USA has officially renewed its original drama series Suits for an eight season. However, it's also been confirmed today that stars Patrick J. Adams and Meghan Markle are exiting the series in the seventh season finale.
The network announced today that the final six episodes of the seventh season will begin airing on Wednesday, March 28 at 9/8c. The season will end with a two-hour, wedding-themed finale on Wednesday, April 25.
In an attempt to help fill the void by Adams and Markle's exit, the drama has promoted Dulé Hill to series regular for the eighth season. He joins returning stars Gabriel Macht, Sarah Rafferty and Rick Hoffman.
Aaron Korsh created the drama. He executive produces with Doug Liman, David Bartis, Gene Klein, Rick Muirragui, Genevieve Sparling and Christopher Misiano. Universal Cable Productions and Hypnotic Entertainment produce.
"After seven seasons, Suits remains one of USA's most beloved and popular series," said Chris McCumber, President of Entertainment Networks, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. "While we're excited for season eight, everyone at USA will deeply miss Patrick and Meghan, and are grateful for the talent and commitment they brought to Suits season after season. We wish each of them nothing but the very best."
"I would like to thank Patrick and Meghan for their extraordinary contributions over the last seven years," added Korsh. "Not only have they been outstanding in their roles as Mike and Rachel, they are also superb human beings who will always be beloved members of the Suits family, and we wish them well in their days to come. Speaking of days to come, I am incredibly excited to welcome back our phenomenal crew and cast - Gabriel, Sarah, Rick and Dulé - who will continue the roller coaster ride with all of our amazing fans. Season eight will have everything from shifting alliances and internal power plays, to secrets, betrayals and fiery relationships. Keep an eye out for an adversarial new character that will give Harvey a run for his money."
"It's hard for me to imagine what words, in what order would sufficiently express my love and gratitude to all of the people who have made the last seven years possible," said Adams. "From my unbelievably talented cast mates to our relentlessly committed crew, to the brilliant minds at USA, UCP and Hypnotic, to the legions of fans all over the world, every one of them dedicating so much of their time, energy and talent to make Suits what it is today - one of the most beloved and successful shows on television. So I will choose the simplest words I Have. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. It has been an honor working with and for each and everyone one of you. Mike Ross has taught me a lot about commitment, hard work and the power of believing in yourself and I feel blessed that now we both get to walk out into the lives that we never dreamed we would actually be lucky enough to live. I'm excited to now step across the screen and become solely a fan of a show that I know has much more in store in the years to come. I wish everyone involved the best and am excited to see what kind of trouble they'll get themselves in and out of from here on out."
