USA Network’s Suits has been renewed for their eighth season; however, it will be without two of the shows stars. Patrick J. Adams (Mike Ross) and Meghan Markle (Rachel Zane) will not be returning for the eighth season of the show. The actor and actress (which characters are getting married) will be departing the show at the end of season seven. The second half of the season will show on March 28th and the season finally will be on April 25th (which will both of their final episodes). Both departures were expected, and Adams’ exit of the show became official today (January 30th). Back in November Markle became engaged to Britain’s Prince Harry. The two plan to marry in May. The official announcement of her leaving the show came back then.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter Adams said that part of the reason he has decided to leave the show is because he wants to spend more time with his family. Also when asked if it would be a happy wedding (between the characters Mike Ross and Rachel Zane) he replied, “The only thing I can say is that you should really watch episode 16.”
Chris McCumber, president of entertainment networks at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment said, “After seven seasons, Suits remains one of USA Network’s most beloved and popular series. While we’re excited for season eight, 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.”
Series creator Aaron Korsh said, “I would like to thank Patrick and Meghan for their extraordinary contributions over the last seven years. Not only have they been outstanding in their roles as Mike and Rachel, they are also superb human beings who will always be beloved members of the ‘Suits’ family, and we wish them well in their days to come. Speaking of days to come, I am incredibly excited to welcome back our phenomenal crew and cast – Gabriel, Sarah, Rick and Dulé – who will continue the roller coaster ride with all of our amazing fans. Season 8 will have everything from shifting alliances and internal power plays, to secrets, betrayals and fiery relationships. Keep an eye out for an adversarial new character that will give Harvey a run for his money.”
Adams also said today (Tuesday), “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.”
Korsh as well as series stars Gabriel Macht (Harvey Specter), Sarah Rafferty (Donna Paulson), Rick Hoffman (Luis Litt), and new series regular Dulé Hill (Alex Williams) are expected to return for the eighth season. Korsh is also guiding a Suits spinoff. The spinoff is expected to revolve around actress Gina Torres (Jessica Pearson). She left the series during its sixth season.
The show’s second half of season seven will return March 28th on USA Network.