USA is looking to add more “Suits” to its repertoire.
The drama series’ Season 7 finale will serve as a backdoor pilot for a potential spinoff starring Gina Torres, USA Network and Universal Cable Productions announced Wednesday. Torres has been a series regular on “Suits” since its launch in June 2011.
The pilot, centering on lawyer Jessica Pearson (Torres), will be written and executive produced by “Suits” creator Aaron Korsh and executive producer Daniel Arkin.
“Suits” alum Anton Cropper will direct the episode. Executive producers include Doug Liman, David Bartis and Gene Klein of Hypnotic.
“The powerhouse character of Jessica Pearson, expertly brought to life by the incomparable Gina Torres, has won the hearts of television fans everywhere,” said NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment president Chris McCumber in a statement. “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.”
The finale will air in early 2018 and feature Pearson getting forced into the shady world of Chicago politics. Other “Suits” characters appearing in the episode are Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), Louis Litt (Rick Hoffman), Donna Paulsen (Sarah Rafferty) and Rachel
“Gina Torres is a terrific actress and a valued member of our family,” said NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment COO and Universal Cable Productions president Jeff Wachtel. “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.”