Honestly, it’s kinda hard to look at Patrick J. Adams and not immediately see a bicycle-riding, weed-delivery-guy-turned-legal-prodigy. For nearly a decade, he was the heart of Suits, playing Mike Ross with that specific blend of "I’m the smartest guy in the room" and "I have no idea what I’m doing with my life." But if you think his career started and ended at Pearson Hardman, you’ve basically missed the best parts of his filmography.
He isn't just a guy in a skinny tie.
Since hanging up the vest in 2019, Adams has been doing some of the most interesting, under-the-radar work in Hollywood. From playing legendary astronauts to diving into the gritty world of Taylor Sheridan’s Montana, his range is a lot wider than most people give him credit for.
The Post-Suits Renaissance: The Madison and Wayward
If you’re wondering where he is right now, look no further than the "Sheridan-verse." In a move that surprised a lot of people, Adams joined the cast of The Madison (2026), a series that’s basically the spiritual successor to Yellowstone. He plays Russell McIntosh, an investment banker.
It’s a different kind of "suit."
Instead of arguing in a Manhattan courtroom, he’s navigating the intense, high-stakes family drama of rural Montana alongside Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell. It’s arguably his biggest role since Mike Ross, and it proves he can hold his own against industry titans.
💡 You might also like: Why Love Island Season 7 Episode 23 Still Feels Like a Fever Dream
Then there’s Wayward (2025). This Netflix miniseries saw him playing Mr. Wyatt Turner, and it’s a far cry from the lighthearted banter of Suits. It’s darker, weirder, and way more atmospheric. If you haven't seen it yet, it’s probably the best example of his "adult" era—less boyish charm, more weight.
Patrick J. Adams Movies and Shows: The Deep Cuts You Probably Missed
Most fans know the big hits, but the real gems are often the ones that didn't get a massive marketing budget.
- The Right Stuff (2020): Playing John Glenn isn't easy. You’re playing an American icon. Adams brought a certain rigidity and ambition to the role that made the Disney+ series worth watching, even if it only lasted one season.
- Clara (2018): This one is special because he stars opposite his real-life wife, Troian Bellisario. It’s a sci-fi indie about an astronomer looking for life in the universe. It’s quiet, beautiful, and weirdly emotional.
- Plan B (2023): Ever wanted to see Mike Ross travel through time? Not exactly, but this CBC series has him playing a man who finds a way to go back and fix his marriage. It gets messy fast.
The "Before They Were Famous" Guest Spots
Before he was Mike Ross, Adams was the king of the "one-episode guest star" circuit. You can find him lurking in the background of some of the biggest shows of the 2000s.
- Lost: He was Peter Talbot in the episode "The Man from Tallahassee."
- Friday Night Lights: He played Connor Hayes for a two-episode arc.
- Pretty Little Liars: He showed up as Hardy, a college friend of Ezra’s.
He even had a brief stint in NCIS and Ghost Whisperer. It’s fun to go back and see him with that early-2000s hair, clearly grinding his way up to a lead role.
The Weird Stuff: DC Legends and Broadway
Did you know he was a superhero? Sorta. He played Rex Tyler (Hourman) in DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. It was a short-lived role, but it showed he could do the big-budget genre stuff if he wanted to.
📖 Related: When Was Kai Cenat Born? What You Didn't Know About His Early Life
But honestly? His best work might have happened on stage.
In 2022, he made his Broadway debut in the revival of Take Me Out. He played Kippy Sneed, the narrator and best friend to a baseball star who comes out of the closet. He was incredible. It’s a reminder that he’s a classically trained actor who cares more about the craft than just being a TV star.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Career
There’s this misconception that Patrick J. Adams is "just a TV actor."
It’s a bit unfair.
He’s actually a prolific photographer—seriously, check out his Instagram or his gallery work—and he’s directed multiple episodes of Suits. He’s a filmmaker at heart. He even wrote and directed a short film called We Are Here back in 2018. He isn't just waiting for the phone to ring; he's usually the one building the project from the ground up.
👉 See also: Anjelica Huston in The Addams Family: What You Didn't Know About Morticia
Is he coming back for Suits: L.A.?
The million-dollar question. With the massive resurgence of Suits on Netflix and the development of the spinoff Suits: L.A., everyone wants to know if Mike Ross will make an appearance. While he’s been supportive of the new project, his schedule with The Madison and upcoming films like The Bombing of Pan Am 103 (2025) makes a full-time return unlikely.
But a cameo? Never say never. The chemistry between him and Gabriel Macht (Harvey Specter) is the stuff of TV legend, and they’ve stayed close friends in real life.
If you want to actually see what Patrick J. Adams can do, don't just re-watch Suits for the fifth time. Start with Clara for the heart, move to The Right Stuff for the drama, and then catch up on The Madison to see him in his current prime.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch "Plan B" on Hulu/CBC: It’s his most underrated performance to date.
- Listen to the "Sidebar" Podcast: He and Sarah Rafferty (Donna) host a re-watch podcast where they actually break down the behind-the-scenes chaos of Suits.
- Check out his photography: If you’re into Leica cameras and black-and-white street photography, his work is genuinely impressive.