"The Rainmaker": A Failed Attempt to Revive the USA Network's Glory Days?
- Aug 21, 2025
USA Network, renowned for its original dramas, is attempting to revive its past glory with its latest offering, "The Rainmaker." This legal drama series is an adaptation of a John Grisham novel, following the 1997 Francis Ford Coppola film. The show intends to reintroduce the “blue sky” brand that contributed to the network's popularity during the 2000s.
Historically, the USA Network thrived on breezy detective shows, comedies, and legal dramas, such as "Psych," "Suits," "White Collar," and "Royal Pains,” during its "blue sky" era. However, the channel's decision to pursue substantial and grimmer fare such as "Mr. Robot," "The Sinner," and "Queen of the South" in recent years marked a tonal shift. This new course was short-lived, and the network trimmed its original programming until the announcement of "The Rainmaker" last year, signifying a supposed return to their successful “blue sky” strategy.
However, USA Network's parent company, Comcast, plans to separate USA and other linear channels from its entertainment assets into a newly formed company, Versant, throwing a wrench into USA Network's plans.
Unequivocally, "The Rainmaker" struggles to hold its ground as a flagship show, with a stale David-versus-Goliath plot. The series follows Rudy Baylor (Milo Callaghan), a law school graduate who ends up clashing with senior partner Leo Drummond (John Slattery), forcing him into a contingency-fee based practice led by Jocelyn "Bruiser" Stone (Lana Parilla). However, drumming up interest in the protagonist proves challenging, despite his underdog status.
Viewers might find more entertainment in watching the older generation of characters, such as Slattery's bully-like Leo and comedic actor Dan Fogler's role as a sketchy nurse. However, the lack of energy, cheap-looking sets, and a bland South Carolina setting make "The Rainmaker" seem less likely to recapture the excitement of a glossy legal drama. The show premieres on the USA Network on August 15 and Peacock on August 22.
