Gabriel Macht never anticipated stepping back into the shoes of Harvey Specter again.
After completing a nine-season journey as the charming and sophisticated super lawyer on the USA drama Suits in 2019, Macht made a conscious decision to take a break from acting. His primary focus shifted to spending quality time with his family and nurturing his two young children. Over time, he felt he could gradually release the onscreen persona that had transformed his life and catapulted him to international fame.
However, in the summer of 2023, amidst the strikes affecting actors and writers in Hollywood, Netflix acquired the co-streaming rights to Suits in the U.S. (the series had already been available on another platform). The glossy, binge-worthy legal drama — which revolved around the talented attorney Harvey hiring the brilliant college dropout Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) as his new associate, leading to a series of cover-ups and repercussions — suddenly experienced a renaissance. By the end of that year, Nielsen reported that Suits had amassed an astounding 57.7 billion total minutes viewed, becoming the most-watched title ever acquired by a streaming service.
Macht, like his former co-stars, was initially taken aback by this unprecedented revival of Suits. Nonetheless, he sensed that creator Aaron Korsh would eventually expand the fictional universe with another ensemble of snappy and clever lawyers. True to form, while developing the new West Coast-based spinoff, Suits LA, for NBC last year, Korsh approached Macht about reprising his role for a three-episode arc in the first season, which would establish a connection between Harvey and new protagonist Ted Black (Stephen Amell).
“I thought, ‘You know what? I could give something back to the fans because they’re so eager for more of this character. If I can support the show and draw some attention to it, that might be a wonderful way to pass the baton,’” Macht shared in an interview. “They worked out a way to make it feasible for my family, and here we are.”
In 2010, while Ted was prosecuting federal cases for the U.S. Attorney’s office in New York City, Harvey was preparing to leave his position with the District Attorney to work for the formidable managing partner Jessica Pearson (Gina Torres). Fans of Suits will recall that Harvey had a passion for baseball during his youth, and in his first appearance on Suits LA, it’s revealed that he and Ted occasionally played together on the prosecutors’ league baseball team.
Following a playoff game, Harvey took Ted and his brother Eddie (Carson A. Egan), who has Down syndrome, out for a drink. Harvey provided Ted with crucial information about Pellegrini (Anthony Azizi), the mob boss who had threatened Eddie at work. With Harvey’s assistance, Ted was able to successfully prosecute Pellegrini in another case. However, when Pellegrini is released from prison, Harvey persuades Ted to join forces once more to confront the mobster.
In the following discussion, Macht reflects on his decision to briefly return to scripted television to support the expansion of the Suits universe, the enduring fan-favorite relationship between Harvey and Mike, and the complexities of portraying hypermasculine antiheroes like Harvey.
Suits enjoyed significant success during its nine-season run, but its return to popular culture was unexpected. What are your thoughts on the series’ resurgence, and once it was clear the universe would be expanding, what discussions did you have with creator Aaron Korsh regarding Harvey’s return?
“I’m in complete awe of the viewership numbers and the dedication fans have shown toward the show. The fandom has been unbelievable. I’ve met people who have watched the series multiple times, sometimes up to 15 times. Multiply that by 134 episodes, and it’s astounding. This revival aligns closely with trends on TikTok and Instagram, where bite-sized content introduced a new generation to Harvey’s inspirational quotes and clever banter. That sparked interest and drove people to Netflix. It’s fascinating to see how varying platforms can create a surge in popularity.
We were quite successful when we first aired, but to have this new wave of attention is incredible. It has opened up numerous opportunities for me, which I’m grateful for. When Aaron proposed the idea of expanding the Suits universe and possibly including some original cast members, I was intrigued. I felt that we had wrapped up everyone’s storylines beautifully, but I was open to the idea if it made sense for my schedule.”
Reflecting on your extensive exploration of Harvey’s character over 134 episodes, what new aspects did you discover when revisiting him after all these years?
“That’s a question I could ponder for days! My role as an actor is to align with the vision of the showrunner and bring that character to life while collaborating with directors and other actors. Initially, I was quite different from Harvey. By the end, I found myself mirroring some of his behaviors, which wasn’t necessarily healthy for me. However, I wanted to honor his character and its complexities. In the present timeline, I believe Harvey has matured significantly, moving away from his younger, more impulsive self. Personally, I feel I’m in a better emotional space now, and I think Harvey is too.”
In recent social media posts, it seems Harvey is still in Seattle, presumably working with Mike for the greater good, rather than the corporate elite. We also see he still wears his wedding band, indicating he’s still married to Donna (Sarah Rafferty). How much will we learn about Harvey’s current life in episodes eight and nine?
“I think viewers will glimpse what’s happening in his present life, and I believe they’ll feel a sense of warmth from it. I think it satisfies the fans’ curiosity about his journey and includes some special moments.”
The success of Suits can be attributed to the deep bond between Harvey and Mike, portraying a male friendship rarely seen on television. What do you believe contributed to the on-screen and off-screen chemistry you shared with Patrick, especially in the early seasons, and why do you think this dynamic remains timeless?
“People are drawn to relationships that feature a mentor-mentee dynamic. When the mentor imparts genuine wisdom and strength to a younger counterpart, it resonates with audiences. Conversely, when the younger character can teach the elder, that’s equally compelling. Mike taught Harvey many lessons he couldn’t grasp on his own, and they both made mistakes along the way. Ultimately, what stands out is that both characters possess a heart of gold despite their flaws. They strive to do the right thing, which is what people connect with. Their playful banter and camaraderie added to the chemistry that both Patrick and I shared on set and off.”
Harvey Specter has emerged as a cultural icon, alongside other powerful male antiheroes like Tony Soprano and Walter White. Jon Hamm noted that such characters are often wrongly celebrated. How did you approach masculinity in your portrayal of Harvey, and what are your thoughts on how he’s been perceived in popular culture?
“That’s an excellent question. I believe Jon Hamm is spot on. These characters have left a significant mark on society, and I do not endorse the toxic masculinity that Harvey embodies. While he’s undeniably charismatic, he also harbors deep insecurities and vulnerabilities. I think some young men mistakenly view his behavior as aspirational.
What resonates most about Harvey is his vulnerability and his capacity for growth. When he reflects on his actions and acknowledges his shortcomings, he strives for equality and change with integrity and kindness. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that these characters often embody traits that can be harmful. We, as an audience, must look deeper beneath the surface.”
Although you initially had little interest in returning to acting, you came back to Suits to honor the fans. How open are you to revisiting Harvey in the future, whether in Suits LA or a potential movie reunion, or do you feel this short arc was a fitting farewell?
“I think this was the right way for me to return and the right way to step away. I came back to pass the baton to Suits LA, which is thriving with solid writing and engaging stories. While the fans may want me back, I feel they’re in good hands. That said, never say never! If an opportunity arises that makes sense, I’m open to it, but I’m currently focused on my whiskey venture, Bear Fight Whiskey, and creating narratives around it. I want to spend time with my family as well.”
Suits LA airs Sundays at 9/8c on NBC, with episodes available for streaming the following day. All episodes of Suits are currently accessible for streaming. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from HiCelebNews!
Related Posts
- "The Valley Cast Shares Insights on Which Vanderpump Rules Stars Would Make Perfect Additions"
- Tom Cruise Soars at 62: Unveiling the Thrilling Trailer for 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning'
- Festival Frustrations: Coachella Attendees Speak Out on Grueling 12-Hour Wait Times
- Exploring the Lives of Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart's Daughters: A Closer Look at Billie and Georgia
- Your Ultimate Guide to Streaming the 2025 Masters Golf Tournament Online
