12 Supporting Characters On Suits That Fans Couldn't Stand

Summary The most hated characters in Suits added excitement and tension to the show's legal drama.

The high-stakes legal adventures of Harvey and Mike continue to attract new viewers on streaming services.

Despite being despised, some hated characters in Suits had complex and nuanced roles in the series.

The most hated characters in Suits helped to add more excitement to the legal drama, and the show excelled at including presences viewers loved to hate. As Suits continues to find popularity on streaming services after ending in 2019, more and more people are discovering the high-stakes legal adventures of Harvey Specter and Mike Ross. The two main characters were easy protagonists to root for, and even more complicated characters like Louis Litt provided many endearing moments. Then there were the most hated characters in Suits, who seemed to end up despised by almost every viewer.

In some cases, these characters were meant to be detestable as they were the villains who stood in the way of Harvey and Mike. However, in others, the personalities of these characters simply didn't click with the viewership, and they became easy to root against. Many great moments in Suits came when these hated characters met their comeuppance, although there are definitely others who perhaps deserved a little more credit than they were given.

Related Why There Won't Be A Suits Season 10 Suits has ended up after nine seasons, but the USA Network legal drama might be able to still continue with Gina Torres-led spin-off, Pearson.

15 Robert Zane

Played by Wendell Pierce

Close

Robert Zane (Wendell Pierce) is a character who often finds himself at odds with the main characters, particularly Harvey and Mike. As the head of his own prestigious law firm and Rachel's father, Robert was protective and critical, often clashing with Harvey over their differing approaches to the law and their respective firms' interests. His strict, no-nonsense demeanor and his willingness to play hardball made him a formidable opponent. His intense protectiveness over Rachel and desire to control her career path further complicated his relationships with her and the rest of the characters.

Despite his overbearing and antagonistic role, Robert's complex character and the respect he commanded added depth to the series. His journey from being a staunch adversary to reluctantly becoming an ally showcased the complexities of the legal world and personal pride. Robert's occasional moments of vulnerability and his ultimate sacrifices for the greater good of his firm and family provided a more rounded portrayal, allowing viewers to see past his tough exterior and appreciate his dedication and integrity.

14 Louis Litt

Played by Rick Hoffman

Close

Louis Litt (Rick Hoffman) is a character who evokes a wide range of emotions from fans, often leaning towards the unlikable side. His insecurities, jealousy, and need for validation frequently led him to make unethical decisions and create conflicts within the firm. Louis's erratic behavior and manipulative tactics, especially in his rivalry with Harvey, made him a polarizing figure. His tendency to act out of spite and his relentless quest for recognition often resulted in Louis becoming the villain by alienating his colleagues and creating unnecessary drama within Pearson Specter Litt.

However, Louis's character development and moments of vulnerability provided a nuanced portrayal, showing that even the most unlikable characters can have redeeming qualities and depth. Over time, Louis's loyalty to the firm and his genuine care for his colleagues, particularly his deep friendship with Donna, highlighted his more endearing qualities. His journey from being a constant source of conflict to finding his place within the firm and earning the respect of his peers was a significant storyline that added emotional depth to the series.

13 Faye Richardson

Played by Denise Crosby

Close

Faye Richardson (Denise Crosby) was introduced as a special master appointed to oversee the firm following numerous scandals and ethical breaches. Her strict, uncompromising approach to cleaning up the firm's operations made her an immediate antagonist to the main characters. Faye's efforts to enforce transparency and ethical behavior were met with resistance, as her presence threatened the autonomy of the firm's partners. Her no-nonsense attitude and authoritative style made it difficult for her to win over the firm's employees, who viewed her as an obstacle rather than an ally.

Despite her good intentions, Faye's methods and the upheaval she caused made her one of the most disliked characters among fans. Her stringent policies and unwavering commitment to reform often clashed with the firm's established culture, leading to significant tension and conflict. However, Faye's role was crucial in highlighting the importance of ethics and accountability in the legal profession. Her character underscored the challenges of implementing change in a resistant environment, adding a layer of realism and complexity to the show's narrative.

12 Travis Tanner

Played by Eric Close

Travis Tanner (Eric Close) is set up to be a rival of Harvey's which immediately makes him unlikable. However, Tanner proves time and time again that he is a lesser lawyer as he has to resort to illegal tactics in order to win. Tanner tampers with evidence and witnesses, once creating a fake affidavit and forcing someone to sign it knowing it is a lie. Even with all the cheating, he still finds himself bested by Harvey.

What makes Travis's immoral actions all the more infuriating is the fact that he shows no guilt and insists it is the same thing Harvey does to get where he is, not able to comprehend being a good lawyer. Tanner's persistent underhandedness and lack of integrity highlighted his fundamental differences from Harvey, who, despite his flaws, adhered to a personal code of ethics. Tanner's constant need to cheat to achieve success showcased his inability to match Harvey's genuine talent and legal prowess.

Related All 9 Seasons Of Suits, Ranked Worst To Best Suits is a memorable legal drama that has made a huge mark on TV and streaming, but some seasons and storylines were much better than others.

11 Stephen Huntley

Played by Max Beesley

Like Travis Tanner, Stephen Huntley (Max Beesley) is an unlikeable Suits character because he is supposed to be the counterpoint to Harvey yet falls far short. When the merger is underway in New York, Huntley arrives as Darby's right-hand man and a British equivalent to Harvey. However, he quickly proves himself to only be like Harvey on the surface with his love of expensive cars, nice clothes, and beautiful women feeling like a forced attempt to be impressive. He is another lawyer who proves they cannot be like Harvey without breaking the law.

Perhaps most egregious of all, he attempts to start a relationship with Donna, which was always doomed to fail. Stephen's superficial charm and veneer of sophistication quickly unraveled, revealing a ruthless and morally bankrupt character. His willingness to engage in unethical and illegal activities starkly contrasted with Harvey's complex code of honor despite their superficial similarities. Stephen's manipulative nature and attempts to undermine the firm's integrity further solidified his role as an antagonist.

10 Sheila Sazs

Played by Rachael Harris

Close

Sheila (Rachael Harris) was the perfect match for Louis and was the one person to make him happy, which, unfortunately, made her unlikable to everyone else. That relationship rubbed some fans the wrong way with the way she would treat Louis and get in the way in the office. In fact, even when she did what was technically the right thing, it was easy to hate her for it. She was the one, after all, who tipped off the U.S. Attorney's office to the fact that Mike didn't actually graduate from Harvard, which set off a tragic chain of events.

Sheila's character was complex, often straddling the line between supportive partner and antagonist. Her unwavering commitment to upholding the rules and her role at Harvard made her actions justifiable, yet they often put her at odds with the firm's interests. This duality made her a polarizing figure among fans. Her dynamic with Louis also revealed deeper layers of his character, showing a softer, more vulnerable side that was rarely seen.

9 Daniel Hardman

Played by David Costabile

If there was ever a clear villain on Suits, it was Daniel Hardman (David Costabile). Co-founder of Pearson Hardman, as it was originally known, he was out for blood after being forced to leave when it was discovered that he was embezzling money. Jessica used the information of his affair on his wife, who had cancer at the time, as a means of blackmailing him to leave.

Daniel made for an excellent villain as he was not only smart but also ruthless. Daniel caused a lot of trouble for the firm when he came back, forcing Jessica to merge with another law firm and generally wreaking havoc. In a sense, he did his job perfectly as a villain by making himself truly detestable. Hardman's relentless pursuit of revenge and power showcased his deep-seated resentment and ambition. His manipulative tactics and strategic mind made him a constant threat to the firm's stability.

Related Suits' 4-Year-Old Cancelled Spinoff Exposes Biggest Problem With New Show A brand new Suits series is in development, but its 4-year-old failed spin-off exposes why the endeavor will have difficulty succeeding.

8 Sean Cahill

Played by Neal McDonough

Suits is a show with a lot of deceit and betrayals, which makes it hard for the audience to trust anyone outside of the main characters. While Sean (Neal McDonoguh) often came to Harvey's rescue, he also carried himself in a way that made it hard to truly see him as one of the good guys. A prosecutor for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, he always seemed to be holding something over Harvey's head and that of the firm.

It felt like only a matter of time before his position would make Sean an enemy of Harvey and the others. While he did eventually become an ally, even helping Mike get released from prison early, this was preceded by a long period of unease around him which made him one of the least popular characters in Suits.

7 Samantha Wheeler

Played by Katherine Heigl

Samantha Wheeler (Katherine Heigl) was always at risk of being one of the most hated characters in Suits, since she arrived in the latter seasons to fill the hole left by the departure of two main characters, Jessica and Rachel. While Samantha was a solid addition to the legal team and a tough lawyer who trained in boxing in her free time, her character didn't quite live up to the others.

She began as a very ruthless person who was only in it for herself, which mirrored both Jessica and Harvey. However, since Samantha often went against characters who viewers had already come to know and love, she was an unwelcome antagonist. By the time Samantha had officially joined as a regular cast member in season 8, she was among the least likable main characters on Suits.

Related 6 Suits Spinoffs Ideas We Would Love To See Happen Suits has become incredibly popular again after landing on Netflix, and the show’s untold stories open the door for potential spinoffs.

6 Charles Forstman

Played by Eric Roberts

Close

The epitome of selfish wealth, Charles had billions but didn't do much good. He manipulated and used people and garnered a bad reputation for himself. It was because of Harvey's brother threatening to go to Forstman for money that Harvey took the job with Jessica in the first place. Charles felt like a traditional villain in Suits, with Eric Roberts embracing the billionaire character's most unlikable traits. The audience only enjoyed seeing Charles on the show with the hopes that he would eventually get his comeuppance. He eventually does, landing himself in prison by the time Suits ended in 2019.

Charles Forstman epitomized the ruthless and morally bankrupt antagonist, often pulling strings behind the scenes to further his own interests. His interactions with the main characters, particularly Harvey, highlighted the lengths to which he would go to maintain his power and control. Forstman's cunning and strategic mind made him a formidable adversary, forcing Harvey and the firm to navigate treacherous waters to counter his schemes.

5 Jack Soloff

Played by John Pyper-Ferguson

Jack (John Pyper-Ferguson) came across as an opportunist, a lawyer who was never quite good enough to become top dog but believed that he was always overlooked. As soon as things got tough, Jack made the switch to join Rand, Kaldor & Zane. He did help Mike through his journey at the firm, but he also shed a spotlight on Harvey's inflated paycheck, mostly because he was jealous.

Jack even came up with a new compensation formula, as the head of the compensation committee, to ensure that Harvey didn't make away with millions more than everyone else. He tried over and over again to one-up Mike, Harvey, and Jessica, but was always bested by them. Despite his antagonistic behavior, Jack's character served to highlight the cutthroat nature of the legal world depicted in Suits. His relentless pursuit of recognition and power underscored the intense rivalries and personal vendettas that fueled many of the show's conflicts.

4 Frank Gallo

Played by Paul Schulze

Frank (Paul Schulze) was a prisoner alongside Mike. He was charged with conspiracy to commit murder (even though he claimed it was racketeering), and it was clear that he was violent and dangerous and had it out for Mike from the beginning. He was a constant threat that made Mike's time in prison worse than it had to be.

Frank Gallo had the prison system and guards wrapped around his little finger, and it was later revealed that it was Harvey who put him in jail, which led him to try and get revenge through Mike. He was an overall despicable person and a violent criminal. While many characters on the wrong side of the law in Suits are still good people, and many were even likable, Paul Schulze's Frank definitely isn't one of them.

3 Trevor Evans

Played by Tom Lipinski

It was because of Mike's childhood friend, Trevor (Tom Lipinski), that he was kicked out of Harvard in the first place, and barred from ever legally being able to become a lawyer, which set Mike's life on the wrong path. Not only that, but when Trevor resurfaced, he is the one who broke the truth to Jessica about Mike not actually having a law degree.

Trevor was a bad influence on Mike, using him to take tests for other students to help pay off Trevor's drug debt. While Mike was indebted to Trevor and his family for being there for him following the tragic death of his parents, it still didn't give Trevor the right to use Mike's abilities to solve a problem of his own making. Since he's been a thorn in Mike's side so often, it's easy to see why Trevor is among the most hated characters in Suits.

2 Dana Scott

Played by Abigail Spencer

Close

While Dana (Abigail Spencer) was a strong, smart woman and seemingly a good match for Harvey, unfortunately, she got in the middle of one of the show's most popular "will they won't they" relationships. It was easy to root for Harvey and Donna to end up together in the end, and that meant that any girlfriend Harvey appeared to be serious with was unwelcome. While Dana did a lot to help Harvey, there was always a sense that she was merely a hiccup in the inevitable Donna-Harvey love story.

Dana's presence added a layer of complexity to Harvey's character, highlighting his struggles with commitment and vulnerability. Her sharp wit and legal prowess made her a formidable counterpart to Harvey, often challenging him in ways that no one else could. Despite her temporary role in the storyline, Dana's impact was significant, offering a glimpse into the kind of partner Harvey could be outside of his professional persona.

Related Every Suits Main Character Who Left The Show Early & Why Sharp dialogue and complex characters made Suits popular with millions. However, some main characters left the show earlier than expected.

1 Anita Gibbs

Played by Leslie Hope

When it came to the case against Mike and the threat of him being disbarred, there were a lot of characters in Suits who were just doing their job, but ended up being hated as a result. Such is the case with Anita Gibbs (Leslie Hope), the lawyer who was focused on having Mike disbarred. She instantly became hated by many viewers for not taking into account all the good Mike had done.

Instead, she focused on a technicality and did her best to ensure Mike couldn't practice law again. It is not hard to see where she was coming from, but Mike was one of the heroes of Suits, and the audience had seen him prove himself as a lawyer time and time again. As a result, Anita comes off as a cold antagonist who was more-or-less universally despised, even though she was technically just following the letter of the law.

Suits Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

rent

buy Not available Not available Not available Suits follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), who, despite never attending law school, is able to use his photographic memory to become a lawyer. The legal drama ran from 2011 to 2019 for a total of nine seasons and also starred Gabriel Macht, Meghan Markle, Sarah Rafferty, and Rick Hoffman. Cast Patrick J. Adams , Sarah Rafferty , Gabriel Macht , Meghan Markle , Rick Hoffman , Gina Torres , Amanda Schull , Dule Hill , Katherine Heigl Release Date June 23, 2011 Seasons 9 Network USA Streaming Service(s) Amazon Prime Video , Netflix , Peacock Writers Aaron Korsh Showrunner Aaron Korsh Creator(s) Aaron Korsh Expand