Despite Meghan Markle's Rachel Zane leaving after Suits season 7, the legal drama was still able to provide updates about how the character was doing following her New York stint. Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Markle was best known for her role in the USA Network series. She was part of Suits' original cast of characters, starting as the sharp and capable paralegal at Pearson, Hardman. Over time, her personal and professional lives evolved as she developed a romantic relationship with Patrick J. Adams' Mike and increase her significance to the firm.

Markle's decision to leave her role in Suits and show business altogether was due to her then-upcoming marriage to Prince Harry. Her decision to exit the show was previously known, allowing the writers to craft a satisfying send-off to her character. To write her out, however, Suits also had to bid Mike goodbye, considering his relationship with Rachel.