an Watson/USA Network

USA has renewed the legal drama “Suits” for an eighth season, sans stars Patrick J. Adams and Meghan Markle, the network announced on Tuesday.

The show will return with creator Aaron Korsh and stars Gabriel Macht, Sarah Rafferty, Rick Hoffman and Dulé Hill, who will be upped to series regular.

“After seven seasons, ‘Suits’ remains one of USA Network’s most beloved and popular series,” NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment exec Chris McCumber said in a statement. “While we’re excited for Season 8, everyone at USA will deeply miss Patrick and Meghan, and are grateful for the talent and commitment they brought to ‘Suits’ season after season. We wish each of them nothing but the very best.”

Also Read: 'Suits' Star Meghan Markle Engaged to England's Prince Harry

“I would like to thank Patrick and Meghan for their extraordinary contributions over the last seven years,” added Korsh. “Not only have they been outstanding in their roles as Mike and Rachel, they are also superb human beings who will always be beloved members of the ‘Suits’ family, and we wish them well in their days to come. Speaking of days to come, I am incredibly excited to welcome back our phenomenal crew and cast – Gabriel, Sarah, Rick and Dulé -who will continue the roller coaster ride with all of our amazing fans. Season 8 will have everything from shifting alliances and internal power plays, to secrets, betrayals and fiery relationships. Keep an eye out for an adversarial new character that will give Harvey a run for his money.”

The cast departures had been widely expected since last November, when Markle confirmed her engagement to Prince Harry, the fifth in line to the throne of Great Britain.

“Suits” will return for the second half of Season 7 on Wednesday, March 28 at 9/8c.

The Evolution of Meghan Markle, From 'Suits' Star to Real-Life Princess (Photos)

Prince Harry's mother, the late Princess Diana, may have been the People's Princess, but it looks like his new fiancee may run a close second. Meghan Markle, Harry's fiancee, is an actress who started from very humble beginnings. Her next role? A member of the British royal family.
"A Lot Like Love" (2005)

Markle literally played a "hot girl" in this romantic comedy starring Ashton Kutcher. Markle was seated next to Kutcher's character on a plane. And that was pretty much it.
"CSI: NY" (2006)

Before Meghan landed a series regular role, she had a small bit in this crime procedural, playing a maid who cleaned up for businessmen while dressed in lingerie. Spoiler alert: She didn't commit the murder.
CBS
"Remember Me" (2010)

One of Markle's first roles was a small part in this romantic drama starring Robert Pattinson and Emilie de Ravin. Luckily, Markle's career took a better turn than the end of this film.
Markle met her first husband, Trevor Engelson, when he was a producer on "Remember Me." The two divorced in 2013 after two years of marriage.
Getty Images
"Suits" (2011 - 2018): Meghan starred on this USA legal drama from its premiere as Rachel Zane, a paralegal who eventually goes to law school herself.
USA
"Horrible Bosses" (2011)

Markle had a teeny, tiny bit in this raunchy comedy, but managed to steal a scene with Jason Sudeikis, who told her she was far too cute to be a FedEx girl. "You’ve got to be an actress or a model or something," he said. Try royalty, Sudeikis.
New Line
"Castle" (2012)

Markle actually played a princess once. Well, kinda. The actress starred in an episode of this ABC drama as Sleeping Beauty, or a woman who is dressed up like her before she is almost murdered. Markle turned out to be the one who hatched the entire scheme and was killing off her friends.
ABC
"Dater’s Handbook" (2016)

Yes, Markle has even done a Hallmark channel movie. She played Cass, a successful businesswoman who had some trouble finding love. But don't worry, she did after using a dating manual, and then throwing it out entirely. Soon after wrapping this made-for-TV movie, Markle truly found love with Harry.
Hallmark
Markle told Vanity Fair that she met Prince Harry in July 2016 -- and the two first made an official joint public appearance at the Invictus Games in September 2017 in Toronto, a multi-sport event launched by Harry for wounded, injured and sick military servicepeople to compete.
Getty Images
In November 2017, Harry and Meghan announced their engagement.
Getty Images
On May 19, 2018, Markle and Prince Harry wed in a star-studded ceremony at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. She holds the title Duchess of Sussex as well as Princess Henry of Wales (Henry is Harry's real name).
Getty Images

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Markle has played everything from a “naughty” maid on CSI to a whip-smart paralegal

Prince Harry's mother, the late Princess Diana, may have been the People's Princess, but it looks like his new fiancee may run a close second. Meghan Markle, Harry's fiancee, is an actress who started from very humble beginnings. Her next role? A member of the British royal family.

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