Aaron Korsh Returns with ‘Suits LA’ Amid High Expectations

LOS ANGELES, CA — Aaron Korsh, the creator of the hit legal drama “Suits,” is back with the highly anticipated spinoff series “Suits LA,” which premieres Sunday on NBC. With the original series concluding nearly six years ago and gaining significant popularity as the most-streamed show of 2023 on Netflix, Korsh grapples with the expectations that accompany this new endeavor.

“I’m incredibly stressed out all the time with the totality of making this thing be something that I feel like I’m proud of,” Korsh said during a recent visit to the show’s set. He emphasized that despite the pressures, his focus remains on his own standards rather than external opinions. “I don’t really think about how it’s going to be received at all because I have zero control over that. The only thing I can control is, do I love it? Am I proud?”

At 58, Korsh reflects on his journey from financial professional to television creator, initially intending to craft a drama about investment bankers. However, the narrative shifted to law because it offered a more straightforward episodic structure. The original “Suits,” starring Gabriel Macht and Meghan Markle, delved into the complexities of law and corporate maneuvering, merging tension with moments of humor. Korsh has adopted a similar formula for the new series, maintaining a balance of drama and light-heartedness.

On set, as Korsh watched a scene unfold with a mix of lawyers in a partner’s meeting, he couldn’t help but react joyfully to an improvised line. “Aaron’s writing has a very specific rhythm and tone to it,” said Anton Cropper, an executive producer of both the original series and the new spinoff. “That is part of what makes this original series so special.”

The storyline of “Suits LA” shifts from high-rise corporate battles to the glitzy world of Hollywood, featuring Ted Black, played by Stephen Amell, a former prosecutor turned entertainment lawyer. The series includes cameo appearances from original cast members, including Macht reprising his role as Harvey Specter, but Korsh aims to ensure that new characters shine in their own right.

“It’s not a copy of ‘Suits.’ These characters are unique people with their own drives, their own desires,” Korsh explained. “I would love to have [original cast members] all on, but I don’t want to have them all on one after the other because I think it harms the original and the new show.”

Despite production challenges, including dealing with wildfires that impacted the shooting schedule, Korsh has remained committed. “I think with the collective wisdom of everyone, I think I am happy with the decisions we made,” he said about the decision to pause and eventually resume filming.

As “Suits LA” moves forward, Korsh reminisces about the fulfillment that comes from creating a successful series and looks forward to the audience’s reaction. “I’m definitely less obsessive about the words being exactly right or things being exactly as I had imagined,” he remarked. “Right this second, I’m feeling pretty good. I am very happy with everything we’ve gotten.”

With a history of high ratings and fan loyalty, anticipation for “Suits LA” is high. Whether it captures the essence of its predecessor or carves its own path remains to be seen when it premieres this Sunday on NBC.