USA’s Upcoming Rainmaker Series Could Kickstart Something I’ve Wanted For Years

The upcoming TV adaptation of John Grisham’s beloved novel The Rainmaker could kick-start something for USA Network that I’ve been looking forward to for years. The novel enjoyed a big-screen adaptation in the 1990s starring Matt Damon and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, but the story has always allowed for more scope in storytelling. The TV adaptation for The Rainmaker has been in the works since as early as 2018, and in 2024 USA Network made a ‘to series’ order for the project.

USA Network might operate as one of the smaller broadcasters, but has a strong back catalog of reality shows, sports, and syndicated series. The Rainmaker will mark a return to scripted TV storytelling for the network for the first time since 2019, and the show could become a strong off-season hit. With little competition before new season premieres that typically happen in September, it has a good chance of being successful if it can hit the right notes, and could make for an exciting future.

The Rainmaker Is USA’s First Original Procedural Series Greenlit In Years

This Suggests Strong Belief In The Show’s Potential

It has been a few years since USA Network has greenlit an original scripted series, but the trailer for The Rainmaker suggests more could follow. If The Rainmaker series becomes a hit, it could run for years and take on a traditional procedural format like long-running shows on CBS and NBC. USA Network clearly has a lot of belief in the potential of the show’s viewership success, and this is why they have no qualms with releasing the show in offseason, which is not a typical move for networks.

There is plenty to be excited about with The Rainmaker. The success of Netflix legal drama The Lincoln Lawyer shows that there is a market for legal shows. What’s more, the fact that The Rainmaker has Blumhouse as a production partner also suggests that the tone of the series is going to be darker, more diverse, and experimental, which could help audiences to connect with it better. Choosing to air the show out of season does represent a risk, but there is also the potential for high reward if the adaptation can capture viewers’ attention through complex storytelling and immersive character arcs.

The Rainmaker Could Signal A Return To Original Scripted USA Procedurals

So Far The Network Has Been Relying On Reality TV, Sports, & Syndications

Since Suits ended in 2019, USA Network has not produced any scripted shows, choosing instead to rely on reality TV, sports, and syndication to bring in viewers. However, this could all be about to change. The Rainmaker sees the network re-enter the scripted television realm for the first time in years, suggesting they have an interest in relaunching procedurals.

Streaming has changed viewer consumption, even on traditional network television, and has allowed for long-form storytelling to exist, but to be consumed in a more immediate timeframe. This can enhance the thrills of shows like The Rainmaker, and if the series chooses to deviate from Grisham’s novel there will be plenty of opportunity to explore new content, as well as the potential for spinoffs on USA Network.

The Golden Age For USA Procedurals Was 2002-2014

If The Rainmaker Is A Success, It Could Kick Off Another Golden Age

If The Rainmaker is a success, there is a good chance that the show could kick off a new Golden Age of scripted original procedurals for USA Network. As such, it all hinges on whether the Grisham adaptation resonates with its audience. However, the fact that they are willing to try again is a good step to re-establish them as a player in the scripted series sandbox.

The original Golden Age for the network came between 2002 and 2014, and saw the run of successful shows like Monk, Psych, Burn Notice, White Collar, and early seasons of the hit legal drama Suits. The Rainmaker could herald in a new era of storytelling for USA, a network that has always been comfortable with quirky and off-beat procedurals. With a talented cast, a strong showrunner, and the opportunity for long-form storytelling, there is a lot to get excited about with The Rainmaker.

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