When Suits returns for season eight, it’s going to look a bit different. The USA Network has renewed the long-running drama series for an eighth season but it will be without its stars, Patrick J. Adams & Meghan Markle.
Returning for Season 8 are fellow original cast members Gabriel Macht (Harvey Specter), Sarah Rafferty (Donna Paulsen) and Rick Hoffman (Louis Litt), joined by Dulé Hill (Alex Williams), who has been promoted to a series regular after recurring this season.
The departure of both stars is no surprise. Adams has expressed wanting to leave to pursue other endeavors while Markle has the whole marrying Prince Harry thing and becoming a princess lined up for her future. The remainder of Season 7 will premiere March 28, culminating in a two-hour season finale on Wednesday, April 25 – an arc in which Suits will bid farewell to characters Mike Ross (Adams) and Rachel Zane (Markle).
The arc, which also includes the planted Suits spinoff starring Gina Torres in the season finale, is expected to feature the long-awaited Mike and Rachel wedding just a couple of weeks before Markle’s real life-nuptials to Prince Harry.
Patrick J. Adams had this to say about his departure:
“It’s hard for me to imagine what words, in what order would sufficiently express my love and gratitude to all of the people who have made the last seven years possible. From my unbelievably talented cast mates to our relentlessly committed crew, to the brilliant minds at USA, UCP and Hypnotic, to the legions of fans all over the world, every one of them dedicating so much of their time, energy and talent to make Suits what it is today – one of the most beloved and successful shows on television. So I will choose the simplest words I have. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. It has been an honor working with and for each and everyone one of you.
Mike Ross has taught me a lot about commitment, hard work and the power of believing in yourself and I feel blessed that now we both get to walk out into the lives that we never dreamed we would actually be lucky enough to live. I’m excited to now step across the screen and become solely a fan of a show that I know has much more in store in the years to come. I wish everyone involved the best and am excited to see what kind of trouble they’ll get themselves in and out of from here on out.”
As to why the network renewed the series with these two huge departures, USA Network had this to say:
“After seven seasons, Suits remains one of USA Network’s most beloved and popular series. While we’re excited for Season 8, everyone at USA will deeply miss Patrick and Meghan, and are grateful for the talent and commitment they brought to Suits season after season. We wish each of them nothing but the very best.”
The show and Adams are open to him coming back for guest arcs if it works out, much like Gina Torres has done since she departed the series as a regular.
