20 Shows Like Suits You Need To Watch

One of the best legal dramas of the decade, "Suits" aired its final season in 2019 after nine incredible seasons on the air. In the series Patrick J. Adams starred as Mike Ross, a brilliant but not-so-formally educated whiz kid who cons his way into a position at a prestigious New York law firm thanks to the use of his photographic recall. There alongside a famed lawyer, Harvey Specter — one of the firm's partners — the pair work as a team to close big cases while trying their best not to let anyone find out that their newest lawyer is secretly not a lawyer at all.

Lauded for it's mix of stylish drama and light-hearted charm, with Rotten Tomatoes calling it "sleek, sexy, and sophisticated," "Suits" gained attention for its compelling characters and the appealing interplay between them. But after its nine seasons, you may be looking to queue up something next, and need a helping hand. Well, we've got you covered. Whether it was a long running legal series or forgotten short-lived gem; whether a medical drama with a genius doctor or a courtroom classic centered on a brilliant attorney, we've found 20 shows like "Suits" that should satisfy fans of Mike and Harvey.

Actress Gina Torres returns to her role as dynamic lawyer and firm founder Jessica Pearson, in a spin-off of "Suits" that gave the franchise a decidedly more political spin. Following from her role departure from "Suits" after its sixth season, "Pearson" picks up with the former firm founder living in Chicago. Disbarred from practicing law, we find Pearson eventually joining the Chicago Mayor's office. But her innate sense of justice can't be easily pushed aside, and Pearson sets out on a new mission within the highest levels of government in the Windy City.

Now leading her own series, Jessica Pearson is a long way from the powerful seat she once held at a leading New York law firm, and must tackle problems from a very different position. Much of the struggle is the internal battle she fights to work her way up in a world steeped in dishonest dealings, with Pearson finding her ideals being challenged at every turn. As a series, "Pearson" largely ditches the lighter and more fun elements of its parent series and plays to its more dramatic elements. But as a continuation of one of its best characters, it's a must watch for fans of "Suits." 

If you're looking for a series like "Suits" that's still running (at least at the time of this publishing) with a new season in 2022, check out "Billions." The political and legal drama stars Damien Lewis ("Homeland"), Paul Giamatti ("12 Years A Slave"), Maggie Siff ("Mad Men"), and Corey Stoll ("Ant-Man") among its considerable ensemble cast. The Showtime original series follows Charles "Chuck" Rhoades (Giamatti), the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and his pursuit of powerful, big-money corporate criminals. From major money launderers to cunning corporate raiders who flout the law, Rhoades must take them all down, but he has his sights focused on one hedge fund kingpin in particular: Bobby Axelrod (Lewis), who quickly becomes the Al Capone to his Eliot Ness.

Going after all manner of insider traders and white collar crooks, Rhoades often has to play the game as shrewdly as his enemy. It all adds up to a series of suspenseful criminal manhunts that play out in offices and board rooms rather than back alleys and city streets. A hit with critics, The New Yorker called it "a pleasingly amoral caper series, a Wall Street fever dream, scored to ironic pop songs—more pulp than grit, with a streak of camp."

Starring screen legend Kathy Bates ("Misery") as Harriet "Harry" Korn, "Harry's Law" was a short-lived legal dramedy from David E. Kelley, creator of "Ally McBeal" and "The Practice." Debuting in 2011, the series ran for two years, and saw Korn, like "Suits" star Harvey Specter, as a more free-wheeling lawyer who does things differently. Never quite as intense as most other lawyer shows, "Harry's Law" was instead a quirky legal comedy that played up the ridiculousness and never took itself too seriously.

In the series, Bates was perfectly cast as the disagreeable Harry Korn, whose disillusionment with her profession made her the perfect lawyer sidekick for those down-on-their-luck cases in need of a staunch defense. The legal procedural also found clever ways to present controversial subjects with a new twist, with episodes involving cases of affirmative action, workplace discrimination, and sexual assault. It successfully did something tough to do in an overexposed genre by offering something interesting and fresh. Despite being a ratings hit, it ended after two seasons.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Another long-running legal drama with a whip smart lawyer in the lead, "The Good Wife" saw former "ER" star Julianna Margulies in the role of Alicia Florrick, a fierce litigator who returns from a sabbatical after a scandal. When her husband, former Illinois State's attorney, is sentenced to prison for corruption, Florrick goes back to work and must juggle dual roles as a powerful attorney and a single mother. Tackling tough legal cases and raising children alone, Florrick slowly builds her own career over the course of seven seasons.

"The Good Wife" saw Margulies defy the odds as a tough and seasoned professional woman succeeding when the deck was stacked against her. Rather than be intimidated by the ruthlessness of her profession, Florrick is hardened by it. Boasting a serialized story without losing its procedural elements, the series chronicled her journey from junior associate all the way to state's attorney. Lavished with stellar reviews, The New York Times has called the series "one of the best legal dramas of the modern era." It garnered its own spinoff in 2017 (but more on that later) and won five Prime Time Emmy Awards including one for Margulies who took home a trophy for Outstanding Lead Actress.

No, we're not talking about Marvel's big superhero TV crossover, nor the 1961 legal drama that took risks covering controversial cases, but the 2010 legal comedy "The Defenders." Though it's a fairly by-the-numbers law show, it's best watched for its spot-on performances from stars Jerry O'Connell ("Sliders") and Jim Belushi ("According to Jim"). Together, the pair play a team of smarmy lawyers out of Las Vegas who take on the wackiest of clients, and play the kinds of cringe-worthy law dogs you might find advertised on a small town park bench.

Though they represent the likes of strippers, gamblers, and drunk drivers, Pete (O'Connell) and Nick (Belushi) aren't lowlifes, as they share a deep passion for their work, and for helping those in need. But on top of their oddball cases, both are dealing with their own personal problems, like Nick's recent divorce. Though it's not the best or brightest on this list, it was well-reviewed, and worth a watch for the quick-witted chemistry between its two stars and its over-the-top Las Vegas setting. 

A suspense-filled legal thriller, "Damages" has one of the best casts on this list, with Hollywood screen icon Glenn Close in the starring role, joined by Rose Byrne ("X-Men: First Class") and a rotating cast of big names including Ted Danson ("The Good Place"), Timothy Olyphant ("Justified"), John Goodman ("Roseanne"), William Hurt ("Avengers: Infinity War") and Ryan Phillipe among many others. But in addition to its top notch main cast and its gritty style, it's the relationship between its pair of stars, seasoned lawyer Patty Hewes (Close) and rising star Ellen Parsons (Byrne) that is the driving force of the series, not unlike Specter and Ross on "Suits." 

Unlike most shows on this list, "Damages" is not a procedural, instead opting for season-long serialized stories typically revolving around a single case. It also delves much deeper into the two leads than most, as well as the mysterious characters that come in and out of their lives. A darker look at the legal profession, it will satisfy viewers of "Suits" drawn to its more serious elements, while its five seasons and nearly 60 episodes will give you plenty to chew on. Full of twists and turns and captivating stories that play up the crime drama elements of its premise, The Chicago Tribune called it "one of the smartest thrillers on TV."

Though not a legal drama, nor a series set anywhere close to a courtroom, "House" nevertheless stars a similarly brilliant and gifted professional who some think has no business practicing. A quirky, eccentric doctor, Dr. Gregory House isn't just a medical savant, capable of diagnosing even the most mysterious of ailments, he's also a deeply troubled man whose addictions and mental instability create problems for him personally and professionally. Ruthless in his application of medicine, House's ego often means he wants to fix problems not just to help his patients, but just to prove how good he really is.

A reckless, maverick doctor intent on doing things his way, Dr. House has little regard for proper procedure, but mixed with his heart of gold, he remains an easy protagonist to root for, flaws and all. But more than its medical cases, "House" is celebrated for its compelling lead and roster of supporting characters, making it so much more than a medical drama. Running for eight award-winning seasons, the series has been praised not just for its strong storytelling and impeccable performances, but also for its medical accuracy. 

"The Practice" is the second legal drama on this list from producer David E. Kelley, whose work prior had included a number of prime time series' like "Doogie Howser, M.D." and "Picket Fences," that featured a judge in its cast. But in "The Practice" he broke into the world of full-throated courtroom drama, with an ensemble cast that included Dylan McDermott, Camryn Manheim, Lara Flynn Boyle, and later in its run, big screen star James Spader. Airing its first episodes in 1997, "The Practice" was set within the walls of an upstart New York law firm, and dove into the complicated world of defense law, as the series' main cast struggled with the ethics of defending serious criminals. 

Eight seasons of high drama — mixed with just the right amount of levity in the same way as "Suits" — "The Practice" set itself apart from many of its peers with an offbeat cast of characters and unusual cases, while never taking its sometimes unusual stories lightly. Noted for its wild retooling late in the series, with much of the cast being replaced in its final season, it ultimately won an astonishing 15 Emmy Awards during its time on the air including one for Outstanding Drama Series in 1999 and a number of trophies given to its talented cast.

In the final season of "The Practice," James Spader and Rhona Mitra joined the cast, with "Star Trek" veteran William Shatner appearing in a guest role as renowned attorney Denny Crane. A year after the series' cancellation, the trio would be spun off into their own series, "Boston Legal." Across the show's five seasons, they would be joined by a number of all-star supporting cast members including Lake Bell ("What If...?"), Candice Bergen ("Murphy Brown"), Rene Auberjonois,("Star Trek: Deep Space Nine") and John Larroquette ("Night Court").

Fired from his former firm, amoral attorney Alan Shore (James Spader) joins the practice of Crane, Poole, & Schmidt. Never unwilling to bend the rules, Shore is the junior partner the firm trusts the least, but his budding friendship with Crane, and the performance of Spader and Shatner, make "Boston Legal" one of the best legal dramas on this list. Building off of "The Practice," this spin-off opts to fully embrace its more absurd elements and mix it with comedic gold, in a series that The Guardian called "the unsung hero of US television." If you like your courtroom drama lined with some bizarre laughs, this is the series for you.

A thrilling police procedural rather than a legal drama, "White Collar" instead compares to "Suits" through its similarities to the relationship between its pair of stars. In this case, Matt Bomer — in his career-making performance — plays Neal Caffrey, a slick career con man who agrees to inform on white collar criminals in exchange for leniency after he's caught by the FBI following a three-year manhunt. Tim McKay meanwhile plays do-gooding Special Agent Peter Burke — Caffrey's handler within the FBI — who despite the reformed criminal's worse nature, tries to convince his new partner to go straight.

Exposed to the other side for the first time, Caffrey begins to look back with regret on his darker deeds. But despite some remorse, he can't seem to shy away from the pull of criminal activity even as he helps the FBI catch their most wanted. "White Collar" proves to be full of more action than the legal dramas you'll run into on this list, an exciting police drama whose stories include nail-biting conclusions. Running for five seasons, its cast also includes Willie Garson, Alexandria Daddario, and Treat Williams. 

Another legal drama spin off, this one, however, was not a continuation of another courtroom series, but instead came out of the crime drama "Breaking Bad." In that series, comedian Bob Odenkirk had a recurring role as less-than-reputable lawyer Saul Goodman, who often helped Walter White evade the law in his vast criminal conspiracy. Here Odenkirk takes the lead and shines the spotlight on a lesser character. Thanks largely to his performance, "Better Call Saul" becomes the rare spin off that not only matches its parent series, but elevates it as well, delivering a show that stands as well on its own than as a supplement to the original.

While Goodman lacks the intelligence of "Suits" star Mike Ross, he has his shrewdness, mixed with his own brand of guts and gumption, as well as a complete lack of moral fiber. Scheduled to conclude in 2022 with its fifth and final season, the series has successfully mixed the gritty crime and noir elements of "Breaking Bad" with the legal drama of "Suits" to create something truly unique and special. Odenkirk shines as Goodman, who faces ups and downs in his career as he escapes a number of powerful enemies, from the long arm of the law, fellow devious lawyers, and criminal kingpins and their enforcers.

After "The Good Wife" ended its run in 2017, a spin off was quickly ordered, this time for emerging streaming service CBS All Access, now called Paramount+ (via The Hollywood Reporter). It was just the second original dramatic program ordered for the service following the debut of "Star Trek: Discovery" though it would ultimately air first. Starring returning favorite Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart and Cush Jumbo as Lucca Quinn, "The Good Fight" sees Lockhart and her colleague Maia Rindell pushed out of their firm and forced to turn to a prominent law office in Chicago alongside their former employee Quinn.

Another series with an impeccable cast, it also features Michael Sheen, Alan Alda, Wanda Sykes, and saw a number of notable stars walk through its doors. With a largely female cast set at a prominent law firm, the series was unafraid to confront serious and topical issues ripped from the headlines. Embracing the issues of the day — whether it was a pandemic or the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots — made the series different from its peers. Celebrated for its strong stories and high drama, it continues to meet the challenge of having something important to say on topics of sex, race, and discrimination, while telling the kinds of compelling legal stories fans of "Suits" are looking for. 

Like Peter J. Adams as Mike Ross on "Suits," John Hamm's Don Draper used his natural charisma and clever savvy to work his way into a powerful position despite a lack of actual qualifications. But instead of a lawyer at a major law firm, this time it's as the creative director — and eventually partner — in an up-and-coming New York advertising agency in the 1960s. The long-running series put its cast on the map, with star-making roles for Hamm, Elisabeth Moss ("A Handmaid's Tale"), Christina Hendricks ("Good Girls"), and Kiernan Shipka ("Chilling Adventures of Sabrina").

But as Draper used his charm to beguile executives and women alike, he also harbored a dark secret regarding his enigmatic past. Set against the political and social backdrop of the 1960s, "Mad Men" was an atypical drama with a cast of deeply flawed characters, and few honorable heroes. Seen as one of the best — if not the best — dramas of the 2010s, it ran for seven seasons on AMC. Its combination of sharp writing, incredible performances, and riveting stories helped it earn 16 Emmy's, including multiple wins for acting and writing, and four times taking home the award for Outstanding Drama. If you like slick characters like Mike Ross and want a series that will keep you engrossed from start to finish, "Mad Men" should be first up in your queue.

In "Numbers" — sometimes stylized as "Numb3rs" — we meet Charlie Eppes, a math whiz who helps his brother, intrepid FBI agent Don Eppes — solve the most complicated cases that elude the agency. Using a combination of wits and genius, Charlie is able to make connections that even the best investigators can't, and with Don they track down the world's most dangerous criminals. Charlie's intelligence often mirrors that of Mike Ross on "Suits" but lacks the confident swagger and self-confidence — instead, he's a socially-awkward misfit. His brother, however, picks up the slack as an able agent and bold risk taker, making "Numbers" a crime drama that splits the best parts of the Ross character into two.

A series that did well in the mid 2000s, the series offered a new spin on the classic 'genius detective' sub-genre. It was never too dark, but never too light-hearted either, with a tone that straddled the line and will appeal to "Suits" diehards. Though no classic, it's fondly remembered, airing five strong seasons before it closed its doors in 2010.

Another police procedural with elements of comedy and drama, "Psych" — like "Numbers" — was led by a consultant who assisted law enforcement in their toughest cases. Here though, James Roday Rodriguez plays Shawn Spencer, less a genius than a man with an unusual talent for memory recall, who helps the Santa Barbara Police Department close difficult investigations. Gifted with an eidetic memory just like "Suits" star Ross, Spencer is able to help solve cases under the guise of being a paranormal psychic and medium, and has built a business with his best friend Gus to do just that.

Of course, one thing that helped the series stand out from others of its ilk was its use of flashbacks to the childhood of James and Gus, with memories often paralleling the issues involved in their current case. Through extensive looks back we learn that James was mentored by his father, who pushed him to hone his incredible gifts. In addition to its two charismatic leads, a delightfully talented supporting cast includes Corbin Bernsen, Cybill Shepherd, Rachael Leigh Cook, Nestor Carbonell, and in an interesting footnote, Keith David replaced Ernie Hudson as Gus's father later in the series.

As "Suits" delves into the ins-and-outs of a prestigous law firm, so too does "The Newsroom" expose the inner workings of a cable TV newsroom. From producer Aaron Sorkin (creator of "The West Wing") came this captivating look behind the scenes, starring Jeff Daniels as news anchor Will McAvoy. The scrupulous but disgruntled TV news man, along with his staff — a mix of veterans and rookies — are caught up in the high stakes world of cable news, where corporate interests and political agendas collide with their desire to deliver honest journalism. Emily Mortimer, Sam Waterston, Dev Patel, and Olivia Munn also star.

Praised for its brilliant writing and crisp dialogue, it was another smart series for Sorkin. Though some criticized it for being a bit soap boxy and preachy, "The Newsroom" managed to dazzle those who appreciated it for its many charms, including its cynical view of the world. Television was — and is — awash in police and legal dramas, but "The Newsroom" offered something new, with a fresh set of characters that put the oft-ignored media landscape under a microscope. It ran for three seasons on HBO before its end in 2014, while earning Daniels an Emmy Award for his role as Will McAvoy.

Taking a dive back into legal dramas we have "Bull," about a failed lawyer who has turned to psychology, and runs an elite group of consultants who help legal teams select their juries. You won't find any big Hollywood names or screen legends among its cast, but you will find a fascinating look behind-the-scenes of New York's toughest courtrooms. Created by Dr. Phil McGraw (yes, that Dr. Phil), it's loosely inspired by his days at a trial consultant firm in the early 1990s.

Using psychology and science, along with the most cutting edge computer analysis, Dr. Jason Bull's job is to ensure his client selects the right men and women for a trial jury who will secure them the desired verdict. Quirky and fanciful, with a dash of good humor, "Bull" is a legal procedural with an unusual angle. It may not be the heaviest or most thought-provoking drama, but it's perfect for fans of "Suits" who want something a little breezier in between more intense fare.

In David E. Kelly's return to legal dramas, superstar Billy Bob Thornton took the role of Billy McBride, a noted lawyer who quit his firm years before after he helped acquit a murder suspect who went on to kill again. After years as an alcoholic recluse suffering from oppressive guilt while struggling to practice law, McBride resurfaces when he becomes entangled in a case involving his old law firm. Led by his former partner Donald Cooperman (William Hurt), his old practice is now a goliath in the industry, bigger and more powerful than ever.

A classic underdog story, McBride takes on his old partners and sets about looking for redemption. Airing for four solid seasons on Amazon, Thornton is the predictable standout, delivering an enthralling performance as the down-on-his-luck lawyer who reemerges taking on a case that he feels personally connected to. Well received even more by audiences than by critics, review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes' critical consensus called it "must-watch tv." We'd agree, and it's relatively short seasons make it an easily digestible, binge-worthy addition to your watchlist.

Like "Suits," the medical drama "The Good Doctor" features a wizard in his profession. This time Freddie Highmore ("Bates Motel") stars as doctor Shaun Murphy, gifted with photographic recall and an extraordinarily keen mind that make him a savant in his field. An American remake of a hit Korean drama of the same name. You might see similarities to "House" in the premise, and that's not entirely surprising, as after creator Daniel Dae Kim purchased the rights for an adaptation, he brought on "House" creator David Shore to helm the series (via Deadline).

A more heartfelt drama, "The Good Doctor" features a character troubled not just by the gifts that alienate him, but by the struggles he faces from the affects of his traumatic childhood. Shown through flashbacks of his youth, viewers discover more about his earlier years and just what makes him special. A medical drama with a focus on the human side of the equation, it was a ratings monster, and was given high marks for injecting the genre with some much-needed pathos and earnestness. Now on its fifth season, it's still a hit and has shown no sign of slowing down.

The perfect example of a short-lived unheralded gem, "Doubt" stars Katherine Heigl ("Grey's Anatomy") as brilliant defense attorney, Sadie Ellis, working at a prestigious New York law firm where her father is partner. Assigned to defend a renowned surgeon for the decades-old murder of his ex-girlfriend, Sadie's work is complicated when she begins to develop feelings for her client. Though the case looks grim, Sadie struggles to separate her emotions from her work.

The details of the case take a backseat to the personal drama, and not just Sadie's. Everybody has their own personal issues that are explored, including Sadie's father, whose own paramour is behind bars. But the breakthrough performance, however, came from co-star Laverne Cox, playing a trans colleague who strikes up her own complicated relationship with a former classmate who is now the district attorney. Though it garnered only mixed reviews, audiences gave it higher marks as a stylish, inventive drama, even if it wasn't anything truly groundbreaking.