5 reasons why The Rainmaker could be the next Suits for USA Network

Six years after the conclusion of Suits, the USA Network finally seems to have found its perfect replacement in the form of The Rainmaker.

Based on John Grisham’s novel of the same name, the show revolves around a rookie lawyer who has to face off against his former boss in court after being fired on the first day of his job.

While NBC developed Suits LA to carry the legacy of Suits forward, the spin-off failed to make a mark and was canceled after only one season. After the release of its first episode, The Rainmaker looks promising and might fill the void left by Suits.

From a stellar cast to the USA Network’s return to its golden era, here are 5 reasons why we think this Milo Callaghan and John Slattery starrer series could be the next big legal drama on television after Suits.

Why The Rainmaker could become as successful as Suits

1. A classic tale with a modern twist

The original The Rainmaker novel and Francis Ford Coppola’s 1997 film adaptation gave audiences a story that revolved around corruption, ambition, and a young lawyer’s fight for justice. The television adaptation builds on that foundation but adds a modern twist to it.

The show has added some exciting new elements to an already interesting story, like conspiracies, a serial killer subplot, and dynamic characters. The series not only showcases courtroom cases but also delves into the personal struggles of lawyers, a narrative that was mastered in Suits.

2. USA Network’s golden era returns

USA Network is deliberately bringing back its old identity, the ‘Blue Sky’ brand. This era featured shows like Psych, White Collar, and, of course, Suits. These shows became popular due to their blend of humor, drama, and engaging characters.

The Rainmaker is now following the same formula. While the show deals with some serious cases, it does not try to be dark or overly realistic. Instead, there is a perfect balance of dramatic moments and vibrant scenes in the show, which could prove to be successful.

3. A cast that clicks

One of the main reasons why Suits became a pop culture phenomenon was its cast and characters. Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams’ chemistry and banter made Harvey Specter and Mike Ross one of the most iconic duos on television. The Rainmaker has also assembled a cast that works well together.

Milo Callaghan shines as Rudy Baylor, a young lawyer trying to find his place in the legal world. Meanwhile, John Slattery delivers a powerful performance as the ruthless Leo Drummond. Lana Parrilla as the ambulance chaser Jocelyn ‘Bruiser’ Stone and P. J. Byrne as the comic paralegal Deck have also made their place in the audience’s hearts.

4. Relatable themes

Suits got so famous because it was not just about the law; it was about the people practicing it: their ambitions, and the ethical dilemmas they faced. The Rainmaker portrays similar themes. Rudy is trying to stay true to his values while starting his career.

On the other hand, Sarah represents the privileged side of the legal profession, and her relationship with Rudy raises tension and emotional stakes in the show. The tough choice between right and wrong is represented beautifully in the series, which would resonate well with the viewers.

5. The perfect timing for a legal drama

The surprise surge of Suits’ viewership on Netflix proved that audiences still love smartly made legal shows. After Suits LA failed to live up to the expectations, the audience was in search of another legal drama that is sharp, relatable, and authentic at the same time.

With streaming platforms boosting old cable hits, USA Network has wisely stepped back into scripted drama at just the right moment. With nostalgia associated with John Grisham’s work, the show could grow over time and become a fan-favorite.