‘Suits’ Is a Surprise Hit on Netflix , But Its Writers Slam Netflix for ‘Peanuts’ Residual Checks

“Suits” has recently achieved significant success on streaming platforms, but the show’s writers assert that this triumph has not translated into increased compensation. This situation came to light when Ethan Drogin, a writer and producer on “Suits,” authored a comprehensive piece for the Los Angeles Times.

In this article, Drogin disclosed the surprisingly low amount he received in residuals for his work on Episode 8 from Season 1 of “Suits”: a mere $259.71. Although the legal drama premiered over ten years ago, its recent resurgence in popularity on Netflix, with a massive number of subscribers engaging in binge-watching, breathed new life into it.

A Nielsen report highlighted that within a single week, viewers consumed a staggering 3.7 billion minutes of “Suits,” making it the most-watched acquired title on the streaming platform.

For Netflix, this resurgence is highly beneficial as it retains subscribers and keeps them engaged with the platform. This is especially noteworthy when considering that “Suits” aired 134 episodes over its nine-season run.

However, as Drogin points out, the individuals who contributed to the show’s creation, establishing the foundation that enabled its enduring success, are receiving virtually no significant financial compensation for their contributions to a show that has once again become a massive hit.