The essential episodes of Suits

Watch these 15 in order and you've got Suits — each pick states its reason.

1. 01

   S01E01 · Pilot · June 23, 2011 · 1h

   Pilot8.2

   In the premiere of this legal drama, successful lawyer Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) hires brilliant college dropout Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) as a new associate at a top law firm despite the fact that Mike doesn't have a degree. In order to work together, both parties have to keep up the ruse to convince their coworkers that Mike is a real lawyer.

2. 02

   S01E06 · Top rated · July 28, 2011 · 1h

   Tricks of the Trade8.2

   The guys defend a woman falsely accused of insider trading. Elsewhere, Mike helps Rachel study for the LSAT and realises she's close to discovering his secret.

3. 03

   S02E01 · Season 2 peak · June 14, 2012 · 1h

   She Knows8.3

   In the Series 2 opener, Mike is excited to close a big case for the firm but doesn't realise Trevor confronted Jessica. Meanwhile, Jessica's former partner resurfaces, prompting Harvey to reconsider what he's willing to do to protect Mike's secret.

4. 04

   S02E07 · Top rated · August 2, 2012 · 1h

   Sucker Punch8.3

   Harvey turns to an old colleague for help defending the firm against the lawsuit despite the pair's tumultuous past.

5. 05

   S03E04 · Season 3 peak · August 6, 2013 · 1h

   Conflict of Interest7.7

   Harvey and Louis are at odds when Harvey's defense of Ava conflicts with Louis' assignment to prevent a hostile takeover of Hessington Oil.

6. 06

   S04E01 · Season 4 peak · June 11, 2014 · 1h

   One-Two-Three Go...7.5

   Mike and Harvey clash over investment-banking strategies in the Season 4 opener. Meanwhile, Pearson realizes a former district attorney may be pursuing revenge against Harvey and the firm.

7. 07

   S05E11 · Season 5 peak · January 27, 2016 · 1h

   Blowback7.4

   As we begin our mid-season premiere, Mike's worst fears have come true. He's been arrested for fraud and is under investigation by a ruthless government prosecutor, Assistant US Attorney Anita Gibbs. Meanwhile, Jessica and Harvey must figure out how to build a defense for Mike, knowing full well that he's guilty of the crime for which he stands accused. And Rachel must come to terms with her family's reaction to the news that her fiancé is not the person he claimed to be - and that he could soon be in prison.

8. 08

   S06E06 · Season 6 peak · August 17, 2016 · 1h

   Spain7.1

   Harvey defends Sutter from Cahill; Mike's past threatens to derail his mission; Rachel and Jessica search for evidence to re-open Bailey's case; and Louis woos Tara with a trip to the Hamptons.

9. 09

   S07E16 · Season 7 peak · April 25, 2018 · 1h

   Good-Bye7.7

   It's all hands on deck as Louis, Donna and Alex defend the firm, while Harvey aids Jessica on a case; Mike and Rachel juggle their commitments to the firm, the clinic and each other.

10. 10

    S08E11 · Season 8 peak · January 23, 2019 · 1h

    Rocky 88.0

    Harvey laces up for a rematch against an old foe. Louis struggles to hold the reins of the firm.

11. 11

    S09E03 · Top rated · July 31, 2019 · 1h

    Windmills8.2

    Harvey takes on a new case in order to send Faye a message; Louis is presented with a new opportunity.

12. 12

    S09E04 · Top rated · August 7, 2019 · 1h

    Cairo8.2

    Faye decides to take action against Harvey and Donna's relationship; Harvey looks to impress Donna's father.

13. 13

    S09E05 · Season 9 peak · August 14, 2019 · 1h

    If the Shoe Fits8.4

    Samantha gets caught in the middle when Mike picks a fight with Harvey.

14. 14

    S09E09 · Top rated · September 18, 2019 · 1h

    Thunder Away8.4

    Mike helps Harvey get over a personal loss; an attempt to take down Faye becomes complicated.

15. 15

    S09E10 · Series finale · September 25, 2019 · 1h

    One Last Con8.3

    Facing its potential destruction, the partners must go all in to save the firm.