Meghan Markle is being called out by former colleagues and TV insiders for allegedly turning her back on Suits LA, the spinoff of the legal drama that launched her career. According to production sources, her refusal to appear even briefly may have contributed to the show’s abrupt cancellation after just one season.
The 43-year-old Duchess of Sussex rose to fame playing Rachel Zane on Suits from 2011 until 2018. She left the show shortly before her royal wedding to Prince Harry. Since then, she has distanced herself from her acting roots, focusing instead on personal projects with Netflix, including her lifestyle and cooking series With Love, Meghan.
Suits LA quietly canceled after failed reboot
NBC executives confirmed that Suits LA, which debuted to moderate viewership, will not return for a second season. Behind the scenes, insiders said producers were hoping Markle would agree to a cameo, believing it could spark renewed interest and draw in loyal fans of the original series.
A show insider shared that Meghan was seen as the ultimate get for the reboot, and producers made several attempts to include her. Lead actor Gabriel Macht reportedly also encouraged her to return. However, Meghan declined, choosing to prioritize her own projects.
Industry voices now claim her absence was more than just a missed opportunity. One insider said that Meghan’s refusal to acknowledge the show that gave her a platform felt arrogant to many involved with the production.
Backlash builds over Meghan’s decision
Critics say that Markle’s unwillingness to support the reboot hurt its visibility and credibility. According to one source close to the project, there was disappointment among the original cast and crew. They believe even a short cameo could have changed the public perception of the reboot.
The same source added that Meghan’s current stance on television is centered around full creative control. She now prefers to produce and star in her own content, often insisting on a central role and a producer title for any future participation.
Her decision has sparked debate in the industry. While some understand her brand positioning, others feel she missed an opportunity to show loyalty to the show that gave her global recognition.
One former colleague described her silence toward Suits LA as a sharp contrast to the support other cast members provided. The cancellation of the spinoff now adds fuel to the criticism.
Although Meghan remains active in the entertainment space through her Netflix deal, sources say she has little interest in revisiting roles from her past unless they align with her current business strategy.
And behind closed doors, some in the Suits camp believe the show might still be alive—if only the duchess had picked up the phone.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.