Suits Breaks Records with 26.5 Billion Minutes Watched, Boosted by Meghan Markle’s Role
In a remarkable feat, the popular legal drama series Suits has shattered records with an astonishing 26.5 billion minutes of viewing in just eight weeks since its return to Netflix earlier this summer. This achievement can be largely credited to the role played by Meghan Markle, known for her portrayal of attorney Rachel Zane in the show.
Although Stranger Things still holds the ultimate record for the highest viewing total within an eight-week span, accumulating a staggering 35.5 billion minutes in 2022 for its fourth season, Suits is unique in its streak of consistently surpassing 3 billion minutes viewed week after week. No other program has managed to achieve this since Nielsen streaming records were initiated three years ago.
Originally airing on USA Network from 2011 to 2019 and later on Dave in the UK, Suits revolves around the captivating story of Mike, a brilliant attorney played by Patrick J Adams, who secures a prestigious job at a renowned New York law firm despite never attending law school. Meghan Markle’s character, Rachel Zane, also a lawyer, becomes romantically involved with Mike, further adding to the show’s intrigue.
Markle captivated audiences through her portrayal of Rachel in the series for seven seasons before bidding farewell in 2018 to embark on her royal journey upon marrying Prince Harry. Her affiliation with the British royal family undoubtedly played a significant role in the renewed success of Suits.
In an insightful interview with the LA Times, Aaron Korsch, the creator of Suits, acknowledged the impact of Markle’s royal connection on the show’s popularity. He even shared an amusing anecdote involving a line that the royal family requested to be changed.
The dialogue modification stemmed from a reference to the word poppycock, which Korsch’s wife’s family often used to address sensitive topics. Korsch had originally planned for Rachel to say, My family would say poppycock in one episode, as a subtle nod to his in-laws. However, the royal family expressed their reservations about the term. Speculating the reasons behind their objection, Korsch surmised that the word cock might be misconstrued when edited in certain contexts. Consequently, the line was altered to bulls***, much to Korsch’s disappointment, as he had informed his family about the initial choice. He vaguely recalled a few additional adjustments but couldn’t recall specific details.
Although Korsch was unaware of the exact process through which the royal family received the scripts for Suits, he confirmed receiving feedback from them. However, he couldn’t recall the precise channels involved.
With its gripping storyline and the star power of Meghan Markle, Suits continues to captivate viewers around the world. The show’s remarkable viewership figures are a testament to its enduring appeal and the talent of its cast and crew. As fans eagerly anticipate future developments, Suits remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of television.
