. The firm is then renamed Zane Specter Litt. A new senior partner, Samantha Wheeler, who serves as Robert’s right-hand and troubleshooter, is brought on board. A season-long rivalry between Wheeler and Alex Williams ensues over who will be the first name added to the firm. Eventually, both names are displayed on the wall. Meanwhile, Louis discovers that Sheila is expecting a baby. Katrina Bennett rises to senior partner status but faces challenges when she develops feelings for her married personal associate. Donna and Harvey finally acknowledge their romantic connection; however, Donna’s mishandling of client/boyfriend Thomas Kessler results in Zane sacrificing his legal career for the sake of the firm and ultimately getting disbarred.

Season 9 (2019). After Robert’s disbarment, the firm faces scrutiny for their long-standing use of questionable tactics. To oversee the situation, a special master from the bar, Faye Richardson, is appointed. However, Faye herself has a few secrets that could jeopardize her mission to dismantle and destroy the firm. Meanwhile, Louis ties the knot with Sheila and they welcome their new baby, Harvey marries Donna, and they all relocate to Seattle to join Mike and Rachel. In addition, Katrina is promoted to name partner as Louis continues to lead the now-renamed Litt Wheeler Williams Bennett firm.