The Truth Behind Meghan Markle's Suits Salary: $2.6 Million and Royalties

The hype around Meghan Markle's earnings from her time on Suits has often been overshadowed by her exorbitant deals post-Acting career. However, during her tenure on the popular legal drama series, her earnings were significantly lower than what many might assume. Let's dive into the details of her salary, the reasons behind it, and the reality of her earnings from Suits.

Context and Perception

It is tempting to dismiss the question of Meghan Markle's earnings from Suits, attributing it to her high-profile post-Acting career with the likes of Prince Harry and Hollywood projects. However, a closer look at the financials and ratings of the show reveals a very different picture. The claim that she 'does not and has not been getting that salary' refers to the television show Suits, not her subsequent ventures.

Financials and Ratings Impact

Suits was written off years before Markle's departure and was mainly an obscure cable series. Her earnings were based on her role as a supporting character, primarily the girlfriend of one of the lead actors. The show's financials were not particularly high, playing on a minor cable network. Once she dated Prince Harry, a significant drop in ratings ensued, leading to its cancellation by some channels and rebranding on Netflix.

To give a clearer perspective, Markle's starting salary on Suits was a mere $5,000 per episode. By the time the series progressed to seasons five, six, and seven, her salary increased to around $40,000 per episode. Over the seven-year span where she starred in the show, her total earnings amounted to approximately $2.6 million. This figure is significantly lower than her recent deals, especially her voice-over work for the Elephant documentary, which reportedly paid her $3 million.

Why Not Private Jets or Big Houses?

The modest earnings from Suits explain why Markle wasn’t splashing out on private jets and luxurious properties. Her Toronto house is a testament to this, being a reasonable and not extravagant purchase. This stark contrast with her recent deals highlights the significant change in her market value post-Acting career.

Streaming and Royalties

While Markle's earnings from Suits were modest in comparison to her post-Acting career, she still earned decent royalties from the show. However, the streaming market has further diminished the earnings of actors from television series. The show's deal with Netflix, while slightly better than what it received on traditional TV channels, is still relatively low given the hit status the series gained on the streaming platform.

The rebranding on Netflix and promotional efforts led to increased viewership, but not for the seasons where Markle appeared. The first three seasons, which aired before her departure, saw a major increase in popularity, but not for the later seasons. Hence, her earnings from royalties were spread out over a smaller time frame, resulting in a more modest income.

Conclusion

Sets and numbers don't lie. Meghan Markle's earnings from her time on Suits reflect the reality of the television industry, particularly for supporting roles on lesser-known cable series. Despite the show's subsequent popularity on Netflix, her earnings during her tenure were not extravagant. This reality underscores the contrasts between her post-Acting career and her earning potential during her time on Suits.

Understanding these nuances provides a more balanced and accurate view of Meghan Markle's earnings and market value in the entertainment industry, both in the past and present.