Season 1 – Suits: Jessica Pearson

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1:00

2019

Crime

Drama

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Popcornmeter

72%

Tomatometer

18 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Looking to atone for her past and reconnect with her estranged family, Jessica Pearson -- a recently disbarred powerhouse attorney -- leaves her New York City law firm for the down-and-dirty politics of the Windy City. Newly appointed as Chicago Mayor Bobby Novak's right-hand fixer, Jessica is quickly embroiled in a crooked and dangerous new world where every action has far-reaching consequences. With her compulsion to win, she is forced to reconcile her unstoppable drive with her desire to do the right thing -- two things very much at odds.

Critics Consensus

Though Pearson trades the juicy intrigue of Suits for straightforward political drama, it works thanks to Gina Torres' commanding performance.

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Emily St. James

Vox

I won't oversell Pearson's grittiness. This is still a big, glossy show with a side of soap opera. But I'm going to keep watching to see if it finds another gear. If it does, it will be very good summer TV indeed.

Aug 1, 2019

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Melanie McFarland

Salon.com

Whether viewers take to Pearson or not, Jessica Pearson is a symbol of endurance anyone can find comfort in, but black and brown women in particular.

Jul 22, 2019

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Robyn Bahr

The Hollywood Reporter

Even this plot, however, comes off as cold as steel, since we learn everything about it from dialogue alone. Pearson is all talk, little action.

Jul 18, 2019

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Melissa Camacho

Common Sense Media

Darker, edgier Suits spinoff has cursing, innuendo.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 6, 2019

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Kathia Woods

Remezcla

While there are several familiar elements from Pearson's predecessor, you'll be disappointed if you expect an extension of Suits. But the show is better for it.

Jul 30, 2019

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Rob Owen

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Pearson" sometimes resembles a watered-down version of "The Good Wife"/"The Good Fight." Fans of "Suits" may still want to give "Pearson" a try but no one can blame them if they choose not to stick with this series.

Jul 24, 2019

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C K

Discovered this show on Peacock in 2023, long after it was cancelled, and I'm sorry there's no season 2! I'm halfway through season 1 right now and don't understand why it didn't get more of a following when it originally aired. Solid writing, great cast (especially Gina Torres), compelling characters and storylines; plus, Chicago, and its political culture/history, feels less like a backdrop here and more like another character. I'm gonna be sad when I get to the last episode. At least I can go back and watch Torres bring this character to life on "Suits" when I'm done (hadn't previously watched that show), but I'd still prefer a season 2 of "Pearson." At minimum, someone should develop another show with Torres as lead. I loved her in "Firefly" and have appreciated her in other supporting roles, but I thought she was riveting in this!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/27/23

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Audience Member

As awesome as it could be.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/09/23

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jack z

Really enjoyed this underrated Suits spinoff and I'm sad to see it go. The first season definitely gave Suits a run for its money. Also, major props to Bethany Joy Lenz, who absolutely captivates in every scene.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

Being a fan of Gina Torres, I really loved the first season of Pearson and desperately look forward to season 2! I loved the in-depth look into Jessica's personal life as well as her role being the mayor's 'closer.' Ten episodes went to quickly and I WANT MORE!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/09/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Huge fan of the Jessica Pearson character from Suits and was super excited to see a spin-off featuring this strong female lead! Not disappointed in the slightest, I like that the show is grittier and filmed in that 'hard edge' city filter... and absolutely delighted that Jessica's wardrobe is just as outstanding and drool worthy as ever!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/09/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Show is progressing slow, side characters are poorly developed and I can't link them to the main cast, it's like two separate shows. Pearson become more soup opera, that is disappointing. Firstly Jessica is an image of strong woman but by the end of the season it's like she's desperate lying player who's cannot be trust so why should we?

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/09/23

Full Review

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Gina Torres

Jessica Pearson

Morgan Spector

Bobby Novak

Bethany Joy Lenz

Keri Allen

Simon Kassianides

James Dickens

Eli Goree

Derrick Mayes

Chantel Riley

Angela Cook

Episode 1

Aired Jul 17, 2019

The Alderman

Jessica starts her new job in the mayor's office; it's a new world, and a whole new power struggle.

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Episode 2

Aired Jul 24, 2019

The Superintendent

Jessica's reputation in the press puts the police contract in jeopardy.

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Episode 3

Aired Jul 31, 2019

The Union Leader

Jessica goes head to head with McGann, who doesn't like her challenging his alderman appointee.

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Episode 4

Aired Aug 7, 2019

The Deputy Mayor

With Bobby out, the Deputy Mayor pushes his own agenda; Jessica digs into a murder from North Park.

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Episode 5

Aired Aug 14, 2019

The Former City Attorney

Keri's past comes back to haunt her; Yoli and Derrick give a CEO the Chicago tour.

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Episode 6

Aired Aug 21, 2019

The Donor

Construction starts on North Park; Jessica finds new financial backers for Bobby's campaign.

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Episode 7

Aired Aug 28, 2019

The Immigration Lawyer

Jessica tries to square a debt; Nick reels from McGann's bombshell; Yoli deals with personal news.

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Episode 8

Aired Sep 4, 2019

The Political Wife

Keri goes on a trip with Stephanie; Angela assists her neighbors; Jessica contends with Yoli's problem.

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Episode 9

Aired Sep 11, 2019

The Rival

Angela leads a tent city outside of City Hall; Keri thinks more about her future; McGann recovers Nick.

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Episode 10

Aired Sep 18, 2019

The Fixer

Jessica is split between her personal and professional life; Keri comes to a decision about her future.

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61%

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What to Watch With Gina Torres, Pearson and Suits Star

Gina Torres Busts Out Some NYC Swagger in Chicago in Exclusive Early Look at Suits Spin-off Pearson

Pearson: Season 1 Trailer - You Can't Hide Women Like Jessica Pearson