In 2023, a surprising hit show has shattered the previous streaming record held by The Office. Adapted from its British counterpart, the American version of The Office gained immense popularity during its original run from 2005 to 2013. Since then, the show has continued to captivate audiences through various streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu.
According to data from Nielsen, this year's streaming champion is none other than Suits. Originally airing on the USA Network, Suits followed the lives of a group of lawyers and enjoyed a successful nine-season run from 2011 to 2019. However, it wasn't until Suits made its way onto Netflix in June 2023 that it truly made waves.
Despite having concluded years ago, Suits attracted unprecedented viewership on Netflix, securing its spot at the top of Nielsen's top 10 overall charts for an impressive 12 consecutive weeks. Week after week, Suits garnered a staggering 3 billion streaming minutes per week, a feat never before achieved. It became the first show to accumulate such remarkable momentum and surpassed The Office's previous record with a total of 57.7 billion streaming minutes in 2023.
What's truly impressive about Suits' achievement is its ability to generate such immense viewership years after its original release. This unexpected resurgence on Netflix speaks volumes about the show's timeless appeal and the power of streaming platforms to reintroduce older series to new audiences.
The immense success of Suits on Netflix has prompted the streaming giant to expand its library of USA Network content. Following the show's triumph, Netflix has added another hit USA Network series, Royal Pains, to its collection. This move further solidifies the impact of Suits' Netflix renaissance and hints at the potential acquisition of more USA Network shows in the future.
Suits follows the story of Mike Ross (played by Patrick J. Adams), a brilliant young man with a photographic memory who, despite never attending law school, manages to forge a successful career as a lawyer. The show also features an ensemble cast, including Gabriel Macht, Meghan Markle, Sarah Rafferty, and Rick Hoffman, who captivated audiences throughout its nine-season run.
With its remarkable streaming milestone, Suits has proven that it continues to resonate with viewers and make its mark in the world of digital entertainment. Its unexpected triumph serves as a testament to the enduring popularity of well-crafted shows and the significant influence of streaming platforms in redefining the success of previous series.
As fans eagerly await the spinoff announced in the wake of Suits' triumph, it's evident that the power of streaming has breathed new life into beloved shows, giving them a chance to shine once again and capture the hearts of a whole new generation of viewers.