Suits Season 1 (2011)

Release Date: June 23, 2011
Creators: Aaron Korsh
Starring: Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Meghan Markle, Rick Hoffman, Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres, and a bunch of other people who are way too good-looking to work in a law firm (but somehow, they make it work).

Okay, listen up. You’re here because you’ve probably heard the whispers about Suits. You know, the show that made everyone suddenly feel like they could quit their day jobs and become a lawyer—despite not having an actual law degree, any legal experience, or, like, an ounce of common sense. But hey, Suits made it look so easy. You just walk into a room, look sharp as heck in a suit (obviously), drop some legal jargon, and BAM, you’re the smartest person in the room. No big deal.

After binge-watching the whole thing, I can now confidently say: Suits is like a deliciously guilty pleasure—a mix of legal drama, witty banter, and plot twists that make you feel like you’re watching a show in fast forward. And while it might not have the emotional complexity of Euphoria (don’t even get me started on Euphoria again), it definitely delivers in the "snappy dialogue and messy, yet stylish, law firm drama" department.

So let’s break it down—Suits style—shall we?

Law School? Nah. Just Fake It ‘Til You Make It.

Alright, if you’re a stickler for rules or, heaven forbid, reality, Suits might make you scream “That’s not how law works!” about once every 30 seconds. But if you’re here for some *light-hearted, feel-good legal drama with a side of eye-candy and wit that could cut glass, you’re in the right place.

So here’s the basic premise: Mike Ross (played by Patrick J. Adams) is a genius who failed out of law school because of, you know, minor issues like “not being allowed to attend law school because he’s not actually enrolled.” But Mike’s got a photographic memory, a knack for solving problems, and the moral compass of a highly-functioning criminal mastermind. When he inadvertently impresses Harvey Specter (played by Gabriel Macht)—one of the smoothest, most ridiculously stylish lawyers in Manhattan—Harvey hires him as an associate at Pearson Hardman (yes, that’s the name of the firm), despite the fact that, uh, Mike doesn't actually have a law degree. Minor detail.

So, while you may think that’s the kind of stuff that only happens in a bad rom-com, in Suits, it's just your average Tuesday. And somehow, watching Mike and Harvey outwit their way through impossible situations (while wearing impeccable suits, naturally) becomes so addictive, you'll find yourself telling everyone you know, “Honestly, this is probably the closest I’ll ever get to being a lawyer. And I’m okay with it.”

Harvey Specter: The Human Version of "I’m Too Cool for You"

Let’s talk about Harvey. Suits has this absolute powerhouse of a character who is so effortlessly suave that he makes James Bond look like an awkward teenager at prom. Harvey’s swagger could cause a blackout in the entire city. He’s a walking, talking, coffee-sipping, perfectly-tailored suit-wearing advertisement for how to be a lawyer and still look unbelievably attractive while doing it. But don’t let that fool you. Underneath that whole “I’m rich, powerful, and totally untouchable” persona, Harvey has the emotional depth of a puddle in a rainstorm. And that’s honestly what makes him such a great character to watch.

The thing is, Harvey Specter is like that one friend who’s always telling you how successful they are, but you don’t mind because they’re just so damn charming while doing it. He’s that guy who probably knows exactly what you’re thinking just by looking at you, and somehow, he always says the perfect thing at the perfect time. Basically, Harvey is the type of person who could talk you into buying a broken-down car and make you feel grateful for it.

But don’t get it twisted. Harvey’s not just a pretty face in a fancy suit. This man can run a courtroom faster than you can say, “Objection, Your Honor.” He’s always a few steps ahead, manipulating situations like a legal chess player with the charm of a used car salesman. His relationship with Mike is honestly the highlight of the series, and you can’t help but root for them even though every episode feels like they’re one bad decision away from having the whole thing implode.

Mike Ross: The Caffeine-Fueled Law Genius Who’s Just Too Nice

Now, Mike Ross is what I like to call the “cute puppy” of the show. He’s a genius, a bit of a messed-up sweetheart, and probably the only person who, despite being wildly unqualified, manages to somehow pass the bar through sheer willpower and charm. Let’s be real: Mike’s whole thing is that he’s like your buddy who brings the positive vibes and also knows way too much about anything and everything. He’s the guy who would totally get a “World’s Best Lawyer” mug just because it’s cute, not because it’s accurate. (Spoiler: It’s accurate.)

But here’s the thing: Mike isn’t just the adorable underdog we all root for; he’s also the reason I’m pretty sure every one of us at some point screamed at the TV, “Dude, just tell the truth!” Mike’s constant juggling act of keeping his biggest secret ever (you know, the whole no law degree thing) while doing his job at one of the top law firms in New York is like watching a high-speed car crash you really want to happen, but don’t. You’ll be cringing through most of his scenes with anxiety while simultaneously loving how endearing and downright relatable Mike is.

And while his legal skills are impressive (thanks to that freakish memory of his), Mike’s moral compass is probably one of the more grounded things in this whole series. Mike is a genuinely good person, and while Harvey’s been around long enough to be as jaded as a vintage wine bottle, Mike still believes in the whole “doing the right thing” thing. Aww.

The Supporting Cast: A Symphony of Dysfunctional Lawyers

If you think that Harvey and Mike’s shenanigans are the only reason to watch Suits, then you’re wrong. The supporting cast in this show deserves their own standing ovation, especially because they provide some of the most deliciously petty, borderline ridiculous drama in the world of corporate law.

First, there’s Donna (Sarah Rafferty), Harvey’s confidante, secretary, and occasional enabler. She’s the one who knows everything and, naturally, has the most impeccable style in the show (don’t even get me started on how many times I’ve wanted her wardrobe). Donna is, at times, Harvey’s conscience and his emotional anchor—basically, the only person who can ever really call him out and still have his back in the end. If I could be half as cool and collected as Donna while dealing with Harvey of all people, I’d be living the dream.

Then, we’ve got Louis Litt (Rick Hoffman), the lovable, insecure, and occasionally ridiculous head of the litigation department. Louis is the guy who has a huge ego, but also the most adorable self-loathing moments that make you want to both slap him and hug him at the same time. Honestly, Louis could be the most annoying character on paper, but Rick Hoffman’s portrayal is so perfectly nuanced that you actually care about Louis way more than you probably should. He’s also the source of some of the best “WTF” moments in the show, so buckle up.

The Drama: Legal Shenanigans and Moral Dilemmas

Now, let’s talk about the actual drama. Suits is a legal drama, yes, but honestly, it feels like it’s about 75% witty banter, 15% actual law, and 10% people trying to figure out how not to ruin each other’s lives while simultaneously making waytoo many bad choices. There are power struggles, moral dilemmas, boardroom showdowns, and, of course, a handful of highly awkward romantic entanglements that will make you cringe and giggle simultaneously. It’s corporate law, with an extra side of messy.

Each episode brings a new challenge, a new lawsuit, and a new way for Mike to prove that he's somehow more talented than most of the licensed lawyers in the firm (I mean, it’s probably because he can recite entire law books from memory, but still). And the fun part? No one at Pearson Hardman ever does anything halfway. Every case is a full-throttle, take-no-prisoners kind of affair, and by the end of the episode, you’ll feel like you’ve just watched a fast-paced legal thriller that definitely didn’t need to be that dramatic, but you loved it anyway.

Final Thoughts: Is Suits Worth the Binge?

At the end of the day, Suits is like your favorite comfort food: a little cheesy, a little predictable, but ultimately satisfying. The characters are lovable (even when they’re not supposed to be), the drama is ridiculous (in the best way), and the suits... well, the suits alone are worth the watch. Suits may not be the deepest or most groundbreaking show in the world, but it’s one of the most enjoyable legal dramas out there. It’s like a guilty pleasure you can’t help but devour, even if you’re aware that it’s not exactly legal practice 101.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8 out of 10 stars)

It’s a fun ride that I absolutely recommend. Just don’t expect any actual legal advice—unless you want to end up in the courtroom with Harvey Specter as your attorney. In that case... good luck. You’ll need it. Cheers! 🍸