Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

I’ve been utterly captivated by the lives and careers of these Suits stars! It’s truly astounding to see how their journeys have intertwined, both on and off-screen. From the humble beginnings of a legal drama to real-life royal weddings, it’s a tale that could only be penned in the annals of Hollywood.


Well isn’t this a bunch of poppycock. Sorry, sorry, bulls–t

When asked about his feelings when Meghan Markle started dating Prince Harry back in 2016, Suits creator Aaron Korsh didn’t clam up. Instead, he candidly shared that he was almost as excited as everyone else. He explained that his first thought was something like, “We’re dating a prince!” during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2023.

But there were some moments that he admitted were just “a little irritating.” 

Revisit the heartfelt conversation between Rachel Zane, portrayed by Meghan Markle, and her romantic partner, Mike Ross, played by Patrick J. Adams, which stirred quite a bit of excitement among the royal family.

Korsh shared that when sensitive topics arise within his wife Kate Korsh’s family, they often refer to it as “poppycock.” In an episode, Mike and Rachel were about to have a significant conversation, and in honor of his in-laws, they intended for her to say, “‘My family would say poppycock.'” However, the royal family objected to her using that word.

In my line of work as a lifestyle expert, I found myself in a unique situation where we had to avoid using certain phrases that might offend our audience. Originally, we intended to use ‘poppycock,’ but due to concerns about using words associated with ‘cock,’ we switched it to ‘bullshit’ instead. I wasn’t thrilled about this change because I had previously informed my in-laws that the term ‘poppycock’ would be part of our show.

Regarding other topics that his family found uninteresting to discuss, he mentioned, “There were possibly a couple more subjects, but I’m unable to recall them now.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

Good news for Suits enthusiasts, both old and new ones who started watching the legal drama on Netflix last June, four years after its 2019 conclusion – there’s not much that Aaron Korsh, the creator of the series, couldn’t remember as he cheerfully answered The Hollywood Reporter’s interrogation about the inception of the USA show. It premiered on June 23, 2011, where Patrick J. Adams’ character Mike secured a sought-after job at a prestigious law firm without having an actual law degree (Spoiler alert: Korsh’s initial concept was more like a blend of Entourage and Wall Street.).

And that’s just one piece of evidence we dug up for our Suits study guide. 

If you’ve been a fan of Suits for a long time or if you jumped on the bandwagon last summer and can’t wait for the NBC spinoff, Suits: L.A., to premiere in February, you don’t want to be outdone by more devoted fans. Get ready, sharpen your pencils, and put on your best blouse as we prepare for a new semester.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

Initially, Aaron Korsh, the creator of Suits, didn’t believe he had a strong case when he presented his initial script to potential buyers. During the writers’ strike in 2008, Korsh’s agent advised him to develop his stories about Harvey Specter, a former finance executive, into a TV series. As a budding comedy writer, Korsh explained to The Hollywood Reporter, “I set out to write something in the style of Entourage but with a Wall Street setting. What I ended up writing was an hour-long show instead. It wasn’t a thriller per se, but it had more dramatic elements, including unexpected twists and turns.

Without anticipating a favorable outcome, he added, ” frankly, I never imagined anyone would purchase this series. I was simply attempting to create a sample that someone might read and possibly offer me a job based on it.

In altering it for the USA pilot version, the original team of investment bankers (led by Mike Ross, played by Patrick J. Adams) were changed to a band of top-tier lawyers. This shift, according to Korsh, increased the dramatic tension since Mike, who hadn’t earned a degree or passed the bar exam, was no longer just deceiving his way into a wealthy career; instead, he was engaging in illegal activities. Korsh explained that this change also opened up possibilities for exploring numerous ethical dilemmas given the nature of the legal profession.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

2. Korsh disagreed with the network regarding their suggested edits. He mentioned that during the first season, they were insistent on having a standalone case each week, which he found himself frequently receiving instructions to add more scenes focusing on the weekly client.

He explained to THR that he would include scenes and then remove them. “Nobody ever asked me to restore them,” he added, “and no one seemed to notice! The following year, they said, ‘Actually, you don’t need a standalone episode.’

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

3. In New York welcome! Despite only filming parts of the series within the city itself, production had to think outside the box when they relocated to Toronto. Two massive murals – one for daytime shots and another for nighttime – were used to replicate Manhattan’s grand skyline, serving as a backdrop for all office sets.

As the passionate admirer I am, Sarah Rafferty (the legal secretary turned COO, Donna Paulsen), perfectly captured my feelings when she said on TikTok, “In essence, New York City feels like one massive shower curtain.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

4. During the audition for the role of Mike, a fearless college dropout who leveraged his exceptional photographic memory and legal expertise to secure a top-tier legal position, Adams delivered an impressive closing argument.

He mentioned that he was let go from a television show named “Friends With Benefits” back in 2011, and it was a highly visible termination. Later on, he had to confront the producers and assertively ask for the job during an audition, promising not to disappoint them and vowing to work harder than anyone they’d ever encountered. Those words were the most effortless he’d ever spoken.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

5. Regarding Meghan Markle, who is set to become a duchess and was initially cast as paralegal Rachel Zane following roles in TV shows like ‘The League’ and ‘Without a Trace’, she showed up to her audition wearing denim and a strappy top. Feeling somewhat underdressed, as she shared in her 2017 cover interview with Vanity Fair, she quickly ran to H&M and purchased a $35 little black dress.

Turns out, the purchase turned out to be shrewd since she needed a more formal attire. However, what truly made her shine and ultimately compete with actress Kim Shaw for the role was her exceptional chemistry with Adams. As Jeff Wachtel, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment’s chief content officer, shared with The Hollywood Reporter: “They clicked instantly. It was delightful.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

6. It wasn’t just coincidence that Markle felt a powerful bond with the dedicated law student, Rachel. In an interview with Marie Claire in 2013, she explained, “Rachel and I are quite alike: ambitious, goal-oriented, always ready to tackle challenges head-on.” They both had a habit of being self-critical (“I’m harder on myself than anyone else could ever be”), and they both appreciated fresh, locally-sourced food.

Markle mentioned that her character shares her love for food since she herself is a confirmed food enthusiast. Notably, she donned her personal jewelry throughout the series, including her cherished grandmother’s charm bracelet and preferred signet ring. In essence, she’s constantly on a mission to discover exceptional new eateries and innovative recipes.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

7. Gina Torres successfully persuaded casting directors to change their decision, initially intending the role of Jessica Pearson (managing partner) to be played by a man. For the actress who previously starred in 24, the fact that she was a woman in her 40s with decades of experience in her profession gave Jessica depth. As she explained to Entertainment Weekly, Jessica’s character was “fully embodied” by the Harvard graduate.

She shared that playing that character had a significant impact on her, and it left an impression on some as being intimidating. However, for others, it served as an inspiration, even sparking feelings of admiration in them at times.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

8. The situation seemed nearly resolved when Jessica (who was then married to Laurence Fishburn) chose to leave the show at the end of her contract in 2016. Korsh shared with The Hollywood Reporter, the plan was for Jessica to move to Chicago with her boyfriend (D.B. Woodside), but a vengeful former client would end her life instead. “I didn’t believe we’d witness it; we’d just hear about it,” he explained. “It would shock everyone and we’d then jump ahead two years in time.

Despite initial objections from the network, the decision was made in the process of scripting the episode to grant her a content ending, according to Korsh. He further explained, “This conclusion indeed keeps the possibility alive for her potential return or even launching her own standalone series titled after her character.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

9. In numerous aspects, Gabriel Macht seamlessly took on the role of the powerful lawyer Harvey Specter. As a native of NYC, he shared his background with The TV Addict before the 2011 premiere: “My sister was a former Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx,” he said, “and my aunt practiced family law. One of my closest friends was a top corporate attorney in LA, and my cousin specialized in family law as well, being a divorce attorney. I’ve been surrounded by it all my life, so I’ve picked up on various details here and there. When I receive the scripts each week, I don’t need to look up legal terms because I’m already familiar with them.

However, he raised concerns about the shooting spot (stating that he admires Toronto and its crew, but believes the story should be filmed in New York, as he explained to Metro back in 2012) and Harvey’s appearance. Regarding Harvey’s hairstyle, he found it unappealing (describing it as “icky and crispy”), but acknowledged that it suits him well.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

10. Although fans may have hoped for it, the romantic pairing of managing partner Harvey and Donna wasn’t a certainty in the creator’s mind. In his own words, “When I penned the pilot script, I didn’t think, ‘Harvey and Donna are meant to be together,’ or even, ‘Will they become the main romantic question?’ However, we did explore that dynamic with Mike and Rachel.” He admitted to USA, “Should we keep them together, and if so, how do we navigate that?

Indeed, it’s true that he acknowledged the passionate #Darvey fans on social platforms, stating that their voices were disproportionately loud compared to those who aren’t as vocal. He even jokingly suggested that these fans make up 240% of the viewership. In the end, he succumbed to their demands, concluding the series with an unexpected and impromptu wedding for the beloved couple.

11. In a 2012 interview with Blast magazine, the actor shared that he and Macht have been friends for about 20 years. Their daughters, Satine (his with wife Jacinda Barrett) and Oona (Macht’s with Santtu Seppälä), are best friends as well. He also mentioned that they have attended each other’s weddings, indicating a very close friendship between the two families.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

12. Rick Hoffman frequently found himself surrounded by his fluffy co-stars, despite his character, Louis Litt, being a cat lover. However, due to Hoffman’s severe allergies, the production team kept EpiPens and inhalers handy during scenes involving him and cats.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

13. Mike boasted an exceptional ability to memorize images, whereas Adams demonstrated proficiency in photography. Most of the photos hanging in Rachel’s office were actually taken by Adams, and he also posts other photographs on his Instagram account.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

14. Although the series saw a rise in popularity when it started streaming on Netflix in 2023, dedicated fans have been supporting it since its early days. Notably, Olympic champion Michael Phelps appeared in season three, and basketball legend Charles Barkley was so enthusiastic that he even juggled to feature in season five.

In 2015, the former NBA power forward turned TNT sports analyst told THR that it was really exciting for him because when they heard him boasting about the show, they invited him and he responded, “I need to make it happen.” Currently, during playoffs, their busy period, the only day off they have is Friday. He said, “I don’t care. My day off, we’re heading up to Toronto.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

15. Regarding Katherine Heigl, she openly pursued creator Korsh in order to secure a role on the series for its final two seasons. In an interview with TopMob News, she shared that she “sold herself” for the part of new partner Samantha Wheeler by directly approaching Korsh. When he mentioned being busy during the eighth season, her response was, “Are you really? Do you need any help? Because I’m here and ready to go!

She admitted it was quite an effective approach. “From now on, I plan to use this method consistently,” she added. “I’ll reach out to the creators of my favorite TV series and ask them, ‘Is there a role for a new character that I could potentially fill?’

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

I was keenly anticipating Meghan Markle’s transformation into a princess. Although she didn’t officially announce her departure from Suits until after her November 2017 engagement, I had already started planning for her exit several months prior.

He had suspected for nearly a year that their relationship was developing strongly,” he admitted to The Telegraph. “I chose not to pry because I respected his privacy, so I didn’t ask questions like ‘What’s happening? What are your plans?’ As the season unfolded, I hoped for positive events in Meghan’s life, which probably meant her departure from the show, so let’s prepare for that possibility.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

In a fitting turn of events, the season seven finale found Rachel Markle being escorted to Seattle by her very own prince—charming indeed! This occasion also marked the chance for them to establish their own law firm together. However, their wedding was originally planned for two seasons prior, but Mike’s incarceration delayed their nuptials.

In the initial storyline, we were set to get married, but it struck me as a bit overly sentimental when we read through it, Adams shared with TopMob News. Yet, everyone was prepared to go ahead with it, and I couldn’t help but think, this is all too much like a TV show. It felt like we were cramming in everything – getting married, going to jail.

In the end, Korsh heard about the discussions and opted for a late revision. According to Adams, refusing the wedding seemed more crucial, so the new pages were delivered just a day prior, indicating it wouldn’t be a wedding.

Read Up on These Suits Secrets While You Binge-Watch

18. On Markle’s special day with her real-life prince, the entire cast got dressed up together, as if they were one big family. Korsh pointed out that it was indeed a family affair when they all went in 2018 for the vows. “There were approximately 10 of us,” he said, “it was almost surreal.

And there was no chance of any of them RSVPing no.

Rafferty said, “For all those years, we collaborated on the show. It was an incredible journey. We spent more time together than we did with friends during our school days, and yet here we are, not just colleagues, but more like family. In essence, this is a beautiful family event.

Read More

2024-11-28 11:19