Critics Pile On Disappointment for New Series Suits LA

LOS ANGELES, California — The much-anticipated spinoff of the hit series Suits, titled Suits LA, premiered Sunday, leaving critics largely unimpressed. The new legal drama marks the first foray of the franchise into the world of entertainment law and has stirred notable disappointment just days after its debut.

Suits originally concluded its nine-season run in 2019, but regained its popularity following its addition to Netflix, leading to the confirmation of the spinoff in November 2024. Despite this resurgence, early reviews place Suits LA at a mere 36% on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting that the magic of the original has failed to translate to its West Coast setting.

Leading the new cast is Stephen Amell, known for his role in Arrow, portraying Ted Black, a former prosecutor turned entertainment lawyer who finds himself facing a crisis at his Los Angeles firm. The series also features Gabriel Macht reprising his role as Harvey Specter, albeit in a brief cameo during the pilot episode.

Critics have described Suits LA as “flat and joyless,” drawing a stark contrast to its predecessor’s lively charm. Margaret Lyons of The New York Times stated, “Suits LA feels more like a séance than a sequel,” characterizing it as “an attempt to turn an unanswerable question into a little money.”

Angie Han from The Hollywood Reporter was equally scathing, criticizing Amell’s performance as “tonally confused” and lacking the charisma that defined Macht’s character. “The actual premiere is so awful, and in such baffling ways, that it’s hard to imagine a lot of would-be fans sticking around to find out if it gets better,” Han said.

Critics have pointed out that while Amell attempts to channel the suave energy of Harvey Specter, many perceive his portrayal as an impersonation rather than a fresh interpretation. “Suits LA feels like an impersonation,” the Hollywood Reporter noted, reflecting sentiments shared across various critiques.

An overarching concern among reviewers is the apparent deficiency in wit and engaging dialogue that characterized the original series. Early reports suggest that Suits LA lacks the sharpness and humor that endeared viewers to its precursor. “Where Suits excelled at transforming mundane conversations into engaging exchanges, Suits LA struggles to replicate that dynamic,” observed a reviewer from Screen Rant.

Furthermore, an influx of pacing issues has plagued the early episodes, leading some to remark that the storyline is overstuffed and disjointed. Critics have asserted this disconnect hampers the audience’s ability to connect emotionally with Ted Black and the supporting cast.

As the show progresses, the call for a strong identity and thematic direction grows louder. One reviewer stated that the series risks becoming just another forgettable name on television, unable to carve out its own niche amidst a crowded landscape of network and streaming programming.

Despite minor improvements noted in subsequent episodes, the initial reception indicates that Suits LA has a long road ahead to achieve the credibility and engagement that characterized the original series. “By its third episode, it remains clear Suits LA has not yet found its footing,” concluded a critic from the Pittsburgh Tribune, echoing fan concerns about Korsh’s ability to steer the show toward success.

Suits LA airs on NBC on Sundays, with a UK air date yet to be announced.