The series premiere of Suits: LA is steadily approaching, but connecting with its predecessor might hinder more than it helps. The West-Coast spinoff of Suits is set in the same universe as the original New York legal drama, but it’s less of a continuation and more of a full-blown successor. In the little that’s been revealed, there are already key differences in Suits: LA that make it distinct from the original series, but Suits: LA is bringing back the most iconic Suits character for a three-episode run. While exciting, Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) appearing could be problematic for Suits: LA.
Although Suits: LA is one of the most anticipated shows of 2025, the legal drama has an uphill battle to climb before it has even debuted. Harvey Specter was such a crucial member of the original Suits cast that his name is practically synonymous with the show, but that increases the pressure for his LA equivalent to take up the mantle. Suits: LA’s main protagonist is Ted Black (Stephen Amell), a former New York prosecutor who was friends with Harvey. If the spinoff isn’t careful, Harvey’s appearance might guarantee Suits: LA is forever compared to Suits— and potentially found lacking.
Ted Black Claims He’s The Best Attorney In The Country In Suits: LA
The New Teaser Starts Off Bold
Former Arrow star Stephen Amell might be the leading man of Suits: LA, but outright insisting he’s the best in the U.S. sets up a big reputation to live up to. It may have been wise to establish Ted Black’s ego since it offers the spinoff a starting conflict. Moving to the opposite coast is one thing, but trying to maintain an inflated sense of confidence while practicing new law could prove too much. However, it’ll be difficult to prove Black can go toe-to-toe with the best lawyers in the entire country.
Suits: LA is the second attempt at a Suits spinoff, following 2019’s Pearson.
Focusing on Ted Black gives Suits: LA a different premise to Suits, forgoing the thrilling aspect of hiding an unaccredited lawyer for more realistic conflicts. On one hand, not having an LA counterpart for Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) instantly ensures Suits: LA avoids copycat status. Still, trying to pass off Ted Black as the best of the best makes it so every move he makes earns extra scrutiny. Black seeking help from Harvey automatically calls his true skill into question.
Ted Black’s Claim Is Disproven By Harvey Specter’s Suits: LA Appearance
The Best Wouldn’t Call For Reinforcements
Gabriel Macht’s return as Harvey in Suits: LA not only discredits Black’s claim to be the best in the country, it also makes him feel like a lesser imitation of Harvey Specter in the broad context of the show. If Black were truly the best, Harvey wouldn’t be appearing so early in the series to help bail him out when Black can’t prevail on his own. While the two lawyers might have a shared history together in New York, Harvey guest-starring to help the LA crew proves he is the undisputed better half.
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Suits: LA will include Gabriel Macht’s highly-anticipated return as Harvey Specter, but the spinoff needs to fix his and Donna’s unresolved story.
Of course, it makes perfect sense for Harvey to appear so early in Suits: LA to help bridge the spinoff and fans of the original series. By using the most memorable character from Suits, the new legal drama will attract a bigger audience. Audiences may have no idea a Suits spinoff is happening, but the return of Harvey Specter is enough to pique their interest. While that is invaluable to a premiering series, it also highlights the main issue Suits: LA will have while trying to find its own identity.
Suits: LA’s Biggest Challenge Is Proving That Ted Black Is Better Than Harvey Specter
Suits’ Spinoff Has To Escape The Original’s Shadow
As a spinoff, Suits: LA has to earn the respect of its viewers more quickly than a show starting from scratch. Having the original Suits as a frame of reference means that any attempt to reach the same height has a bigger chance of coming up short. Even in the build-up to Suits: LA’s premiere, Black is still being viewed and referred to as the LA Harvey, despite Black originally practicing law in New York. Suits: LA needs to ensure that Black holds his own in the courtroom and leaves enough of an impression as a character.
Black can’t simply pass as a Harvey substitute; he has to be his own person.
Consequently, Harvey’s Suits: LA episodes could be a problem for the spinoff. Black can’t simply pass as a Harvey substitute; he has to be his own person. Harvey’s appearance on Suits: LA could make or break the show, depending on how Black interacts with his old friend. If Harvey single-handedly saves the day, Black will always pale in comparison. If, on the other hand, Black can establish his legal prowess as a cohort of Harvey rather than a knockoff, the show will have a better chance. Regardless, Suits: LA has to be careful with incorporating aspects of the original series.
Suits LA follows Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor who now represents influential clients in Los Angeles. As his law firm faces a critical juncture, Ted must navigate the challenges of a role he once disdained, balancing moral dilemmas with the demands of high-stakes legal battles.
- Release Date
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February 23, 2025
- Cast
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Stephen Amell
, josh mcdermitt
, Lex Scott Davis
, Bryan Greenberg
, Troy Winbush
, John Amos
, Victoria Justice
, Kevin Weisman
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
