USA Network and Universal Cable Productions (UCP) today announced that the Season 7 finale of Suits, airing in the first quarter of 2018, will serve as a potential spinoff that would center around powerhouse lawyer Jessica Pearson (Gina Torres). The pilot will be executive produced and written by Suits creator and executive producer Aaron Korsh and executive producer Daniel Arkin, and will be directed by Suits alum Anton Cropper (House of Lies, Blackish). Doug Liman, David Bartis and Gene Klein of Hypnotic Suits will also serve as executive producers.
The pivotal Season 7 finale will reunite Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), Louis Litt (Rick Hoffman), Donna Paulsen (Sarah Rafferty) and Rachel Zane (Meghan Markle) with their old friend Pearson as she adjusts to her new life in the Windy City. When she is forced to enter the dirty world of Chicago politics, Pearson must rely on her legal wits and valiant relationships from Pearson Specter Litt to navigate this unknown territory. Here's what Chris McCumber, President, Entertainment Networks, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, had to say in a statement.
"The powerhouse character of Jessica Pearson, expertly brought to life by the incomparable Gina Torres, has won the hearts of television fans everywhere. USA Network is beyond thrilled to work with Gina, Aaron Korsh, the entire Suits producing team and our partners at UCP to explore the exciting next phase of Jessica's story."
Last season, Pearson left the firm in the hands of her two most trusted lawyers and fellow named partners, Harvey Specter and Louis Litt. She made a triumphant surprise return in the Season 6 finale to help Mike Ross become officially recognized as a lawyer. This season, Pearson returned to help guide Harvey as he navigates his new role as managing partner. Now that Mike Ross is officially recognized as a lawyer and has accepted Harvey's offer to return to the firm, Season 7 will see the team back together again at Pearson Specter Litt, each dealing with their own struggles as they adjust to a new world order without Jessica. The first half of Suits Season 7 currently airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on the USA Network. The series' 100th episode will debut during Season 7, on August 30. The winter premiere will air in early 2018, with Season 7 finale set to air in the first quarter of 2018. Here's what Jeff Wachtel, Chief Content Officer, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, and President, Universal Cable Productions, had to say in his statement.
"Gina Torres is a terrific actress and a valued member of our family. Gina and Aaron have created a truly memorable character in Jessica Pearson, and we felt we owed it to the audience, and ourselves, to follow her journey beyond the original show."
From Universal Cable Productions, Suits was created and is executive produced by Aaron Korsh (The Deep End). Doug Liman (Covert Affairs, The Bourne Trilogy, Mr. & Mrs. Smith), David Bartis (Covert Affairs, The O.C.) and Gene Klein (Covert Affairs) of Hypnotic serve as executive producers. Daniel Arkin (90210) and Rick Muirragui (Men of a Certain Age, The Good Guys) and Silver Tree (The Real O'Neals, Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce) also serve as executive producers.