Gina Torres Suits spinoff greenlit by USA Network
USA Network announced today that the Gina Torres-led Suits spinoff has been picked up. Centered on powerhouse lawyer Jessica Pearson (Torres) as she adjusts to the dirty world of Chicago politics, this new drama hails from Universal Cable Productions (UCP) and is executive produced and written by Suits creator and executive producer Aaron Korsh alongside executive producer and showrunner Daniel Arkin. Doug Liman, David Bartis, and Gene Klein of Hypnotic (Suits) and Torres will also serve as executive producers.
Chris McCumber, President of Entertainment Networks at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, stated that “Gina’s portrayal of Jessica Pearson as one of television’s strongest, most successful businesswomen has made a huge impact with fans. We can’t wait to explore this next chapter in the Suits legacy — and a brand new world for Jessica.”
Korsh also spoke about the spinoff saying: “It was an extraordinary pleasure working with Gina on Suits for six years. Beyond her undeniable talent, she is an incredible partner and collaborator, and I always hoped we would work together again. I am sincerely grateful to USA and UCP for giving Dan Arkin, my producing partners at Hypnotic and me the opportunity to continue Jessica Pearson’s journey in this new series that will encapsulate all that our fans love about her and Suits — but with its own distinct story that will be unique to the franchise.”
Mark Marshall, Executive Vice President of Entertainment Advertising Sales at NBCUniversal adds that the “Suits flagship series has struck a chord with our marketing partners throughout the years as a great platform for advertising and sponsorship opportunities. This new Gina Torres-led spinoff allows us to provide those same advertisers and audiences with the content we already know they love to watch, and we’re excited to bring them this new chapter in the show’s legacy.”
When Suits began more than seven years ago, Jessica Pearson was introduced as managing partner of one of New York City’s top corporate law firms. Through the years she remained a highly respected, formidable lawyer who helped lead her firm through the darkest times. Always putting her professional life first, Jessica left New York to follow her heart to Chicago in last year’s mid-season finale. She has made many triumphant returns to the Suits world since and will introduce her new journey in the Windy City during the Season 7 finale, airing Wednesday, April 25, where she will rely on her wits and relationships from Pearson Specter Litt to navigate this unknown territory.
This spinoff marks USA Network’s second commitment to Suits this year. Last month, the network renewed the flagship series for Season 8 and announced the addition of Katherine Heigl (Samantha Wheeler) to the ensemble cast which also includes Gabriel Macht (Harvey Specter), Sarah Rafferty (Donna Paulsen), Rick Hoffman (Louis Litt) and new series regular Dulé Hill (Alex Williams). This announcement also follows the recent news that series regulars Patrick Adams (Mike Ross) and Meghan Markle (Rachel Zane) are departing Suits after the seventh season.
The final eight episodes of the seventh season of Suits will begin airing on March 28.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
