Summary
Creator Aaron Korsh originally intended for Harvey to end up with Dana Scott as his romantic partner in Suits, but that changed.
The initial connection between Harvey and Donna was strong, indicating their potential as a couple. However, Suits couldn't immediately pursue this opportunity. It was necessary for the show to focus on the development of Mike and Rachel's romance and allow for Harvey's character growth before delving into his relationship with Donna.
Aaron Korsh, the creator of Suits, has disclosed the identity of Harvey Specter's initial romantic partner before his relationship with Donna Paulsen. In addition to its legal drama elements, the USA Network show captivates viewers with its exploration of the personal lives of its characters. Although it initially focused on the professional dynamics at Pearson Hardman, the series gradually expanded its narrative to delve into the intricate relationships outside of work, particularly Harvey's love life as New York's most talented closer.
The ninth season of Suits concluded with Harvey and Donna's marriage and relocation to Seattle. However, Korsh recently shared on Twitter that this was not always the intended outcome. Below is his post:
In his tweet, Korsh says that Abigail Spencer's Dana Scott was supposedly going to be Harvey's final romantic partner in Suits. However, that obviously didn't happen.
Why It Took So Long For Harvey To Be With Donna In Suits
From the very beginning, it was apparent that Harvey and Donna had an undeniable connection. Their dynamic chemistry enabled them to function exceptionally well as a team. Despite Donna's professional role as Harvey's secretary, he consistently treated her as an equal, granting her the freedom to express her thoughts openly and even reprimand him when necessary. Within the context of the legal drama Suits, their relationship resembled the classic "will-they/won't-they" trope, albeit in a more subtle manner, particularly during the initial seasons.
Additionally, there were other obstacles that impeded Harvey and Donna's romantic connection from a storytelling standpoint. Initially, the show primarily focused on the romantic relationship between Mike and Rachel, which was already complicated due to external circumstances. Therefore, it would have been too overwhelming to introduce another intricate romance at the same time. This would have diverted attention from the main premise of Suits as a legal drama. However, when Mike and Rachel departed from the show, it created an opportunity for Suits to actively explore and advance the relationship between Harvey and Donna.
From a storytelling perspective, it was not logical for Harvey to enter into a relationship with Donna at the beginning. It was necessary for him to undergo substantial personal growth in the television show Suits to ensure their relationship was viable in the long term. Donna was aware of Harvey's tendency to keep his emotions guarded, and this would have posed a significant obstacle to maintaining a romantic connection with him. Ultimately, the love story between Harvey and Donna unfolded at the perfect moment.