Why is Season 9 of “Suits” Missing From Netflix?

Season 9 of “Suits” isn’t on Netflix in many regions because the licensing agreement between NBCUniversal (the owners of “Suits”) and Netflix for previous seasons expired before NBCUniversal decided to keep the final season exclusively on its own streaming service, Peacock. This strategy is a common tactic used to boost subscriptions to their platform and retain their exclusive content.

The Streaming Landscape: A Battle for Content Supremacy

In the ever-evolving streaming wars, content is king, and exclusive content is the emperor. Gone are the days when Netflix could simply license everything it wanted. Media giants like NBCUniversal, Disney, and Warner Bros. are pulling back their properties to bolster their own platforms, creating fragmented viewing experiences for consumers.

Understanding Licensing Agreements

The core of the issue lies in licensing agreements. These agreements are contracts that dictate which platform has the right to stream a particular show for a specific period. The terms of these agreements can be incredibly complex, factoring in things like geographical restrictions, the number of seasons included, and the duration of the license.

When a licensing agreement expires, the rights to the show revert back to the original content owner. In the case of “Suits,” NBCUniversal decided not to renew its agreement with Netflix for the final season, choosing instead to leverage the popularity of the show to drive subscriptions to Peacock.

The Rise of Peacock

Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, launched in 2020, just a year after “Suits” concluded its run. The timing was strategic. By withholding the final season from other platforms, NBCUniversal created a compelling reason for “Suits” fans to subscribe to Peacock. This tactic has proven successful for other streaming services as well, with platforms like Disney+ hoarding their Marvel and Star Wars content.

Geographical Restrictions

Even when “Suits” seasons 1-8 are available on Netflix, their availability is often subject to geographical restrictions. This is due to separate licensing agreements for different regions. What might be available on Netflix in the UK, for example, may not be available in the US, and vice versa. These complexities can make it frustrating for viewers who are trying to keep up with their favorite shows.

Why the Netflix Surge Then?

You might be thinking, “But ‘Suits’ was a massive hit on Netflix in 2023!” And you’d be right. The show experienced a resurgence in popularity after its previous seasons became available on both Netflix and Peacock. This renewed interest, however, only amplified the demand for season 9. But, because of NBCUniversal’s strategy, this fueled more subscriptions to Peacock.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “Suits” and Streaming

Here are some common questions viewers have about the availability of “Suits” and where they can watch the show:

1. Where can I watch all seasons of “Suits”?

The most reliable place to watch all nine seasons of “Suits” is on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service.

2. Is “Suits” on Amazon Prime Video?

While individual episodes or seasons might be available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, the complete series, including season 9, is typically not available for streaming as part of a Prime Video subscription.

3. Will season 9 of “Suits” ever come to Netflix?

It is unlikely that season 9 will be added to Netflix in the near future. NBCUniversal is likely to hold onto the exclusivity to drive Peacock subscriptions. However, licensing agreements can change, so it’s not entirely impossible, but not very probable.

4. Why did “Suits” become so popular on Netflix years after it ended?

Several factors contributed to the show’s resurgence. Word-of-mouth marketing played a significant role, with viewers recommending the show to friends and family. Additionally, Netflix’s vast reach exposed the show to a new audience who may not have watched it during its original run on USA Network. The escapism and aspirational elements of the show, combined with its strong characters and compelling storylines, resonated with viewers looking for a lighthearted drama.

5. Is there a way to watch season 9 of “Suits” for free?

Legally, there are very limited options to watch season 9 for free. Peacock has offered free trials in the past, but these are not always available. Be wary of unofficial streaming sites, as they are often illegal and can expose you to malware and other security risks.

6. Are there any “Suits” spin-offs or related shows available on Netflix?

“Pearson,” a spin-off series centered on Jessica Pearson (Gina Torres), was available on some streaming platforms at one point but its availability changes by country and service. It’s always best to check current listings.

7. How long do licensing agreements typically last?

The duration of licensing agreements can vary significantly, ranging from a few months to several years. The specific terms are negotiated between the content owner and the streaming platform and depend on a variety of factors, including the popularity of the show, the number of seasons included, and the geographical region.

8. Can I use a VPN to watch “Suits” on Netflix in another country?

While using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) might technically allow you to access Netflix content from another country, it’s important to note that this may violate Netflix’s terms of service. Additionally, Netflix actively works to block VPN usage, so the effectiveness of this method can be unreliable.

9. Why do streaming services remove shows and movies?

Streaming services remove content primarily due to expiring licensing agreements. When the rights to stream a particular show or movie revert back to the content owner, the streaming service must remove it from its library unless a new agreement is negotiated. This is also related to cost-cutting measures.

10. How can I stay updated on when “Suits” might be available on different streaming platforms?

The best way to stay informed is to follow official announcements from Netflix, Peacock, and NBCUniversal. You can also check websites that track streaming availability and news, and follow “Suits” fan communities online.

11. Did the actors from “Suits” know season 9 would be exclusive to Peacock?

While it’s impossible to know the exact details of internal communication, it’s likely that the actors were aware of NBCUniversal’s plans for the final season. Major television decisions almost always have to be signed-off on by the series stars and agents.

12. Is “Suits” worth subscribing to Peacock just to watch Season 9?

That’s a subjective question that depends on your viewing habits and how much you value access to the final season. If you’re a die-hard “Suits” fan who wants to see how the story concludes, then subscribing to Peacock might be worthwhile. However, if you’re a casual viewer, you might want to consider other streaming options or wait to see if the season becomes available elsewhere in the future. Remember that Peacock also offers other shows and movies, so you’ll need to consider whether the overall content library justifies the subscription cost.