Patrick J. Adams' exit from Suits was about more than just wrapping up the storyline of Mike Ross. It was also a chance to focus on his mental health and family. Fans had thought Meghan Markle’s royal wedding might’ve influenced his decision. However, Adams recently revealed it was more about stepping away from Harvey Specter’s shadow and having a life outside the show.
As Suits finds a second wind in streaming and Suits: LA picks up the legal baton, let’s dig into why Mike Ross truly left the building.
“Too much booze and not enough balance”: Patrick J. Adams’ breaking point
In an emotional revelation on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Dinner’s On Me podcast, Adams pulled back the curtain on his struggles during season 7:
"I wasn’t taking good care of my mental health, and I was drinking too much [at] the end of season seven. I was pretty miserable... pretty depressed. I didn’t have the tools to deal with that depression beyond just spending money and drinking too much, and not really knowing how to talk about it."
For Adams, the high-stakes world of Suits mirrored his personal chaos. His excessive drinking was taking a toll not just on his own well-being but on his marriage and his ability to be a present father.
"That for me was a breaking point," he admitted. "I think I should stop drinking probably, because I don’t wanna be that dad."
Adams' honesty is more than welcome. In an environment where the lines between character and self might sometimes become blurred, it is sometimes (or most of the time, maybe?) difficult to balance personal health and the pressures of a hit TV show.
While Suits fans were saddened by his exit, knowing his reasons makes the decision both bittersweet and understandable.
The royal factor? How Meghan Markle’s departure tied into Adams’ exit
It’s impossible to talk about Patrick J. Adams’ departure without addressing the elephant in the room: Meghan Markle. As Rachel Zane, Markle was the other half of Suits’ central romantic dynamic, and her engagement to Prince Harry meant she’d be leaving the series by the end of season 7.
Korsh, the creator of Suits, decided to give both Mike and Rachel a send-off that felt organic to their characters. Following their long-awaited wedding, the duo left New York to start fresh in Seattle. The timing was perfect, but Adams clarified that his decision to leave wasn’t directly tied to Markle’s royal chapter.
"The only reason to stay was... money," Adams admitted. "I didn’t know what else to offer. It was the right thing for my marriage... it was time."
The streaming phenomenon: Suits’ unexpected renaissance
In 2023, Suits showed that no series is truly "old" in the streaming era. After arriving on Netflix, it became a global hit, topping charts and drawing new viewers. More than a mere revival, Suits stayed a top binge-watch for years after its finale.
Suits isn’t alone in its resurgence. Shows like Breaking Bad and The Office also found new life on streaming, tapping into nostalgia while attracting fresh viewers. This is why and how Suits: LA came to be—by capitalizing on the revival.
Starring Stephen Amell as Ted Black and Josh McDermitt as Stuart Lane, Suits: LA moves the story to the West Coast, mixing high-stakes cases with a sunny setting. The spinoff might include cameos from original cast members, like Patrick J. Adams, paying tribute to the original show while developing its own identity.
Adams' exit left a big gap in Suits, as the dynamic between Mike and Harvey was central to the series. Without Mike, Harvey became more introspective, and his absence was felt.
Season 8 brought in new characters, like Katherine Heigl’s Samantha Wheeler, to freshen things up. While the show adapted, fans continued to miss Mike Ross’ quick wit and eidetic memory. His departure marked the end of an era, even as the series found new ways to keep viewers engaged.
Conclusion: why Mike Ross’ exit still matters
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Patrick J. Adams’ departure from Suits wasn’t just a personal decision—it was a reminder that sometimes, stepping back is the most courageous move. His honesty about the struggles he faced adds a new layer of depth to the legacy of Mike Ross, making his story even more impactful.
As Suits: LA prepares to take the courtroom by storm, the door remains open for Adams to return, even if just for a brief appearance. And while the original Suits may have ended, its legacy—much like its iconic theme song—keeps on humming.
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