Why Suits Season 9 Isn’t Bending the Knee on Netflix (Yet!)

The burning question on every Suits fan’s mind, especially since the show experienced a massive resurgence in popularity thanks to streaming: Why isn’t the final season, season 9, available on Netflix in many regions, including the US? The straightforward answer is that the streaming rights for Suits season 9 are currently held by Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service. This stems from the fact that Suits originally aired on USA Network, which is also owned by NBCUniversal.

Unpacking the Streaming Rights Landscape

The world of streaming rights is a complex beast, governed by contracts negotiated years in advance. When Suits was initially produced, the landscape was vastly different. Netflix hadn’t yet achieved its current dominance, and traditional networks were still heavily invested in owning and controlling distribution.

Pre-Streaming Era Deals

Think back to the late 2000s and early 2010s. Deals were often structured differently. Networks prioritized syndication, which involved selling the rights to air episodes on other channels (think basic cable) and potentially international territories. Streaming was a secondary consideration, if one at all. For Suits, this likely involved a layered approach, where NBCUniversal retained certain rights while licensing out others.

The Peacock Factor

With the rise of streaming services, media conglomerates like NBCUniversal saw an opportunity to reclaim control over their content. Peacock was launched specifically to house NBCUniversal’s vast library, including shows like Suits. Acquiring and retaining exclusive rights to the later seasons, particularly the final one, became a priority. This is why Peacock has exclusive streaming rights to season 9 in the US.

International Variations

It’s crucial to remember that streaming rights are negotiated on a country-by-country basis. While Peacock holds exclusivity in the US, Suits season 9 may be available on Netflix in certain international regions, depending on licensing agreements struck years ago. This is a critical factor contributing to confusion among viewers.

The Waiting Game: Will Season 9 Ever Arrive?

The big question is, of course, will Suits season 9 eventually land on Netflix in territories where it’s currently unavailable? The answer is likely yes, eventually, but the timeline is uncertain.

Contractual Obligations and Expiry

The key factor is the expiry date of the current agreement between NBCUniversal and other potential streaming platforms. These contracts often run for a set number of years. Once the agreement with Peacock (or other regional streaming services) expires, Netflix may have the opportunity to bid for the rights.

Strategic Decisions

NBCUniversal might also make a strategic decision to license season 9 to Netflix at some point, even before the exclusivity agreement expires. This could be driven by factors like:

• Maximizing revenue: Licensing to Netflix could generate additional income.
• Broadening reach: Netflix’s massive subscriber base could introduce Suits to a new audience.
• Promoting related content: The success of Suits on Netflix could drive viewers to Peacock to watch spin-offs or other NBCUniversal shows.

The Suits Universe Expands

The recent announcement of a new Suits spin-off, Suits: LA, further complicates the matter. NBCUniversal will likely want to keep as much of the Suits content as possible on its own platform to leverage the existing fanbase and promote the new series. This could potentially delay the arrival of season 9 on Netflix.

Patience is a Virtue (and a Streaming Strategy)

For now, if you want to watch Suits season 9 in the US, your best bet is subscribing to Peacock. The world of streaming rights is ever-evolving, so keep an eye out for updates. Suits has proven to be a resilient show with a dedicated fanbase, and its enduring popularity may eventually pave the way for season 9 to make its way to Netflix in more territories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Suits so popular again all of a sudden?

Suits experienced a resurgence in popularity due to its availability on streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock. Its easily bingeable format, compelling characters, and engaging storylines resonated with a new audience, leading to a significant increase in viewership. Word-of-mouth and social media further fueled its popularity.

2. Is there any way to watch Suits season 9 for free?

Legally, no. Streaming rights are tightly controlled. Unlicensed streaming sites are illegal and often carry malware. Your safest and most ethical option is to subscribe to Peacock, which currently holds the rights to season 9 in the US.

3. How long do streaming rights agreements typically last?

Streaming rights agreements can vary in length, typically ranging from 2 to 5 years. The specific duration depends on the negotiations between the content owner (e.g., NBCUniversal) and the streaming platform (e.g., Netflix).

4. Will Suits: LA be on Netflix?

It’s too early to say definitively. However, given that Suits: LA will be produced and distributed by NBCUniversal, it’s likely that the initial streaming rights will be held by Peacock. Netflix may have the opportunity to acquire the rights at a later date, depending on future negotiations.

5. Can I use a VPN to watch Suits season 9 on Netflix in another country?

While using a VPN might technically allow you to access Netflix libraries in other countries, this is often against Netflix’s terms of service and could result in account suspension. Moreover, VPNs are not always reliable and can compromise your internet security.

6. Is it worth subscribing to Peacock just to watch Suits season 9?

That depends on your personal viewing habits and budget. If you’re a die-hard Suits fan who wants to see the conclusion immediately, then subscribing to Peacock might be worthwhile. Peacock also offers a range of other content, including NBCUniversal shows, movies, and sports.

7. Are all seasons of Suits on Peacock?

Yes, all nine seasons of Suits are available on Peacock in the US. This is a key reason why Peacock currently holds the exclusive rights to stream season 9.

8. Why did Meghan Markle leave Suits?

Meghan Markle left Suits after season 7 to marry Prince Harry and become a member of the British Royal Family. Her role as Rachel Zane was written out of the show to accommodate her new life and responsibilities.

9. Are there any deleted scenes or bonus content available for Suits season 9?

Bonus content, including deleted scenes, is often available on physical media releases (DVDs and Blu-rays) or through digital retailers like iTunes or Amazon Prime Video. However, availability may vary depending on the region.

10. How does the success of Suits on streaming impact the creators and cast?

The resurgence of Suits has undoubtedly benefited the creators and cast. Increased viewership can lead to renewed interest in their work and potentially open up new opportunities. Syndication deals and streaming revenue also provide ongoing financial benefits.

11. Is there a chance Suits could be rebooted or revived?

While there are no current plans for a full reboot or revival of the original Suits series, the upcoming Suits: LA spin-off indicates that NBCUniversal is interested in expanding the Suits universe. This could potentially pave the way for future crossovers or related projects.

12. What are some other legal dramas similar to Suits that I might enjoy?

If you enjoyed Suits, you might also like shows like The Good Wife, Boston Legal, How to Get Away with Murder, Damages, and Billions. These shows offer compelling legal storylines, complex characters, and plenty of drama.