For fans of the legal drama Suits, Mike Ross was a central figure, captivating audiences with his journey from a fraud to a beloved lawyer at Pearson Specter Litt. Many viewers were left wondering, Why Did Mike Leave Suits? Mike Ross, portrayed by Patrick J. Adams, was a key character for seven seasons, quickly becoming a fan favorite due to his relatable struggles and remarkable journey. Initially introduced as a brilliant young man expelled from college who was taking LSATs for others to make ends meet and support his grandmother, Mike’s life took a dramatic turn when he encountered Harvey Specter.
In the pilot episode of Suits, Harvey Specter, a top lawyer, impulsively hired Mike, impressed by his intelligence and potential, despite Mike not being a qualified lawyer. This pivotal moment launched Mike’s career and personal development, making his eventual departure in season 7 a significant moment for the series. While Mike’s exit was undoubtedly felt by the show and its fans, the reasons behind this decision are rooted in both character development and real-life circumstances.
Related: 15 Best Suits Episodes, Ranked
Suits is celebrated for its compelling legal storylines, intricate character development, and the dynamic relationships that propel the narrative forward in each memorable episode.
Patrick J. Adams Felt Mike Ross’s Story Arc Concluded in Suits Season 7
Mike Ross’s Departure from Suits Marked the Completion of His Narrative Journey
In the season 7 finale of Suits, Mike Ross and Rachel Zane, played by Meghan Markle, culminated their on-screen romance by getting married and making a significant life change: moving to Seattle to establish their own law firm. This move signified a ‘happily ever after’ for the couple after seven seasons of personal and professional growth. However, their departure from Suits was a bittersweet moment for viewers who had grown attached to their characters.
The decision for both Mike and Rachel to leave Suits stemmed from the choices of the actors themselves. Meghan Markle’s exit was influenced by her upcoming role within the British Royal Family. Concurrently, Patrick J. Adams felt that Mike’s storyline had reached its natural conclusion. Adams explained to The Hollywood Reporter:
“After seven seasons — really, eight years of being away from home and away from my now-wife, and there was that pressure. I started thinking about leaving at the end of the first half of season six, after Mike was released from prison. From a story point of view, I was a little unsure of what was left for him to do. Mike had made the pledge during his trial that if he were allowed to continue to practice the law, he would dedicate his time and energy to underrepresented people and not big, corporate interests. I wasn’t sure how we were going to work that version of the character into the fabric of the show.”
Adams’ reflections highlight a sense of narrative completeness for Mike. He felt that Mike had fulfilled his character arc, especially after overcoming legal troubles and committing to a career focused on social justice. Rachel’s departure provided a natural and fitting opportunity for Mike to transition out of the firm as well. However, season 7 was not the definitive end of Mike Ross’s journey in the Suits universe.
Related: What Happened To Meghan Markle’s Rachel After Suits Season 7
Despite Rachel Zane’s departure after Suits season 7, the show continued to reference her character, revealing updates about her life post-departure.
Patrick J. Adams’s Return to Suits Season 9 in a Recurring Capacity
Mike Ross’s Comeback to Suits Driven by Reunion and Nostalgia
[ ](Mike Ross in Suits)
Patrick J. Adams reprised his role as Mike Ross in the ninth and final season of Suits. Mike’s return to New York City was prompted by a professional case that intertwined with his past at Pearson Specter Litt. He found himself in opposition to his former firm when a case involving one of his clients clashed with Samantha Wheeler’s. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Adams shared his reasons for returning to the USA Network series for its final season:
“Ultimately, it was about coming back. It was about, ‘We’d love to get the band back together,’ basically. Do one last trip around the world. It was as simple as that. For me, it was just an excuse to come and see everybody and really be here for the final moment.”
Adams’s motivation to return was centered around celebrating Suits and its successful nine-season run. He aimed to provide a fitting farewell to his character and the series. Furthermore, the storyline of Harvey and Donna Paulsen’s ending in the Suits finale, which saw them relocating to Seattle to join Mike and Rachel’s firm, created a perfect narrative loop for Mike’s comeback.
Patrick J. Adams’s Projects Following Suits
Adams’s Continued Presence in Television and Film After His Exit from Suits
[ ](John Glenn in The Right Stuff)
| Project | Character |
|---|---|
| America 2.0 (2018) | Seth McGuire |
| Sneaky Pete (2019) | Stefan Kilbane |
| The Right Stuff (2020) | John Glen |
| A League of Their Own (2022) | Charlie |
| The Swearing Jar (2022) | Simon |
| He Went That Way (2023) | Saul |
While Patrick J. Adams decided to move on from Suits after season 7, he remained active in the acting world. Adams has consistently appeared in various television projects since leaving Suits, securing notable roles in prominent series. In 2018, he starred in America 2.0, portraying Seth McGuire, a freshman Congressman navigating a complex political landscape. He also joined the final season of the critically acclaimed crime drama Sneaky Pete as Stefan Kilbane.
Further expanding his television portfolio, Adams took on the role of iconic astronaut John Glenn in the TV adaptation of The Right Stuff. Following this, he had a recurring role in the television adaptation of A League of Their Own. In film, Adams played Simon in The Swearing Jar and co-starred with Jacob Elordi in He Went That Way.
Currently, Adams continues to pursue acting with upcoming roles in the miniseries Lockerbie and Wayward, as well as the movie Young Werther. Although there are no confirmed appearances of original Suits cast members in the upcoming Suits: LA spin-off series, the possibility remains open for Adams to potentially reprise his role as Mike, even if for a cameo.
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Suits
TV-14
7/10
Release Date 2011 – 2018
Suits follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), who, despite never attending law school, is able to use his photographic memory to become a lawyer. The legal drama ran from 2011 to 2019 for a total of nine seasons and also starred Gabriel Macht, Meghan Markle, Sarah Rafferty, and Rick Hoffman.
Network USA
Cast Patrick J. Adams, Sarah Rafferty, Gabriel Macht, Meghan Markle, Rick Hoffman, Gina Torres, Amanda Schull, Dulé Hill, Katherine Heigl
Seasons 9
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