Suits: L.A. Review – A Legal Drama That Misses the Mark
3 min read
Does the ‘Suits’ Spinoff Hold Up? Here’s Why It Falls Short
When NBC announced Suits: L.A., fans of the original hit legal drama had high expectations. Would this new iteration capture the charm and intrigue of its predecessor? Would it offer the same sharp dialogue, stylish legal battles, and undeniable chemistry between characters? Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding no.
A Lead Character That’s More Gloom Than Grit
Ted Black (played by Arrow and Heels star Stephen Amell) is at the heart of this new series, but rather than exuding charisma and intelligence like Harvey Specter, he’s stuck in a perpetual cycle of brooding. He’s a wealthy attorney in L.A.’s upscale Culver City, yet he seems to resent every aspect of his life. While characters with personal struggles can be compelling, Ted’s anger and lack of charm make it difficult to invest in his journey.
From the very first episode, Ted’s world spirals into chaos. He loses major clients, endures personal heartbreak, and is forced to transition from a prosecutor to a defense attorney—a change he clearly despises. While these plot points could have been engaging, they feel forced and overly dramatic rather than organic. The show piles on hardships, hoping to make Ted’s character deeper, but instead, he comes off as one-dimensional and unlikable.
Where’s the Fun?
The original Suits was known for its lighthearted tone, witty banter, and fast-paced storytelling. Suits: L.A., on the other hand, leans heavily into melodrama without offering the same energy that made its predecessor so beloved. The result? A show that takes itself too seriously while failing to deliver emotional depth or intrigue.
The supporting cast, unfortunately, doesn’t help much. They feel generic and lack the chemistry that made the dynamic between Harvey Specter, Mike Ross, and the rest of Pearson Hardman so electric. Instead of sharp-witted conversations and engaging legal maneuvering, we get dialogue that’s overly expository and forgettable.
A Bizarre Disconnect from Its Roots
One of the oddest choices in Suits: L.A. is its attempt to rewrite Ted’s identity in a way that doesn’t quite add up. A born-and-raised New Yorker suddenly becoming a diehard Lakers fan—without any real reason—feels like a forced way to connect him to his new environment. Small details like this highlight a bigger issue: the show lacks authenticity.
Rather than feeling like a natural evolution of the Suits universe, Suits: L.A. seems disconnected from what made the original successful. It doesn’t embrace the legal world in the same way, nor does it build relationships that feel meaningful. Instead, it leans on over-the-top drama without enough substance to back it up.
Final Verdict: A Legal Drama Without the Spark
For fans of the original series, Suits: L.A. is a disappointment. It lacks the charm, wit, and compelling character dynamics that made Suits a cultural phenomenon. For newcomers, it’s unlikely to be an engaging introduction to this world. Instead of a fresh and exciting take, it feels like a lifeless attempt to capitalize on nostalgia without understanding what made Suits great in the first place.
Grade: D+
Is Suits: L.A. Worth Watching?
If you’re hoping for the magic of Suits, this spinoff won’t deliver. But if you’re into heavy legal dramas with an overly serious lead, it might still be worth a try. Just don’t expect the same fun, fast-paced storytelling that made the original a hit.
Did you watch Suits: L.A.? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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