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Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was known to millions as Rachel Zane, the sharp-witted paralegal-turned-lawyer on the hit legal drama Suits. The show, which originally aired from 2011 to 2018, has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Markle expressed her surprise and delight at the show's enduring appeal: I'm not surprised that people are rediscovering 'Suits,' because it was so well-crafted, she said.
The Cast of Suits
Suits boasted an ensemble cast that included Gabriel Macht as the charismatic Harvey Specter, Patrick J. Adams as the brilliant but unlicensed lawyer Mike Ross, Sarah Rafferty as Donna Paulsen, Rick Hoffman as Louis Litt, and Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane. Together, they created a compelling narrative centered around the high-stakes world of corporate law in Manhattan. The series ran for nine seasons, with Markle leaving after the seventh season to focus on her royal duties following her engagement to Prince Harry.
A New Chapter: Suits: LA
Gabriel Macht returned for the spinoff series Suits: LA, reprising his role as Harvey Specter. In an interview with USA TODAY, Macht discussed how he prepared to step back into character after several years away. Meanwhile, fans have speculated about whether Meghan Markle might make a guest appearance in the new series. While no official announcement has been made, Markle has stated that she holds fond memories of her time on the show and would be open to returning under the right circumstances.
Rachel Zane: A Character Study
Rachel Zane, portrayed by Meghan Markle, was one of the standout characters on Suits. Her journey from a paralegal to a successful attorney resonated with viewers who admired her determination and resilience. Markle's portrayal of Rachel earned critical acclaim and helped establish her as a rising star in Hollywood before transitioning to her current role as a member of the British monarchy.
Behind the Scenes
In addition to her acting career, Meghan Markle is also known for her advocacy work and humanitarian efforts. During her tenure on Suits, she balanced her demanding schedule with activism, using her platform to raise awareness about issues such as gender equality and education. Even today, she credits her experiences on the show with shaping her approach to public service.
Fan Engagement and Streaming Success
The Suits community remains vibrant, with over 141,000 subscribers on Reddit discussing everything from plot twists to character development. The show's success on streaming platforms has further fueled fan interest, with Nielsen reporting that Suits recently surpassed 45 billion minutes streamed across Netflix and Peacock. This remarkable achievement underscores the show's lasting impact and its ability to captivate new audiences long after its original run concluded.
Markle's Reflections
When asked about the show's newfound popularity, Meghan Markle admitted she couldn't quite explain it but embraced the enthusiasm wholeheartedly. Isn't that wild? she remarked during a conversation with PEOPLE. Despite stepping away from acting, Markle continues to cherish her memories of working on Suits and maintains friendships with many members of the cast and crew.
Future Possibilities
While there's no definitive word yet on whether Meghan Markle will return to the Suits universe, creator Aaron Korsh has indicated that the door remains open. In fact, Korsh revealed that he took a calculated risk when writing Markle's character out of the series, believing her real-life relationship with Prince Harry would endure. Regardless of what happens next, the legacy of Suits continues to grow, proving that great storytelling transcends time and place.
