Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was known for her role as Rachel Zane in the popular legal drama, Suits. The show, which originally aired from 2011 to 2018, has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to its availability on streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock. With over 45 billion minutes streamed combined, fans are revisiting the series that catapulted Markle into stardom.
The Rise of Suits and Its Impact
Suits follows the story of Mike Ross, a brilliant but unmotivated college dropout, who is recruited by Harvey Specter, one of Manhattan's top corporate lawyers. Despite not being a lawyer himself, Mike's photographic memory and street smarts make him an invaluable asset to Harvey's firm. The show quickly gained a loyal following for its sharp dialogue, complex characters, and engaging plotlines.
Meghan Markle played the role of Rachel Zane, a paralegal turned associate attorney, for seven seasons. Her character was pivotal to the show's success, bringing depth and emotional complexity to the storyline. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Markle expressed her surprise at the renewed interest in Suits, stating, I'm not surprised that people are rediscovering 'Suits,' because it was so well-crafted and resonated with audiences on multiple levels.
A New Chapter: Suits: LA
With the original series concluding in 2018, fans were thrilled when Suits: LA premiered on NBC. Gabriel Macht, who portrayed Harvey Specter, returned for the spinoff primarily due to overwhelming fan demand. Speaking to USA TODAY, Macht shared insights into his return, noting how he reconnected with his iconic character after several years away from the role.
Meghan Markle, now a prominent global figure, remains closely tied to the Suits universe. She has openly discussed her fondness for the show and its impact on her career. Although written out of the series a year before her engagement to Prince Harry, Markle retains an open invitation to return should she choose to revisit her acting roots. Creator Aaron Korsh emphasized this point, acknowledging the significant role Markle played during her time on the show.
Analyzing Meghan Markle's Performance
Critics and fans alike have debated Meghan Markle's acting abilities throughout her tenure on Suits. Many appreciate the chemistry she brought to her scenes, particularly the unspoken romantic tension between Rachel and Mike Ross. This dynamic added layers to their relationship, making it one of the most memorable aspects of the series.
Despite some critics suggesting her performances lacked variety, others argue that consistency was key to maintaining Rachel Zane's strong persona. As a character driven by ambition and resilience, Markle's portrayal aligned perfectly with the show's themes of hard work and perseverance. Her ability to convey these traits contributed significantly to the show's enduring appeal.
Legacy Beyond Suits
Since retiring from acting, Meghan Markle has embraced her role as the Duchess of Sussex, using her platform to advocate for various social causes. However, her connection to Suits persists, especially as new audiences discover the series through streaming services. Fans continue to celebrate her contributions to the show, recognizing both her talent and influence within the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, Suits remains a beloved series that continues to captivate viewers worldwide. Its resurgence on platforms like Netflix and Peacock highlights the timeless nature of its storytelling and characters. For many, Meghan Markle's portrayal of Rachel Zane stands out as a defining element of the show, cementing her place in television history even as she pursues new ventures beyond the screen.