Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, before the royal wedding watched by millions around the world, and before her life transformed into something resembling a modern fairy tale, Meghan Markle was known for something entirely different. She was Rachel Zane, the sharp, ambitious paralegal on the hit legal drama Suits.
For seven transformative seasons, Meghan brought this character to life in a way that resonated with audiences and ultimately set the stage for everything that followed. The story of Meghan Markle and Suits is fascinating not just because of where her journey led, but because of what the role represented at the time.
This wasn’t just another acting gig. It was the breakthrough role that established her as a talented actress, provided financial stability, and inadvertently placed her on a path that would change her life forever. Years after the show concluded, Suits experienced an extraordinary renaissance on streaming platforms, introducing new generations to Rachel Zane and reigniting conversations about Meghan’s time on the series.
The Beginning: Landing Rachel Zane
Meghan Markle joined the cast of Suits in 2011, beginning a journey that would last until 2017 across seven seasons. Before this life-changing role, Meghan had been working steadily but hadn’t found the breakthrough opportunity that would elevate her career to the next level.
Landing the role of Rachel Zane wasn’t a foregone conclusion. Meghan had faced numerous rejections throughout her acting career, often hearing that she wasn’t quite right for certain parts. The entertainment industry can be brutally difficult for aspiring actors, and Meghan had experienced her share of closed doors and near misses.
What made Rachel Zane different was how naturally the character fit Meghan’s own personality and strengths. The role required someone who could portray intelligence, ambition, vulnerability, and strength all at once. Rachel needed to be believable as someone brilliant enough to work at a prestigious New York law firm while also struggling with the very human challenge of test anxiety that prevented her from passing the LSAT exam.
The role required Meghan to relocate to Toronto, where she lived for nine months each year during production. This commitment demonstrated her dedication to the role and her willingness to make significant personal sacrifices for her career. Toronto became her second home, and the Suits cast and crew became her extended family.
Understanding Rachel Zane: More Than Just a Paralegal
Rachel Zane was introduced as a talented paralegal who struggled with passing the LSAT, and her character arc across seven seasons focused on her journey to become an attorney and her relationship with protagonist Mike Ross. But reducing Rachel to just these plot points misses the nuance and depth that Meghan brought to the character.
The Intelligence and Ambition
Rachel was portrayed as one of the smartest people at Pearson Hardman, later Pearson Specter Litt. She had an encyclopedic knowledge of case law, could find obscure legal precedents that turned cases around, and was invaluable to the attorneys she supported. Her intelligence wasn’t just told to the audience but shown consistently through her work.
What made Rachel compelling was that her intelligence came with a deep frustration. She was brilliant enough to do the job of an attorney but couldn’t get past the one test standing between her and that title. This created a tension that many viewers found relatable. How many people feel capable of doing more but face obstacles that seem insurmountable?
The Personal Struggles
Meghan portrayed Rachel’s test anxiety with genuine vulnerability. These weren’t just throwaway scenes about a character being nervous. Rachel’s struggles with the LSAT represented deeper questions about self-worth, family expectations, and the gap between knowing you’re capable and proving it to others.
Her father, Robert Zane, was a name partner at a rival firm, which added another layer of complexity. Rachel wasn’t just fighting to become a lawyer; she was fighting to step out of her father’s shadow and prove herself on her own merits.
The Romantic Journey
The relationship between Rachel and Mike Ross became one of the central story lines of Suits. Their chemistry was undeniable from early seasons, and watching their relationship develop through various obstacles kept audiences invested. Meghan and Patrick J. Adams, who played Mike, had genuine on-screen chemistry that made their romance believable and engaging.
Their relationship wasn’t just romantic fluff either. It dealt with serious issues like Mike’s secret about not actually being a lawyer, trust, commitment, and what it means to truly know and accept someone. These story lines gave Meghan opportunities to showcase emotional range and depth.
Life on Set: The Suits Experience
Working on Suits provided Meghan with stability and creative fulfillment during those seven years. The show filmed in Toronto, creating a unique production environment compared to Los Angeles-based series.
The Cast Dynamic
By all accounts, the Suits cast developed genuine friendships that extended beyond the set. Meghan formed particularly close bonds with Patrick J. Adams and other core cast members. These relationships contributed to the natural chemistry viewers saw on screen.
The ensemble nature of Suits meant that Meghan worked closely with talented actors including Gabriel Macht, Rick Hoffman, Sarah Rafferty, and Gina Torres. Each brought their own strengths to the table, creating an environment where actors could learn from each other and elevate their performances.
Professional Growth
Seven seasons on a network television show provided Meghan with invaluable experience and exposure. She appeared in over one hundred episodes, each one offering opportunities to refine her craft, experiment with different emotional beats, and develop as an actress.
The demanding production schedule of a network drama taught discipline and professionalism. Long days on set, memorizing substantial amounts of dialogue, and maintaining consistency across episodes and seasons all contributed to Meghan’s growth as a professional.
Financial Stability
While exact salary figures for Meghan’s time on Suits aren’t publicly available, being a series regular on a successful cable drama provided financial security that many actors never achieve. This stability allowed her to pursue other interests, including her humanitarian work and lifestyle blogging through The Tig, without the constant pressure of auditioning for the next job.
The Unexpected Twist: Meeting Prince Harry
In July 2016, while still actively working on Suits, Meghan’s life took an unexpected turn. She was set up on a blind date with Prince Harry, and the connection was immediate and powerful. This chance meeting would ultimately lead to the biggest decision of her professional life.
Their relationship developed quickly despite the challenges of long distance and intense media scrutiny. Harry was based in London while Meghan was filming in Toronto. The couple navigated these early stages largely in private, though rumors began circulating almost immediately.
As their relationship became serious, Meghan faced an impossible choice. Continuing as an actress, particularly on a show filmed in another country, would be incompatible with the responsibilities and expectations of joining the British Royal Family. The life of a working royal doesn’t accommodate filming schedules that require nine months a year in Toronto.
The decision to leave Suits wasn’t just about leaving a job. It meant leaving behind a career she had worked for years to build, a character she loved playing, friendships she cherished, and a significant part of her identity. The choice reflected the depth of her feelings for Harry and her willingness to embrace an entirely new path.
Rachel’s Exit: A Fitting Farewell
Meghan departed Suits and her role as Rachel Zane in the Season 7 finale, with her character’s exit coinciding with her on-screen wedding to Mike Ross, played by Patrick J. Adams, who also left the show at the same time. The writers crafted an ending that honored Rachel’s journey and provided closure for one of the show’s central relationships.
The wedding episode served as both a celebration and a goodbye. Rachel finally achieved her dream of becoming a lawyer and married the man she loved. The couple then moved away from New York to Seattle, where Mike would work on legal aid cases and Rachel could continue building her career away from her father’s shadow.
For viewers who had followed Rachel’s story for seven seasons, this ending felt earned and satisfying. She got the career she fought for, the relationship she cherished, and a new beginning full of possibility. It was the kind of happy ending that television doesn’t always provide, and it allowed Meghan to exit the show on a high note.
The timing aligned with Meghan’s real-life preparation for her royal wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018. The parallels between Rachel finding her happy ending and Meghan embarking on her own new chapter weren’t lost on audiences.
Suits After Meghan: The Show Continued
After the departure of both Meghan Markle and Patrick J. Adams, Suits continued for two additional seasons. The show introduced new characters and storylines to fill the void left by Rachel and Mike’s exit.
The series brought in new actors and shifted focus to other characters who had been part of the ensemble. Harvey Specter, Louis Litt, and Donna Paulsen became even more central to the narrative. The show explored new dynamics and relationships while maintaining the quick-witted banter and legal drama that had defined it from the beginning.
Suits concluded in September 2019 after nine seasons and a total of 134 episodes. While some fans felt the show lost something vital with Meghan and Patrick’s departure, others appreciated the evolution and enjoyed the final seasons on their own merits.
The series finale provided closure for all the remaining characters, ending a nearly decade-long run that had become a staple of USA Network’s programming and a cultural touchstone for fans of legal dramas.
The Netflix Renaissance: Suits Becomes a Phenomenon
Years after the series concluded, something remarkable happened. Suits experienced explosive renewed popularity after arriving on Netflix, spending a month in the weekly Top 10 and becoming the most streamed show of 2023.
This resurgence took everyone by surprise. The show had performed well during its original run but wasn’t considered a massive hit on the level of prestige dramas or network juggernauts. Yet when it landed on Netflix, something clicked with audiences, particularly younger viewers who may have been too young to watch during the original broadcast.
The series topped Nielsen’s streaming charts for a record twelve weeks consecutively and finished 2023 with a cumulative 57.7 billion viewing minutes, surpassing the previous record held by The Office. These numbers weren’t just impressive; they were historic, representing one of the most successful streaming catalog acquisitions ever.
Why Did Suits Explode on Netflix?
Several factors contributed to this unexpected renaissance. The show’s binge-able format, with seasons ranging from twelve to sixteen episodes, made it perfect for streaming consumption. The quick-paced dialogue, stylish cinematography, and relatively light tone provided escapism that resonated with viewers facing uncertain times.
The timing also played a role. Suits arrived on Netflix during the writers’ and actors’ strikes when new content production had halted. Audiences hungry for entertainment turned to catalog content, and Suits benefited enormously from this dynamic.
Additionally, Meghan’s connection to the show undoubtedly drove some curiosity. People who knew her only as the Duchess of Sussex became curious about her acting work and discovered they genuinely enjoyed the show.
A New Generation Discovers Rachel Zane
For viewers discovering Suits for the first time in 2023 and 2024, Meghan’s performance as Rachel Zane revealed her talent and charisma. Younger audiences who primarily knew her from tabloid headlines got to see the work that established her career and understand why she had been successful in Hollywood before her royal marriage.
The streaming success also sparked new appreciation for the entire cast and created demand for more Suits content, ultimately leading to the development of a spinoff series.
The Legacy: Suits LA and Continued Impact
The immense surge in popularity prompted NBCUniversal to develop a new spinoff series titled Suits LA, starring Stephen Amell. This spinoff represents a direct result of the streaming success and demonstrates how catalog content can drive new productions.
While Meghan won’t be involved in Suits LA, the success of the original series benefits everyone associated with it. The renewed interest has brought attention to the cast members’ current projects and created opportunities that might not have existed otherwise.
Meghan has discussed her past on Suits and acknowledged the future of Suits LA, showing that she maintains fondness for the show that defined so much of her professional life.
What Suits Meant for Meghan’s Journey
Looking back, Suits was more than just a stepping stone in Meghan Markle’s life. It provided her with professional accomplishment, financial security, and a platform that extended beyond just acting. The show gave her visibility and credibility that served her well in her humanitarian work and advocacy.
Professional Validation
After years of smaller roles and guest appearances, Suits proved that Meghan could carry significant story lines and be a central part of an ensemble cast. The role validated her talent and work ethic, demonstrating that persistence in a difficult industry could pay off.
Financial Independence
The stability of seven seasons meant Meghan entered her relationship with Prince Harry as an established professional with her own career and financial independence. This foundation shaped how she approached her new role and the expectations she had for maintaining some level of professional identity.
A Launching Pad for Advocacy
The platform Suits provided allowed Meghan to amplify causes she cared about. She used her increasing visibility to speak about gender equality, to work with organizations like World Vision and the United Nations, and to establish herself as someone concerned with making a positive impact beyond entertainment.
Lessons from the Suits Experience
Meghan’s time on Suits offers several valuable lessons about career, choices, and adaptation.
Success Takes Time
Meghan didn’t become an overnight success. She worked consistently for years before landing Rachel Zane. The patience and persistence required to build an acting career demonstrate that significant accomplishments rarely happen quickly.
Be Ready When Opportunity Arrives
When the opportunity to audition for Suits came, Meghan was prepared. Years of work on smaller projects had honed her skills and professionalism. Success often looks like sudden luck but usually rests on a foundation of preparation.
Nothing is Permanent
At the height of her success on Suits, with job security and growing recognition, Meghan chose to walk away for something completely different. This willingness to close one chapter to begin another, even when the outcome was uncertain, took courage and vision.
Own Your Choices
Leaving Suits meant leaving behind a significant part of her identity and income. Meghan owned that decision, understanding that growth sometimes requires letting go of good things to pursue great things, even when the path forward is unclear.
The Continued Fascination
Years after Meghan’s departure from the show, interest in her Suits era remains strong. New viewers discovering the series through streaming want to understand this chapter of her life. Long-time fans enjoy revisiting episodes with fresh perspective, knowing where Meghan’s journey would lead.
The dichotomy between Rachel Zane and the Duchess of Sussex fascinates people. The same woman who played an ambitious paralegal in designer suits now attends state functions and navigates complex royal protocols. Yet anyone watching Suits can see the intelligence, poise, and determination that made both roles possible.
Social media keeps conversations about Meghan’s Suits era alive. Clips from memorable episodes circulate regularly, particularly scenes showcasing Rachel’s best moments or the chemistry between her and Mike. These moments remind people that before everything else, Meghan was a working actress who earned her success through talent and dedication.
FAQs
How many seasons was Meghan Markle on Suits?
Meghan Markle appeared on Suits from 2011 to 2017, spanning seven complete seasons. She joined the show at its inception and remained one of the core cast members throughout her tenure. Her character Rachel Zane was central to numerous major storylines during these seven seasons, appearing in over one hundred episodes.
The decision to leave after Season 7 coincided with her engagement to Prince Harry and her preparation for joining the British Royal Family. Her departure marked the end of one of the show’s most popular character arcs and one of its central relationships.
Why did Meghan Markle leave Suits?
Meghan Markle left Suits because of her engagement to Prince Harry and the resulting need to relocate to London and assume responsibilities as a working member of the Royal Family. The demands of filming a television series in Toronto for nine months each year simply weren’t compatible with her new role.
Additionally, royal protocol and the expectations placed on senior royals made continuing an acting career essentially impossible. The decision required her to step away from a successful career she had worked years to build. Her final episode aired as part of Season 7 in early 2018, just months before her royal wedding in May of that year.
Did Meghan Markle meet Prince Harry while filming Suits?
Yes, Meghan Markle met Prince Harry in July 2016 while she was still actively filming Suits in Toronto. They were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend, and their connection was immediate despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship. During their courtship, Meghan continued working on Suits while Harry was based in London, requiring them to navigate both physical distance and intense media scrutiny.
Their relationship became public in November 2016, and they announced their engagement in November 2017. Throughout this period, Meghan balanced her commitment to finishing her contracted seasons on Suits with building her relationship with Harry.
Is Suits based on a true story?
No, Suits is not based on a true story or real events. The series is a fictional legal drama created by Aaron Korsh that follows lawyers at a fictional New York law firm. While the show depicts realistic legal scenarios and captures the atmosphere of corporate law firms, the characters and their stories are entirely fictional.
The central premise about Mike Ross practicing law without a law degree is particularly fictional, as such a situation would be illegal and extremely unlikely in real life. However, the show does incorporate realistic elements of legal practice, office dynamics, and the high-pressure environment of corporate law to create believable storylines that resonated with audiences.
Will Meghan Markle return to Suits LA?
There has been no indication that Meghan Markle will appear in Suits LA, the upcoming spinoff series. As a working member of the Royal Family, even with her and Harry’s stepped-back roles, returning to acting would be complicated by protocol and public expectations. Additionally, Meghan has moved on to other pursuits including her production company, her lifestyle brand, and her family life with Prince Harry and their children.
While she has spoken fondly about her time on the original Suits and acknowledged the spinoff’s development, a return to acting seems unlikely given her current priorities and circumstances. Suits LA will feature an entirely new cast led by Stephen Amell, exploring new characters and storylines in Los Angeles.
Conclusion
The story of Meghan Markle and Suits is ultimately about transformation. It’s about a talented actress who found her breakthrough role and brought depth and humanity to a character that resonated with millions. It’s about making difficult choices, leaving behind something good to pursue something different, and embracing change even when the path forward is uncertain.
Rachel Zane will remain frozen in time, forever the smart, determined paralegal who became a lawyer and found her happy ending. Meghan Markle continues evolving, navigating challenges and opportunities that would have been unimaginable when she first stepped onto the Suits set in 2011.
For seven seasons, Suits provided the world with memorable legal drama, sharp dialogue, and compelling characters. Meghan’s contribution to that success deserves recognition separate from everything that came after. She brought Rachel Zane to life with authenticity and skill, creating a character who still resonates with audiences discovering the show years after it ended.
Whatever else Meghan Markle accomplishes in her life, she will always be Rachel Zane to Suits fans. That’s not a limitation but a testament to how effectively she embodied a character who continues inspiring and entertaining viewers around the world. The show was lightning in a bottle, a perfect combination of casting, writing, and timing that created something special. Meghan’s seven-season journey on Suits will forever remain an important chapter in television history and in her own remarkable story.
