Why ‘Suits: LA’ Missed the Mark? A Disappointing Start for the Hyped Spinoff

How a Highly Anticipated Spinoff Fell Flat Fast

When Suits LA was announced, fans were over the moon. Given Suits’ strong legacy, expectations for the spinoff were sky-high.

However, from its very first episode, something felt off. The characters lacked depth, the writing felt dull, and the charm of the original series was noticeably absent, disappointing fans and leaving them underwhelmed.

Premiere Details

Suits: LA premiered on NBC on Sunday, February 23, 2025. The series follows Ted Black, portrayed by Stephen Amell.

Stephen is a former federal prosecutor from New York who reinvented himself as an entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles. The show delves into the complexities of his personal and professional life.

Rotten Tomatoes Score

Suits: LA has received what we call a “lukewarm” reception from both critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 36% critic score based on 33 reviews.

The audience score stands at 55% based on over 250 ratings. These figures hint at a disparity between the show’s performance and the high expectations set by its predecessor.

Critical Consensus

Critics agree over the fact that Suits: LA lacks the elements that made the original Suits series a success. It fell short in delivering compelling storytelling and dynamic character interactions.

The New York Times described the show as “flat and joyless.” Variety noted that Suits: LA ” has the same nuts and bolts that made the original show such a sensation… but it lacks the foundation, characters or storylines to sustain renewed interest.”

Plot Overview

Ted Black is seen relocating to Los Angeles to establish Black Lane. Black Lane is a law firm catering to elite entertainment clients.

It showcases Ted’s professional challenges, including firm betrayals and high-profile cases. along with personal struggles. The series also heavily uses flashbacks to provide context to Ted’s past decisions and traumas.

Character Development Issues

Suits: LA has faced significant criticism for its handling of character development. Viewers and critics both noted that the characters were introduced rather abruptly and often without sufficient background or context.

They also highlighted that the series attempted to replicate the charm of the original Suits by introducing characters similar to the original cast. However, these new characters lacked the complexity and chemistry.

Casting Choices

Stephen has largely done a good job of portraying his character. However, his portrayal does lack the charisma and dynamic chemistry that defined the original Suits cast.

Reviews also highlight that Amell’s Ted Black, even though quite similar to Harvey Spector in demeanor, doesn’t capture the same magnetic appeal. According to one fan, “The cast lacked chemistry and the plot was dull.”

Writing and Dialogue

Suits: LA has faced significant criticism for its writing and dialogue. Many viewers have pointed out that it’s lacking the sharp wit and engaging banter.

The dialogue often failed to capture the dynamic exchanges that made the original show compelling. The Times highlighted that the show lacks the “punchy, acerbic wit” that was the hallmark of Suits.

Pacing and Structure

The series has also faced criticism for its inconsistent pacing and disjointed narrative structure. The series often introduces complex plotlines and character backstories abruptly.

The rushed storytelling approach has made it challenging for audiences to engage with the unfolding drama. Critics have also pointed out that the show attempts to cover too much ground in a short span.

Fan Expectations

Anticipation for Suits: LA was high among fans of the original series. However, the spinoff failed to meet these expectations, leading to widespread disappointment.

A significant point of questioning was the absence of familiar characters. Viewers also expressed frustration over the rapid introduction of new characters, making it difficult for fans to resonate with the characters.

Original Cast Cameos

Gabriel Macht reprised his iconic role as Harvey Specter in Suits: LA. He appeared in a three-episode arc that began in episode 4.

His return was highly anticipated by fans. However, many fans were disappointed by the shortness of his cameo, with some fans expressing frustration over the limited screen time he got.

Meghan Markle’s Response

Meghan Markle, who played Rachel Zane in the original series, has expressed her thoughts on the show’s resurgence and the new spinoff.

In a March 2025 interview with People magazine, she shared her enthusiasm for the spin-off. She stated, “I love that it gets a new breath of fresh air.”

Comparison to Original Suits

Suits LA has heavily struggled to replicate the formula that made its predecessor a hit. Suits LA falls short in areas that the original series nailed.

These include blending high-stakes legal drama with witty banter and compelling character dynamics. Talking about law and order, fans are also questioning why CBS canceled FBI: International & Most Wanted.

Potential for Improvement

Critics are hoping that as the series progresses, it might be able to strike a better balance between high-stakes legal drama and the sarcastic comedy that made the original series successful.

Viewers are also sad about the list of TV Shows canceled in 2025 so far.

What do you think will happen in the upcoming episodes? Let us know in the comments down below.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.