NBC has canceled Suits LA, the spinoff of the beloved legal drama Suits, after just one season, as the network prepares for significant programming changes ahead of its upcoming Upfronts. The cancellation comes just days before the series’ final episode is set to air on May 18, 2025, marking the end of the journey for Ted Black and his esteemed law firm in Los Angeles.
Initially, Suits LA was launched with high hopes, riding the wave of renewed interest in the original series, which experienced a resurgence in viewership after its arrival on Netflix. However, despite these promising beginnings, the show struggled to maintain viewer interest, with ratings hovering just above one million in Live+Same Day numbers. Critics noted that the series failed to capture the charm and intrigue that made its predecessor a hit.
Stephen Amell, known for his role in Arrow, starred as Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor from New York who reinvented himself in Los Angeles, representing high-profile clients at Black Lane Law. The series attempted to blend legal drama with personal stories, showcasing the complexities of its characters' lives both inside and outside the courtroom. However, it seems that the magic of the original Suits did not carry over to this spinoff.
According to Deadline Hollywood, the show featured notable appearances from original cast members, including Gabriel Macht as Harvey Specter, Rick Hoffman as Louis Litt, and David Costabile as Daniel Hardman. These cameos were intended to bridge the connection between the two series, but they ultimately did not suffice to revive waning viewer interest. The show’s ratings continued to decline, leading NBC to decide against a second season.
In a statement reflecting on the show's potential, Bryan Greenberg, who played Rick Dodsen, expressed his understanding of the comparisons to the original series, saying, "But you know, just give us some time. That's all I'm asking of the audience. Let us settle in. The audience is starting to understand that we are doing something different. I think we, as actors, are starting to fall into our roles. I think the writers are doing the same. I think we're finding it and it's great." Unfortunately, it appears that time ran out for Suits LA.
The series premiered with a 10-episode debut season, introducing viewers to a new ensemble cast that included Lex Scott Davis as Erica Rollins, a strong-willed rising star at Black Lane Law, and Josh McDermitt as Stuart Lane, who founded the law firm fifteen years prior. The show attempted to create a fresh narrative while still being rooted in the universe of Suits, but critics were quick to point out its shortcomings.
Many viewers found the series to be a pale imitation of its predecessor, often criticizing it for lacking the depth and chemistry that characterized the original cast. Some reviews described Suits LA as a “try-hard imitation at best,” which may have contributed to its failure to resonate with audiences. As the season progressed, some viewers began to warm to the series, but it was too late to turn things around.
As NBC continues to reshape its programming lineup, Suits LA joins a list of other canceled shows, including Night Court, Lopez vs. Lopez, and The Irrational. The network's decision to cancel these shows is part of a broader strategy to streamline its offerings, particularly as it prepares for the return of NBA coverage next season. This cancellation marks the second failed spinoff from the Suits franchise, following the brief run of Pearson on USA Network.
Behind the scenes, Suits LA was produced by UCP, with original series creator Aaron Korsh serving as executive producer alongside David Bartis, Doug Liman, and Gene Klein. Victoria Mahoney directed the pilot, hoping to capture the essence of the original while introducing new elements to engage viewers.
The final episode of Suits LA is set to air on May 18, 2025, providing a bittersweet farewell to Ted Black and his colleagues. As fans prepare to say goodbye, they are left to reflect on what the series could have achieved had it found its footing sooner.
In a landscape where scripted series are increasingly facing cancellations, Suits LA serves as a reminder of the challenges new shows face in capturing audience interest, especially when they are tied to a legacy as formidable as that of Suits. While the original series carved out a significant place in television history, its spinoff has proven that not all stories can continue to thrive.
