Everett Collection
What To Watch
Mike’s secret is revealed as the firm fights another hostile takeover.
By Dalene Rovenstine
July 27, 2023
As much as things change at the Pearson Specter Litt law firm, the more they stay the same. The case of the week may change, but Mike still has a secret and the fashion is still impeccable.
When Season 4 ended, the characters ofSuits were professing their love. After receiving her father’s blessing, Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) proposes to Rachel Zane (Meghan Markle). Thankfully for viewers, she says yes. At the same time, Donna Paulsen (Sarah Raferty) confesses to her boss Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) that she’s in love with him — and leaving him. He can’t admit his feelings for her, so it’s too hard for her to be around him. She’s not leaving the firm entirely, but she has plans to go work for Louis.
Drama isn’t new in the office, but this certainly makes things tense in theSuits Season 5 premiere. Read on to see how everything plays out, including how Mike’s secret finally gets revealed.
Let’s get into it: What happens in Suits Season 5?
To no one’s surprise, Harvey doesn’t handle Donna’s absence well. It was clear to everyone (except him) that she was much more than his legal secretary. When she first turns in her notice, he’s in denial and won’t even let her look for a replacement. But when it’s clear she’s not returning, he begins seeing a therapist, Dr. Paula Agard (Christina Cole). The doctor quickly deduces that the always polished Harvey is covering up panic attacks, which stem from his fear of inadequacy without Donna by his side and issues of abandonment from his mother.
Early in the season, we’re introduced to Jack Soloff (John Pyper-Ferguson), a senior partner at the firm who wants to make changes to the compensation package. Louis Litt (Rick Hoffman) gets wind of the plan and finds out it would negatively impact Harvey. As he tends to do, Louis wavers between siding with Harvey and siding with Jack.
Meanwhile, Mike is getting to know his future father-in-law better — both personally and professionally. Robert Zane (Wendell Pierce) wants Mike to sign a prenup before he marries his daughter, and when they discuss the pros and cons, they end up working together on a case.They have some ups and downs, but end up building a better relationship. However, that’s all put at risk by Jack — but not for the reasons you might think.
Jack is very impressed by Mike and puts him up for promotion to junior partner, which Jessica Pearson (Gina Torres) tells Mike he has to turn down. The announcement would put his name (and his fake Harvard education) in the spotlight. But when Jack puts the pressure on, Jessica goes along with it and Mike receives the promotion. Meanwhile, as Mike plans his wedding with Rachel, he worries that he’s going to be saddling her to his life of lies.
Jack isn’t the only villain of the season, though. Daniel Hardman (David Costabile) is back in New York City. He gives Jessica an ultimatum: Let him back into the firm with a new billion-dollar client or he’ll start poaching all of their existing ones. Rounding out the trio of bad guys is Charles Forstman (Eric Roberts), who Harvey previously helped put behind bars. Harvey learns that Forstman, from prison, is helping fund Hardman’s hostile takeover of the firm.
In the end, Harvey is able to stop them from taking over the firm — just in time for the police to show up and arrest Mike for fraud.
Wait! But who turned Mike in?
After Mike is arrested and ADA Anita Gibbs (Leslie Hope) begins building her case against him, he learns that someone from Harvard sent her an anonymous email. At first he believes it’s Henry Gerard, an ethics professor who knows Mike’s secret. Later, the firm gets their hands on the letter and Louis recognizes the language. Sheila Sazs wrote it.
Louis dated Sheila (Rachael Harris), a Harvard employee, off and on. After Mike’s promotion, she saw an article about him attending Harvard. When she couldn’t find records to prove that, she sent in the tip.
And how does Suits Season 5 end?
With Mike’s secret out, the entire firm of Pearson Specter Litt gets to work defending him. ADA Gibbs plays in moral gray areas just like they do. She threatens Donna’s fathers, promises Mike and Rachel entrance to Columbia Law School if they turn on Harvey and Jessica, and convinces a judge to give them only two weeks to prepare a defense.
Harvey, Mike, and the rest of the team have their own tricks up their sleeves, though… all of which are about as legal as the ADA’s. At one point Louis sends Sheila to Argentina, where she can’t be subpoenaed. Mike ends up defending himself, but after closing arguments, Gibbs says if he pleads guilty and does two years in prison, she won’t prosecute the rest of the firm. Instead of waiting for the jury to come back, Mike takes the deal and has 72 hours to report to prison.
With little time left together, Rachel and Mike decide to get married before he goes to jail — but at the last minute, he calls it off and says they should wait until he’s out. He doesn’t want his mistakes to hold her back for the next two years.
Which guest stars appear in Suits Season 5?
The fifth season of Suits drama featured a number of guest stars, including:
- Charles Barkley as himself
- Amy Acker as Louis’ sister, Esther Litt-Edelstein, who needs help from Harvey in her divorce case
- J.R. Bourne as Samuel Tull, a day trader who hires Harvey
- Titus Welliver as Dominic Parone, a client of Harvey’s
- Troian Bellisario, Patrick J. Adam’s real-life wife (at the time fiancée), as Claire Bowden, who first appeared in Season 4
- Megan Gallagher as Laura Zane, Rachel’s mother
- Abigail Spencer as Dana Scott, aka “Scottie,” Harvey’s former girlfriend and legal rival
- D.B. Woodside as Jeff Malone, Jessica’s former boyfriend
- Tricia Helfer as Evan Smith, opposing counsel
- Drama
- Article
All About Suits
Who’s Who
Suits Cast Guide: Get to Know the Legally Great EnsembleThey’re good at the law, good at lying, and very good-looking.
By Dalene Rovenstine
Jan. 8
What To Watch
What Happens in ‘Suits’ Season 8?
Robert makes a game-changing decision, and Donna and Harvey take a big step of their own.
By Maggie Fremont
Aug. 7
What To Watch
What Happens in ‘Suits’ Season 7?
There are big changes happening at the firm — including three major character departures.
By Maggie Fremont
Aug. 3
What To Watch
What Happens in ‘Suits’ Season 6?
As Harvey tries to find a way to get Mike out of prison, the law firm is struggling to find clients.
By Dalene Rovenstine
July 31
What To Watch
11 Shows to Test-Drive If You Love ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’
Hit the gas on these to fill that Mickey-shaped hole in your heart.
By Jessie Mooney
July 7
What To Watch
What Happens in ‘Suits’ Season 2?
With Mike’s secret revealed, the drama continues to amp up with a near hostile takeover.
By Dalene Rovenstine
June 28
What To Watch
What Happens in ‘Suits’ Season 1?
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know from the sexy legal drama’s first season.
By Dalene Rovenstine
June 28
Discover More What To Watch
What To Watch
Go House Hunting (from Home) with These 9 Real Estate Shows
Step inside for these luxe listings, tiny homes, and acres of realtor drama.
By Anabel Pasarow
Yesterday 7:00 pm
What To Watch
13 Sci-Fi Shows That’ll Transport You to Another Dimension
They’re out of this world.
By Allison Picurro
Yesterday 7:00 pm
What To Watch
Get Spring Started with These Shows and Movies This Weekend
Something’s in the air…
By Mary Sollosi
Yesterday 12:00 pm
What To Watch
15 Kids Movies That’ll Charm Every Member of Your Family
Yes, even the picky ones.
By Jessie Mooney
March 19
What To Watch
30 Comedies to Watch Whenever You Need a Laugh
Smiles, chuckles, giggles and full-on LOLs ahead.
By Derek Lawrence
March 15
What To Watch
Stream These Movies Celebrating Big Anniversaries Throughout 2024
From classics to modern favorites, these films (and your queue) are about to have a very big year.
By Jessica Derschowitz
March 14
What To Watch
16 Oscar-Nominated Movies to Roll Out the Red Carpet For
Bask in the golden glow of these Academy-recognized films.
By Mary Sollosi
March 12
What To Watch
10 Oscar-Nominated Movies You Can Watch on Netflix Right Now
And one winner.
By John DiLillo
March 9
Discover More Drama
Previously On
3 Body Problem Episode 6 Recap: It’s the End of the World — in 400 Years
First to 1% light speed wins.
By Drew Tewksbury
7:04 am
Previously On
3 Body Problem Episode 3 Recap: Who Are the San-Ti?
We finally find out what a three-body problem is!
By Drew Tewksbury
7:01 am
Previously On
3 Body Problem Episode 2 Recap: Would You Push the Button?
“In nature, nothing exists alone.”
By Drew Tewksbury
7:00 am
Previously On
3 Body Problem Episode 1 Recap: Did the Universe Just Wink?
Science is broken.
By Drew Tewksbury
6:59 am
News
Everything to Know About Benedict Cumberbatch’s New Series Eric
Inspired by a true story, the thriller arrives in 2024.
By Tara Bitran
Yesterday 3:00 pm
Burning Questions
What Is the 3 Body Problem? The Show’s Science Explained
Get your PhD in 3BP via physicist Dr. Matt Kenzie, the show’s science advisor.
By Phillipe Thao
Yesterday 2:30 pm
News
What Is Baby Reindeer? The New Series Is Like Nothing You’ve Seen Before
Please welcome to the stage, Donny Dunn.
By Christopher Hudspeth
Yesterday 1:00 pm
First Look
Regina King Inspires as Presidential Candidate Shirley Chisholm in a New Biopic
John Ridley’s Shirley chronicles Chisholm’s groundbreaking 1972 run.
By John DiLillo
Yesterday 12:00 pm
Shop Suits
Latest News
News
Everything We Know So Far About Stranger Things Season 5
Yesterday 6:03 pm
Trailer
Watch the Baby Reindeer Trailer
Yesterday 1:00 pm
2:00
New on Netflix
Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw Star in Christmas Spy Thriller Black Doves
Yesterday 11:00 am
Trailer
Watch the A Man In Full Teaser
March 20
0:00
News
You Season 5 Will Be Joe Goldberg’s Final Chapter
March 20
More News
Popular Now
News
See Kate and Anthony Smooch in New Bridgerton Season 3 Clip
#Polin season starts May 16.
By Ariana Romero
March 20
Deep Dive
Everything to Know About 3 Body Problem
From David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Alexander Wooand director Derek Tsang.
By Phillipe Thao and Drew Tewksbury
March 11
News
Jamie Dornan Explains The Tourist’s Complicated, Dance-Filled Ending
The drama moves from the Australian outback to Ireland for Season 2.
By Ariana Romero and Jean Bentley
Feb. 29
2024 Preview
Next on Netflix: Your Ultimate Guide to the Movies and Shows Coming in 2024
Reunite with your favorites, and find your next obsessions.
By Tudum Staff
Feb. 7