Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast
Episode: Tailoring "Suits" with Creator Aaron Korsh
Release Date: October 8, 2024

Introduction

In this special episode of Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast, hosts Patrick J. Adams and Sarah Rafferty delve deep into the creation and early days of the hit TV show Suits by engaging in an insightful conversation with the show's creator and showrunner, Aaron Korsh. This episode offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the inception of Suits, the casting process, character development, and the dynamics between the cast and creator.

Hosts' Backstories Before "Suits"

Sarah Rafferty [02:24]: Sarah shares her journey leading up to Suits, highlighting her persistence in the acting industry despite numerous pilot rejections. She recounts how a pivotal moment during a movie premiere led to her auditioning for the role of Donna Paulson, emphasizing the importance of seizing unexpected opportunities.

Quote:
"Whenever things don't go your way, just get grateful because there's meaning there." — Sarah Rafferty [03:48]

Patrick J. Adams [09:58]: Patrick reflects on his early career struggles, including failed auditions and personal setbacks. He describes the vulnerability and self-doubt that often accompany the acting profession, setting the stage for his eventual breakthrough with Suits.

Meeting Aaron Korsh

The conversation takes a personal turn when Sarah and Patrick discuss their longstanding friendship with Aaron Korsh, tracing back to their meeting in 1993 at the Williamstown Theater Festival. They reminisce about early collaborations and the foundation of their enduring professional relationships.

Quote:
"When you need to get off, it's also fine. He's like, yeah, yeah, go. Oh, I know. We'll do this together." — Sarah Rafferty on Aaron Korsh [16:27]

Audition Stories and Casting Challenges

Sarah Rafferty [03:25]: Sarah describes the complicated audition process for Suits, including the initial reluctance to audition and the logistical challenges that prevented her from being seen in Los Angeles. Gabriel Macht's encouragement led her to create a self-taped audition, a novel approach at the time.

Quote:
"I was just like, meh, you know, whatever. I didn't take it that seriously." — Sarah Rafferty [05:26]

Patrick J. Adams [14:33]: Patrick shares his own audition experience, detailing his initial discomfort with comedy and the transformative impact that the character Mike Ross had on him. He highlights the authenticity and relatability he brought to the role, which resonated deeply with both the cast and audience.

Quote:
"Nobody's gonna work harder than me." — Patrick J. Adams as Mike Ross [14:33]

Behind the Pilot: Creative Decisions and Script Development

Patrick J. Adams [31:43]: Patrick discusses the transformation of the show's premise from Wall Street-focused to a legal procedural, detailing how network demands influenced the creative direction. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining character-driven narratives over case-heavy plots.

Quote:
"It's not about the cases. It's about the character drama." — Patrick J. Adams [32:50]

Aaron Korsh [34:42]: Aaron provides insights into script alterations, including title changes and scene modifications. He explains how external feedback and creative collaboration shaped the pilot, ensuring it aligned with the envisioned tone and character dynamics.

Character Development and On-Set Dynamics

Patrick J. Adams [38:38]: The hosts delve into specific scenes from the pilot, analyzing the introduction of key characters like Jessica Pearson. They discuss the visual storytelling techniques employed by director Kevin Bray, such as silhouette shots that convey power dynamics and character relationships.

Quote:
"There's nobody who can play Harvey Specter like Gabriel does." — Sarah Rafferty [53:46]

Sarah Rafferty [43:04]: Sarah highlights the casting of Gina Torres as Jessica Pearson, noting the intentional choice to portray a powerful female character. She shares anecdotes about initial on-set interactions and the seamless embodiment of Jessica's authoritative presence.

Challenges and Adaptations During Production

Patrick J. Adams [55:21]: Patrick recounts the editorial changes made to the pilot, including scene reordering and the addition of new lines. He expresses his contentment with the final product, despite minor discrepancies between different cuts of the episode.

Quote:
"I didn't have any thought of that stuff. I was like, I like the way they perform these five scenes. If it makes my heart sing, I'm drawn to it." — Patrick J. Adams [45:19]

Aaron Korsh [58:07]: Aaron addresses the aging aspects of the pilot, discussing how certain elements might resonate differently with contemporary audiences. He reflects on the show's ability to maintain relevance through character depth and ethical complexities.

Support and Future Collaborations

Towards the end of the episode, Aaron Korsh expresses his ongoing support for the podcast, hinting at future conversations and deeper explorations of Suits. Patrick and Sarah reciprocate the gratitude, acknowledging how the podcast serves as a valuable touchstone for both the cast and fans.

Quote:
"This show is straight from his heart and his life and his experience. It creates a friendship that you rarely see or experience anywhere else." — Aaron Korsh [17:05]

Conclusion

This episode of Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast serves as a comprehensive exploration of the origins and early development of Suits, enriched by personal anecdotes and expert insights from Aaron Korsh. Listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the creative processes, casting intricacies, and the enduring relationships that fueled the show's success.

Notable Quotes

1. Sarah Rafferty [03:48]:
   "Whenever things don't go your way, just get grateful because there's meaning there."

2. Patrick J. Adams [14:33]:
   "Nobody's gonna work harder than me."

3. Sarah Rafferty [16:27]:
   "It's like there's just a long, lifelong conversation, and sometimes you're on the phone together and then you're off the phone, and then when you're back on the phone again, it's just five or six hours."

4. Patrick J. Adams [32:50]:
   "It's not about the cases. It's about the character drama."

5. Sarah Rafferty [53:46]:
   "There's nobody who can play Harvey Specter like Gabriel does."

6. Patrick J. Adams [45:19]:
   "If it makes my heart sing, I'm drawn to it."

7. Aaron Korsh [58:07]:
   "We have such a friendship that you rarely see or experience anywhere else."

Key Insights

• Persistence Pays Off: Both hosts emphasize the importance of perseverance in the entertainment industry, sharing their own journeys of overcoming numerous rejections to land iconic roles.

• Authentic Character Portrayal: Patrick's genuine portrayal of Mike Ross underscores the value of authenticity in acting, which contributed significantly to the show's relatability and success.

• Collaborative Creativity: The episode highlights the collaborative efforts between Aaron Korsh, the directors, and actors in shaping Suits, showcasing how creative decisions are made to balance character development with engaging storytelling.

• Behind-the-Scenes Challenges: Listeners gain an appreciation for the logistical and creative challenges faced during the pilot's production, including script alterations, casting dilemmas, and scene executions.

• Enduring Relationships: The strong bond between the cast and Aaron Korsh is evident, reflecting how personal and professional relationships can enhance the creative process and the overall quality of a television series.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast episode, providing a detailed overview for both longtime fans and newcomers interested in the inner workings of Suits.