The Real Reason Why Patrick J. Adams' Mike Left Suits After Season 7

The Departure of Mike Ross from Suits

The departure of Mike Ross from Suits in season 7 left many viewers in shock. As the central character of the show, Mike's exit was a significant turning point in the series.

Mike and Rachel at a fancy event in Suits.

Mike, portrayed by Patrick J. Adams, had been a main character in the show for seven seasons, captivating the audience with his compelling storyline and personal growth. From a struggling young adult expelled from college to a dedicated lawyer, Mike's journey was filled with triumphs and challenges.

Mike and Rachel in Suits

One of the most memorable aspects of Mike's character was his unwavering commitment to his grandmother's medical bills, which led him to take multiple LSATs to make ends meet. This aspect of his backstory resonated deeply with the audience, making his departure even more impactful.

Mike and Rachel in Suits.

The Suits pilot marked the beginning of Mike's journey when he was hired by Harvey Specter at the Pearson Hardman law firm in New York City. From that moment, Mike's character evolved and endeared himself to viewers, becoming a fan-favorite over the course of the series.

Mike Ross and Rachel Zane work in a law firm.

The season 7 finale saw Mike and Meghan Markle's Rachel Zane getting married and deciding to leave New York for Seattle, where they started their own law firm. This marked the end of an era for the beloved characters, and it was a bittersweet moment for fans.

Mike and Rachel in Suits

Patrick J. Adams' Creative Decision

The departure of Mike Ross from Suits was not only a pivotal moment in the series but also a creative decision by actor Patrick J. Adams. Adams believed that Mike's narrative arc had reached its natural conclusion by the end of season 7, and it was time to bid farewell to the character.

Patrick J. Adams' Creative Decision

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Adams revealed the factors that influenced his decision to leave the show. He expressed the challenges of being away from home and his wife for nearly eight years, acknowledging the pressure that prompted him to consider leaving the series after the first half of season 6.

From a storytelling perspective, Adams felt uncertain about the future of Mike's character and his role within the fabric of the show. He highlighted Mike's pledge during his trial to dedicate his time to underrepresented people, posing a creative dilemma for the character's continuity within the series.

Furthermore, the departure of Meghan Markle, who portrayed Rachel Zane, added another layer to Mike's exit from the law firm. Markle's impending duties as a member of the British Royal Family and Adams' belief that there was no more story to tell for his character made the decision to leave Suits even more definitive.

The Return of Mike Ross in Suits Season 9

Despite his departure, Patrick J. Adams returned to Suits in a recurring role during the show's ninth and final season. His decision to reprise the role of Mike Ross was driven by a desire to reunite with the cast and celebrate the legacy of the long-running series.

Adams expressed his excitement about returning to the show, emphasizing the opportunity to 'get the band back together' for one last trip around the world. His return allowed for a final sendoff for his character and the show, marking the culmination of a remarkable journey for the entire cast and crew.

The series finale of Suits brought closure to the storylines of key characters, including Harvey and Donna, who moved to Seattle to join Mike and Rachel at their law firm. This narrative resolution provided a fitting context for Mike's return, further enriching the conclusion of the beloved legal drama.