Summary

• Character exits in 'Suits' were influenced by behind-the-scenes decisions, impacting story arcs and show momentum.
• Pearson left to reinvent herself post NYC success, while Zane and Ross departed for new beginnings.
• Despite original cast exits, 'Suits' spinoff 'Suits: L.A.' will continue without confirmed returning .

While many fans wondered why Mike left Suits before the end of the series, he is not the only high-profile cast exit from the legal drama. Suits has found even more success since it ended, becoming a big draw on streaming platforms, but it still managed to complete an impressive nine seasons during its run. When a show has aired for as many seasons as it has, some main cast overhaul is bound to happen. Although it can be unexpected when a main character leaves the show, there were some unique reasons behind some of the Suits cast exits.

During Suits' nine seasons, behind-the-scenes Suits decisions led to a few main characters exiting the series earlier than was originally planned. These characters' exit fueled many different story arcs and helped add to the momentum of the show, given that change is the only thing that is guaranteed in a legal drama about the fiercely competitive world of corporate law. Here's which of the show's main characters quit early on, and why.

The Suits franchise will continue with the spinoff Suits: L.A. but no original cast have been confirmed.

1 Jessica Pearson (Gina Torres)

Left Suits In Season 6

After successfully defending death row inmate Leonard Bailey, Jessica Pearson considers the type of law she wishes to practice and the impact she wishes to have in the world. Pearson decides to leave her top position as a partner in Pearson Specter Litt, relocating to Chicago at the end of Suits season 6. She felt the need to reinvent herself professionally and personally after accomplishing all she could in the New York corporate law world.

Gina Torres cited personal reasons and the constant commuting between her Los Angeles home and the show's set in Toronto as the reasons behind leaving. Though she left Suits, Pearson, in which she navigates Chicago's political scene.

2 Rachel Zane (Meghan Markle)

Left Suits In Season 7

Rachel Zane left because she and Mike Ross moved to Seattle to start a new beginning as a couple, running a legal clinic that handles class-action lawsuits against Fortune 500 corporations. Rachel and Mike's wedding in the seventh season finale was their last final appearance as regular characters on Suits. Meghan Markle leaving Suits coincided with her engagement to Prince Harry in 2018, as she transitioned to royal duties away from her acting career. While the door is still open for her to return to acting, she's been quite busy in her post-marriage life.

Suits marks Markel's last acting role to date.

3 Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams)

Left Suits In Season 7

Mike Ross, played by Patrick J. Adams, left Suits season 7 in the finale after getting married. Their move to Seattle to open a legal clinic allows them both to use their legal expertise for philanthropy. Mike transformed from a fraudulent lawyer to a qualified and successful one during his time on the show. Ross had personal and professional fulfillment and left after marrying the love of his life, making his departure purposeful and significant.

Patrick J. Adams, who portrayed Mike Ross, also left the show alongside Meghan Markle, albeit not for royal reasons. Adams felt that his character's story arc had reached its natural conclusion, with Mike Ross profoundly changing from being a college dropout to a licensed attorney and accomplishing what he set out to do. Adam returned for the show's final season, celebrating the good times he had with his character and giving the show one final goodbye. Even though these characters left Suits, their mark on the show and the viewers who watch it lives on.