Four years after the conclusion of “Suits,” NBC has ordered a new spinoff titled “Suits: LA,” starring Stephen Amell. Despite the spinoff’s inherent advantages over its predecessor, the initial promotional image does not clearly showcase its unique setting. This new legal drama series is the brainchild of Aaron Korsh, the creator of the original show, and comes in response to “Suits” experiencing a resurgence in popularity after being added to Netflix’s streaming catalog. With “Suits” gaining newfound fame, it was inevitable that NBCUniversal would explore developing a spinoff or sequel. Thus, “Suits: LA” was born and is currently in the filming phase.
Though some cast members from the original “Suits” have shown interest in returning to the franchise, none have been confirmed for appearances in “Suits: LA.”
The cast of “Suits: LA” features Stephen Amell as Ted Black, alongside Josh McDermitt as Stuart Lane, Lex Scott Davis as Erica Rollins, Bryan Greenberg as Rick Dodsen, and Troy Winbush as Kevin. The narrative follows Ted Black, a former New York City prosecutor who transitions to working at Black Lane Law, an entertainment law firm in Los Angeles. The show’s premise and title underscore the importance of Los Angeles to the storyline, which is why it is being filmed there.
Interestingly, despite being filmed in Los Angeles, NBC’s first promotional image does not emphasize this setting. The image depicts Stephen Amell as Ted Black in a suit, sitting before a blurred-out window overlooking an indistinct cityscape. From this initial look, viewers would not immediately recognize that the series is set in Los Angeles.
This first image fails to capture the essence of its Californian backdrop and does little to generate excitement for the spinoff. Notably, the pilot episode was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, before production was moved to Los Angeles after NBC greenlit the series. This suggests that the promotional image might be from the pilot episode. The image offers a generic view of Amell’s character that could be easily mistaken for his role as Oliver Queen in “Arrow.” This oversight diminishes the potential hype around “Suits: LA.”
While fans await the debut of “Suits: LA,” there are several binge-worthy legal dramas to keep them entertained in the meantime.
One key advantage “Suits: LA” holds over its predecessor is its production location. Unlike “Suits,” which was set in New York City but filmed in Toronto, “Suits: LA” is both set and filmed in Los Angeles. This geographical authenticity provides “Suits: LA” with an edge even before its premiere. However, based on the initial promotional material, it appears that this advantage has yet to be fully leveraged. Ideally, future episodes will make better use of the Los Angeles setting, something that “Suits” could not do due to logistical constraints.
“Suits: LA,” a new legal drama series spun off from the original franchise, marks Aaron Korsh’s return as creator. Stephen Amell stars as Ted Black, a lawyer tasked with navigating his legal firm through a period of impending collapse.
With a talented cast and an authentic setting, “Suits: LA” promises to bring fresh drama and intrigue to fans of legal series. As production continues in Los Angeles, there’s hope that the show will fully embrace and highlight its Californian roots, offering a dynamic new chapter in the beloved “Suits” franchise.