Suits, the highest-rated and currently the longest-running series on USA Network, will be returning for an eighth season, according to TVLine. As expected, however, it will be returning without Meghan Markle and Patrick Adams, who will exit the series at the end of season seven. In the meantime, the role of Dule Hill — who essentially replaced Gina Torres when she exited the series in season six — will be beefed up in the eighth season.
Markle’s departure was confirmed last November, but now Adams — who had been expected to leave — has also made his exit official. “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,” Adams said in a statement. “Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
In a separate interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Adams suggested that Mike and Rachel — the characters played by Adams and Markle — would have a happy ending.
A lot of times when actors leave shows, a gun gets pulled out in a courtroom or something. Without spoiling too much, yes, I think Mike and Rachel are two characters that there has never been any question that they’re in love and that they’re meant for each other and that they’re willing to go to great lengths and sacrifice a ton in order to keep their relationship going.
Asked if there would be a happy wedding, Adams suggested that fans should really watch episode 16 (the season finale).
Speaking of that episode, it’ll be interesting to see how Aaron Korsh combines the departures of Adams and Markle with the Gina Torres spin-off, which is expected to premiere as a backdoor pilot in the seventh season finale. That spin-off, which will not be a legal drama, will see Jessica Pearson transition into a life of Chicago politics.
The back half of the seventh season of Suits will debut at the end of March.
