For nine seasons, the sleek and stylish legal drama Suits captured viewers’ imaginations with its compelling characters and intriguing storylines. Following hotshot lawyers’ personal and professional lives at a prestigious Manhattan firm, Suits was one of the USA Network’s most popular and enduring shows. So fans were shocked and dismayed when it was announced that the series would end after its ninth season in 2019.
Why would the network cancel one of its biggest hits, a show that was still performing well in the ratings and had developed a devoted cult following over nearly a decade on the air? That mystery has perplexed and confounded Suits devotees since its abrupt cancellation announcement.
USA Network has never given a definitive explanation for pulling the plug on the show. There is plenty of speculation among fans and industry insiders about what led to the surprising decision, but no concrete answers have ever emerged. Perhaps it was a desire on the part of the show’s producers and cast to go out on a high note before the quality declined. Or maybe backroom corporate politics at NBCUniversal, USA’s parent company, played a role?
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What Happened To Suits? Everything To Know
After entertaining audiences for nearly a decade, the USA Network drama Suits sadly ended in 2019 with the conclusion of its ninth season. During its impressive run, Suits was a pillar of USA’s scripted lineup, developing a passionate fanbase drawn to its quick-witted humor, compelling characters, and entertaining legal drama. However, even successful shows inevitably run their course, and a confluence of factors led the producers to decide season 9 would be Suits’ last.
The most significant catalyst was the departure of original cast members Patrick J. Adams and Meghan Markle following the season 7 finale. Adams, who had played fraudulent legal prodigy Mike Ross since the pilot, opted to leave Suits when his contract ended in 2018. Having played Mike for seven seasons, Adams felt ready to move on creatively and portray new characters. The producers had hoped Adams would renew for seasons 8 and 9 but accepted his choice to exit after such a long run starring on the show.
Losing Mike was a major blow, as his bromance and mentorship with Gabriel Macht’s Harvey Specter formed the heart of Suits. Mike’s unique storyline as a brilliant attorney operating without a law degree fueled much of the show’s drama and humor. The character had also developed into a firm leader at Pearson Specter Litt. Attempting to continue Suits without someone as integral as Mike was an undeniable challenge. The writers would need to find a way to organically write out Mike while still giving him a satisfying sendoff.
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Complicating matters further was the concurrent loss of Meghan Markle, who played Mike’s fiancée Rachel Zane. Markle’s exit was due to her relationship with Prince Harry, which led to increased media scrutiny and obligations. By mutual agreement with the producers, Markle left acting after season 7 to focus on her role as the Duchess of Sussex. This meant losing not just Mike but his main love interest too. Their wedding in the season 7 finale provided a fitting goodbye for both characters. But it required Suits to reinvent itself in season 8 without two beloved leads.
Gabriel Macht and Sarah Rafferty, who had portrayed Harvey and Donna since the pilot, were the last remaining original cast members heading into season 8. Both of their contracts were up for renewal before season 9. After many years on the show, Macht and Rafferty understandably wanted to explore new creative opportunities. The producers knew trying to continue Suits without them would be futile, as Harvey and Donna were the show’s anchors. Conversations soon began about wrapping up storylines and giving the show a proper sendoff in season 9.
Creator Aaron Korsh acknowledged he had taken Suits about as far as he could narratively after 135 hours of television. The legal drama runs through numerous storylines exploring Harvey and Mike’s relationship, Donna and Harvey’s will, they/won’t they romantic tension, leadership changes at the firm, and more. While devoted fans remained invested in the characters, Korsh felt it was the right time creatively to bring Suits to a close on a high note.
USA Network executives concurred that season 9 was a natural endpoint. Suits’ production costs were quite high after nearly a decade on the air, especially with the cast’s salaries increasing over time. Yet ratings had begun declining after season 7, likely due to losing original cast members.
Ending Suits would allow the USA to invest in new shows to refresh their scripted slate. And given streaming and increased competition for viewers’ attention, executives knew trying to stretch Suits into a 10th season could damage the show’s legacy if quality suffered.
While saying goodbye was bittersweet, Suits enjoyed an impressive nine-season run, defying the odds in an increasingly crowded TV landscape. At its peak, Suits was USA Network’s top scripted drama and a pillar of its programming lineup. Its blend of legal drama, romance, and sharp humor earned Suits its place as one of the most entertaining law shows on television. Suits remain a popular staple of streaming services and syndication even after cancellation.
