Australia’s fastest-growing free streaming service, 7plus, has been dealt a blow after NBC officially pulled the plug on Suits LA, a spin-off of the global legal drama phenomenon Suits.
Initially billed as a major tentpole in 7plus’s 2025 streaming strategy, Suits LA was expected to make waves with Australian audiences.
But reports out of the US, including from Deadline, confirm that NBC has scrapped the series after just one season, part of a broader culling that also saw the cancellation of Found, Lopez vs. Lopez, Night Court, and The Irrational.
From fireworks to fallout
The decision is a setback for Seven’s “bonfire and fireworks” approach, a strategy designed to blend always-on, high-volume content (the bonfires) with premium, attention-grabbing titles (the fireworks).
In an interview with Mediaweek earlier this year, 7plus Director of Content and Strategy Andrew Green had placed Suits LA firmly in the “fireworks” category, banking on the franchise’s brand recognition and the success of the original series’ streaming resurgence.
“It airs on Sunday night in the States, and we’ll be airing it on Monday night, just a few hours later in Australia,” Green said at the time, highlighting 7plus’s commitment to near-simulcast global premieres. The move was designed to create appointment viewing and tap into watercooler buzz.
But with the show’s swift demise, that investment will now need to shift to a different set of priorities.
No panic at 7plus HQ
Despite the loss of Suits LA, there’s no sign of panic behind the scenes. In fact, 7plus continues to outperform in the crowded streaming landscape, boasting a 43% share of the BVOD market and a 29% year-on-year jump in viewership.
The platform’s growth has been driven by a diverse content mix that includes evergreen classics, exclusive international acquisitions, and a powerful live sport offering.
According to Green, a key differentiator is that 40% of 7plus viewers engage exclusively with content that’s not broadcast on Seven’s linear channels, a clear sign that the streamer is cultivating its own loyal audience base.
“They’re coming in specifically for these bonfires and fireworks,” Green said. “That’s a very consistent number, it shows that we’re delivering a streaming experience that goes beyond just catch-up TV.”