Suits, the legal drama that captured audiences worldwide, enjoyed a remarkable run of nine seasons, totaling an impressive 134 episodes. Thanks to its availability on streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock, its popularity has surged even after its initial run on the USA Network. While many shows face premature cancellation, Suits was fortunate enough to conclude on its own terms, offering viewers a sense of closure. However, the decision to end Suits with Season 9 still surprised many fans. Given its enduring appeal and lengthy run, the question remains: why did Suits conclude when it did?
Despite the desire for more seasons, Suits delivered a satisfying final season that wrapped up storylines and character arcs. Unlike some series that are abruptly cut short, Suits provided a genuine send-off, resolving key plot points and offering a glimpse into the future for its beloved characters. Although the later seasons presented creative challenges, the show’s creators managed to craft a fitting conclusion. For many, Suits has become a comfort show, but understanding the reasons behind its ending provides valuable insight into the show’s journey and the factors that led to its ninth and final season.
Recapping the Final Season of Suits
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Season 9 of Suits was packed with developments that set the stage for a compelling series finale. Long-awaited romantic tension culminated as Harvey Specter and Donna Paulsen finally embarked on a relationship, a pairing fans had eagerly anticipated since the show’s inception. The introduction of a formidable antagonist, Faye Richardson (portrayed by Denise Crosby), who was appointed to oversee the firm, presented significant hurdles for the characters to overcome. Adding to the season’s significance, Mike Ross returned, albeit in a contentious role, suing one of Harvey and Samantha Wheeler’s clients, creating internal conflict within the firm. Despite the drama and tension throughout the season, Suits Season 9 ultimately aimed for a positive resolution.
The series finale saw Harvey and his colleagues successfully remove Faye Richardson from the firm, but this victory came at a price. Harvey made a deal with Faye: her departure would be contingent on his own exit from the firm. However, this arrangement aligned with Harvey’s plans, as he had already decided to relocate to Seattle to join Mike and Rachel Zane. The finale also saw Katrina Bennett and Samantha rehired, Louis Litt and Sheila Sazs’ wedding day humorously interrupted by Sheila’s labor, and Harvey and Donna spontaneously getting married. While the finale provided closure, some viewers felt the ending was somewhat rushed. Considering the behind-the-scenes factors influencing the show’s trajectory, the fact that Suits achieved a conclusive ending at all is a testament to its creators’ and cast’s dedication.
The Real Reasons Behind the End of Suits After Season 9
Image: Mike Ross during his trial in Suits, episode “Character and Fitness”, illustrating a pivotal moment in his character arc.
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Despite its impressive nine-season run, Suits was initially conceived for a shorter duration. The original contracts for the cast members were for seven seasons. As this contract period approached its end, two pivotal cast members, Patrick J. Adams (Mike Ross) and Meghan Markle (Rachel Zane), decided to leave the show. Adams felt his character’s storyline had reached a natural conclusion, while Markle’s departure was due to her marriage into the British Royal Family and becoming the Duchess of Sussex, a widely publicized life change. These departures presented significant challenges for Suits creator Aaron Korsh, who was already in negotiations to extend the series to achieve his planned ending.
In a Deadline interview, Korsh discussed the impact of Markle and Adams’ absence on the show’s production. He stated, “You can never know that one of your stars is going to marry the Prince of England, and Patrick decided not to return, so we had a choice whether to keep going after season 7. We decided that the original plan was a 16-episode season 8 and a 10-episode season 9, let’s see if we can do that.” The introduction of Samantha Wheeler, played by Katherine Heigl, helped mitigate the void left by Mike and Rachel. Korsh expressed relief at Heigl’s joining the cast, stating, “Katherine Heigl called and she wanted to be involved in the show, and we thought it was a perfect way to help extend the franchise and make it to that end of season 9.” Heigl’s addition provided fresh energy and narrative possibilities, enabling the show to reach its planned conclusion.
The decision to shorten Season 9 to just ten episodes was also deliberate. Typically, Suits seasons aired in two parts, with the first half in summer and the latter half in winter after a hiatus. However, with only ten episodes for the final season, a mid-season break seemed unnecessary. Korsh wanted the final season to air consecutively without interruption. In the same Deadline interview, he explained, “Our winter runs consist of 6 episodes, so we all felt like it would be very difficult to just have a truncated finale to a season. We always wanted to have the big 10 in the summer, to go out on a high note so to speak.” This decision ensured a streamlined and impactful final season for viewers.
The Possibility of a Suits Revival and the Expanding Suits Universe
Image: The cast of Suits Season 9 in a conference room, hinting at the show’s collaborative and ensemble nature.
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With Suits‘ continued popularity on streaming services, especially among new audiences, many fans are hopeful for a revival. The success of revivals like Frasier and Night Court, and the upcoming reboot of The Office, demonstrate the appetite for returning beloved series. The question of a Suits revival naturally arises. While there are currently no plans for a Suits revival, the good news for fans is the expansion of the Suits universe through spin-offs. The first spin-off, Pearson, centered on Jessica Pearson, unfortunately, was canceled after one season.
However, a new spin-off, Suits L.A., has been greenlit by NBC, with Aaron Korsh returning as showrunner. Instead of focusing on returning characters from the original series, Suits L.A. will introduce a fresh cast and storyline within the Suits world. Stephen Amell, known for his role in Arrow, will star as lawyer Ted Black. The show has also announced guest appearances from actors like John Amos, Victoria Justice, and Kevin Weisman, who will play Black’s clients. While a direct Suits revival may not be on the horizon, the Suits universe is expanding, offering fans new stories and characters to engage with.
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Image: Suits TV show poster featuring the main cast, representing the show’s branding and visual identity.
In conclusion, Suits ended after Season 9 due to a combination of factors, primarily the expiration of original cast contracts and the departures of key actors Patrick J. Adams and Meghan Markle. Creator Aaron Korsh had envisioned an end around season 9 and structured the narrative to reach this point. While a revival remains uncertain, the Suits legacy continues through spin-off series, ensuring that the world of legal drama, sharp wit, and compelling characters lives on. Fans can continue to enjoy all episodes of Suits streaming on Netflix and Peacock, and look forward to the new chapter with Suits L.A.
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Suits
TV-14
Comedy, Drama
Release Date 2011 – 2018
Network USA
Showrunner Aaron Korsh
Writers Aaron Korsh
Cast
- [ ]() Patrick J. Adams
- [ ]() Sarah Rafferty
- [ ]() Gabriel Macht
- [ ]() Meghan Markle
Seasons 9
