When Aaron Korsh, the mastermind behind the hit series Suits, was recently asked about Meghan Markle’s initial romance with Prince Harry back in 2016, he didn’t hold back.
In a candid interview, Korsh shared his excitement about the royal connection, admitting that it felt surreal to have someone from his show dating a prince.
“Your first reaction is like, wow, we’re dating a prince!” he exclaimed, capturing the thrill of the moment.
However, not everything was smooth sailing.
Korsh recounted some frustrating experiences while navigating the sensitivities of the royal family.
One particular instance involved a line from Markle’s character, Rachel Zane.
In an episode, she was supposed to say “poppycock,” a nod to Korsh’s in-laws.
But the royal family objected, fearing it could be misconstrued.
Instead, the dialogue was altered to “bull’s tea,” much to Korsh’s dismay, as he had already shared the original line with his family.
Korsh’s journey to creating Suits was anything but straightforward.
When he first pitched the idea, he didn’t expect much success.
After a writer’s strike in 2008, his agent suggested he turn his stories about a former finance executive into a television series.
Initially aiming for a comedic tone akin to Entourage, Korsh ended up crafting a more dramatic narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns.
The show’s premise shifted significantly from its initial concept.
The protagonist, Mike Ross, played by Patrick J. Adams, transitioned from an investment banker to a high-powered attorney.
This change raised the stakes dramatically, as Mike, who never graduated college, was not just bending the rules; he was breaking the law.
Korsh noted that this shift allowed for deeper ethical dilemmas to unfold throughout the series.
While Korsh embraced many aspects of the network’s feedback, he found himself at odds with certain requests, particularly the insistence on a “case of the week” format during the first season.
He often received notes to include more client-centered scenes, but he would ultimately cut them out during editing.
Surprisingly, no one seemed to notice when those scenes were removed.
Filming the series presented its own set of challenges, especially since only the pilot was shot in New York City.
Production teams had to get creative in Toronto, using large murals to mimic the iconic Manhattan skyline.
Sarah Rafferty, who played Donna Paulson, humorously described it as if New York City were just a gigantic shower curtain behind their office sets.
Adams’ audition for the role of Mike was memorable.
Having faced public scrutiny after being fired from another pilot, he approached the audition with determination, promising to work harder than anyone else.
Meanwhile, Markle, who was vying for the role of Rachel Zane, initially showed up in casual attire.
A quick trip to H&M for a little black dress proved fortuitous, as she was asked to dress up for her audition.
Chemistry between the cast members played a crucial role in the show’s success.
Markle and Adams clicked instantly, which made their portrayal of Mike and Rachel all the more compelling.
Markle identified closely with her character, sharing traits like ambition and a love for food, which she infused into Rachel’s storyline.
Gina Torres, who portrayed Jessica Pearson, also had an interesting journey.
Initially, the role was intended for a male actor, but Torres successfully lobbied for the part, bringing her unique perspective as a woman in her forties to the character.
Her portrayal resonated with viewers, making Jessica both aspirational and intimidating.
As the series progressed, Korsh began preparing for Markle’s departure after her engagement to Prince Harry.
He decided to write her character’s exit thoughtfully, culminating in a season finale that saw Rachel and Mike moving to Seattle to start their own law firm.
Interestingly, plans for an earlier wedding in the script were scrapped for a more impactful narrative.
The cast remained close, even attending Markle’s royal wedding in 2018.
Korsh reminisced about the experience, noting how the camaraderie developed over years of working together made the event feel like a family affair.
The bond they formed throughout the series continues to resonate, proving that their time together was more than just a job; it was a shared journey that created lasting relationships.
Through ups and downs, Suits has left an indelible mark on its audience, and the behind-the-scenes stories add depth to the show’s legacy.
With its blend of drama, romance, and ethical dilemmas, it’s no wonder that fans continue to celebrate the series long after its conclusion.