Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast – Episode Summary: "Suits at ATX"

Release Date: December 24, 2024

Introduction

In this special holiday episode of Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast, hosts Patrick J. Adams and Sarah Rafferty take a festive detour from their typical episode recaps and behind-the-scenes insights. Instead, they present exclusive audio from their participation in the Austin Television Festival (ATX) held in the summer of 2024. This episode serves as a heartfelt Christmas gift to their listeners, celebrating the enduring legacy of the hit TV show “Suits.”

Panel Release from Austin Television Festival

At the heart of this episode is the release of the panel discussion recorded at ATX, a premier television festival in Austin renowned for celebrating outstanding TV content and fostering connections between fans and creators.

• Patrick J. Adams [02:52]: "This week we are releasing the audio from the panel we did at the Austin Television Festival this past summer."

• Dulay Hill [03:33]: "ATX Listener is an incredible television festival run out of Austin. It means a lot to Suits because we were invited early on, thanks to you."

Panel Highlights and Guest Speakers

The panel featured a dynamic group of Suits cast members, including Dulay Hill (Alex Williams), Amanda Schull (Katrina Bennett), Abigail Spencer (Rachel Zane), Gina Torres (Jessica Pearson), and Jeff Wachtel (a recurring character). Also present was Aaron Korsh, the creator of Suits, and Bonnie Zane, the show's casting director.

• Abigail Spencer [13:16]: "We’re going to talk to our superstars. First up, we have Patrick J. Adams, Sarah Rafferty, Dulay Hill, Amanda Schull, Abigail Spencer, and Jeff Wachtel."

Casting Stories and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

The panel delved into memorable anecdotes from the casting process, shedding light on how key characters were brought to life.

• Jeff Wachtel [22:34]: "I was only supposed to be in one episode, and then they just couldn't get rid of me."

• Gina Torres [24:32]: "I went in originally for the role of Rachel Zane... Bonnie called me back and said, 'She can do better.' I didn't get the job initially, but eventually, I was cast as Katrina Bennett."

Dulay Hill shared heartfelt stories about rejoining the show after leaving to focus on family, highlighting the supportive environment fostered by the cast and crew.

• Dulay Hill [46:00]: "Leaving the show was a really hard decision... To be invited back and to be there when it ended was such a full-circle moment."

Character Development and Chemistry

The discussion touched upon the organic chemistry among cast members and how it translated into their on-screen relationships.

• Sarah Rafferty [28:12]: "Donna was not supposed to be in that scene... We had a quick sidebar. Woo hoo."

• Dulay Hill [28:47]: "We had chemistry from day one. We were cast into this together, and it just worked naturally."

Memorable Moments and Fan Interactions

Panelists reminisced about standout scenes and the impact of fan support throughout the show's run.

• Dulay Hill [40:35]: "I think the resurgence is mostly due to its quality and the fact that it's a show about people."

Anecdotes shared included humorous on-set moments, such as Amanda Schull's experience with the infamous "mudding" scene.

• Amanda Schull [42:17]: "I had to be in a mudding scene with Louis Litt. It was a long, dehydrating process, but thankfully, it was just one time."

Audience Q&A and Engagement

The panel engaged in a lively Q&A session, addressing fan theories, favorite moments, and potential future projects related to Suits.

• Sarah Rafferty [54:12]: "Who do you think is Donna's famous ex?"

• Dulay Hill [54:37]: "She was thinking of Idris Elba as one of Donna's many never-seen boyfriends."

Impact and Legacy

Reflecting on the show's legacy, the panelists emphasized the importance of strong female characters and the show's enduring appeal.

• Sarah Rafferty [61:03]: "Women leaned into their femininity as their superpower. It was their world."

• Gina Torres [61:39]: "These female characters were all created by men, but they stand up as examples of what women should be in a law firm or the business world."

Conclusion and Thank-Yous

The episode concluded with heartfelt thank-yous to the fans and organizers of ATX, emphasizing the profound impact Suits has had on both the cast and its audience.

• Dulay Hill [65:39]: "Your faith and love and excitement about this show does not go unheard. It's changed our whole lives."

• Abigail Spencer [65:12]: "Thank you so much for the love for this show and for keeping it alive."

Notable Quotes

• Patrick J. Adams [02:52]: "This week we are releasing the audio from the panel we did at the Austin Television Festival this past summer."

• Dulay Hill [04:17]: "Are you on Do Not Disturb? Did you not…"

• Sarah Rafferty [05:46]: "Do I sound? Are we good?"

• Jeff Wachtel [30:43]: "The cast on this show cared about everything, and that was why it was such a joy to come and play and to join along and to support."

• Gina Torres [61:39]: "These female characters were all created by men, but they stand up as examples of what women should be in a law firm or the business world."

Final Thoughts

"Suits at ATX" offers fans an intimate glimpse into the camaraderie and dedication behind Suits. Through personal stories, laughter, and reflections, Patrick and Sarah celebrate the show's enduring legacy and express gratitude for the unwavering support of their fanbase. Whether you're a long-time enthusiast or new to the world of Suits, this episode encapsulates the magic that has made the series a beloved phenomenon.